And Then We Danced

And Then We Danced 2020

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of And Then We Danced (2020). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Merab, portrayed by Levan Gelbakhiani, is a passionate young dancer immersed in the vibrant world of the National Georgian Ensemble, where he practices alongside his partner and provisional girlfriend, Ana Javakishvili as Mary, and his troubled brother Giorgi Tsereteli who struggles with delinquency. One fateful day, their rehearsal is disrupted by the entrance of Bachi Valishvili as Irakli, a replacement dancer whose smug demeanor rubs some of the established dancers, as well as the choreographer Kakha Gogidze, the wrong way. Despite his initial bravado, Irakli’s remarkable talent soon earns him a place in the ensemble, much to Merab’s chagrin, who is criticized by Aleko for lacking the masculine prowess and rigidity that’s supposedly essential for a dancer.

Fanning the flames of jealousy, Merab becomes drawn to Irakli’s innate skill, yet their rivalry blossoms into a deep bond as they begin early morning practices together, igniting a friendly competition for a coveted place in the main ensemble. However, Mary unveils a chilling truth regarding the previous male dancer’s vacancy; he faced brutal repercussions for engaging in a sexual relationship with another man and subsequently vanished into a life of desperation and despair after facing rejection from his family and ultimately resorting to prostitution to survive.

In a poignant moment, Merab’s visit to his father, who was once part of the ensemble alongside Merab’s mother, reveals a familial burden. His father implores him to abandon dancing in favor of education, fearing there is no future in the art form. This conversation is tinged with the undercurrents of Aleko’s disdain for their family, which only fuels Merab’s determination. Amidst this turmoil, Merab and Irakli’s friendship deepens and evolves into something more profound, culminating in a moment of passion that sparks jealousy and suspicion within Mary.

As the narrative unfolds, Merab finds himself plagued by the absence of Irakli when he vanishes without a trace. Meanwhile, David, Merab’s brother, faces escalating troubles due to his frequent absences and disorderly behavior, ultimately leading to conflict during a rehearsal. In a desperate attempt to reconnect with his brother, Merab secures him a job, which sadly ends in disaster due to David’s reckless actions, further straining their relationship.

Feeling desolate and yearning for connection, Merab encounters a young male prostitute when their eyes meet on a bus, leading him to a revelatory night at a gay bar. However, this adventure is not without consequences, as another dancer, Luka, witnesses him leaving. The following day, Merab’s performance at practice suffers, culminating in an injury during his attempt to impress Irakli with a passionate dance.

Merab eventually reconnects with Irakli who reveals he has returned home due to family obligations. The sting of heartache is palpable as he learns Irakli has chosen to give up dancing and is now engaged to his girlfriend to support his grieving mother. Distraught, Merab flees the wedding where they briefly reunite, only to feel his heart shatter as he realizes the gulf that separates them.

In a moment of brotherly love, David reveals his injuries from defending Merab’s honor and embraces his brother’s identity with support and understanding, urging him to leave Georgia and pursue his true potential. The audition day arrives, with Mary supporting Merab, who performs passionately despite his pain, showcasing his vibrant, androgynous style that challenges the traditional norms of dance. Though dismissed by the unimpressed director, Merab boldly asserts his individuality, leaving behind a storm of emotions and aspirations as he departs the stage, fully embodying the spirit of his journey.

Timeline

Track the key events of And Then We Danced (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Introduction of Merab

Merab is introduced as a dedicated young dancer training with his partner, Mary, at the National Georgian Ensemble. He struggles with his ambition amidst the competition and challenges from his delinquent brother, David.

National Georgian Ensemble

Arrival of Irakli

The rehearsal is interrupted by Irakli, a new dancer who quickly establishes himself as a talented rival. Although some dancers, including Merab, are initially put off by his attitude, Irakli's skill impresses others, leading to tension.

Dance rehearsal studio

Merab's Jealousy

Merab feels jealous of Irakli’s natural talent and success, especially after being replaced in a dance performance. This jealousy transforms into a friendly rivalry as they start training together and develop a bond.

Dance studio

Mary's Revelation

During a conversation, Mary reveals the dark fate of the previous male dancer who lost his place in the ensemble due to his homosexuality. This revelation adds tension and fear regarding the milieu of traditional dance culture.

Merab's Family Visit

Merab visits his father, who discourages him from pursuing dancing, emphasizing there is no future in it. This conflict emphasizes the generational and cultural differences within his family regarding success and passion.

Merab's family home

Growing Attraction

As Merab and Irakli spend more time together, Merab’s feelings deepen, leading to a turning point in their relationship during a trip where they share a romantic encounter. This moment signals a shift in their dynamics and personal struggles.

Mary's father's house

Irakli's Disappearance

After a brief moment of intimacy, Irakli suddenly goes missing, leaving Merab anxious and despondent. This absence affects Merab's rehearsals and showcases the volatility of their budding relationship.

David's Downward Spiral

Merab's brother, David, faces repercussions for his delinquency, being forcibly removed from rehearsal. Merab attempts to help him find a job, but David's actions lead both brothers to lose their jobs, illustrating their struggles.

Restaurant

A Night Out and Its Consequences

Feeling lonely, Merab befriends a young male prostitute and experiences a carefree night at a gay bar. Unfortunately, this night is witnessed by another dancer, raising risks regarding his sexuality being exposed.

Gay bar

Injury and Setbacks

Merab injures his ankle after a rough rehearsal, leading to a setback just as he begins receiving updates from Irakli, who is dealing with personal issues. Merab's frustrations mount as he's sidelined during crucial moments.

David’s Wedding

David hastily marries after a surprise pregnancy, which significantly impacts the family dynamics. Merab sees Irakli at the wedding and learns of his plans to leave, deepening his heartbreak.

Wedding venue

Brotherly Support

Following the wedding, Merab shares his true feelings of being gay with David, who offers support. David's acceptance empowers Merab to consider pursuing his dreams despite societal constraints.

Merab's home

The Audition

On audition day, Merab, supported by Mary, performs energetically despite his injury. Though dismissed early, Merab's passionate, unconventional dance style captures Aleko's attention, leading to a turning point in his journey.

Audition venue

Merab's Revelation

In a final act of defiance, Merab breaks from tradition during his audition, expressing his true self through dance. This pivotal moment signifies his rejection of societal limitations and a step towards self-acceptance.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring And Then We Danced (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Merab (Levan Gelbakhiani)

Merab is a dedicated and passionate young dancer struggling with his identity and feelings in a society that imposes strict norms. His character navigates jealousy and heartbreak, showcasing resilience and the pursuit of artistic expression despite familial and societal pressures.

🕺 Dancer 💔 LGBTQ+

Mary (Ana Javakishvili)

Mary is Merab's partner and pseudo-girlfriend, embodying support and loyalty while dealing with her own suspicions regarding Merab's relationship with Irakli. Her character often represents the struggle of unrequited love and the desire for acceptance in a harsh reality.

❤️ Friend 🎭 Supportive

Irakli (Bachi Valishvili)

Irakli is the rebellious new dancer who becomes the object of Merab's affection. His natural talent and charisma contrast with Merab's insecurities, igniting a complex relationship filled with friendship and deeper attraction, ultimately shaping Merab’s journey of self-discovery.

🌟 Talent ❤️ Love Interest

David (Giorgi Tsereteli)

David is Merab's delinquent brother, caught up in a troubled life yet remains a crucial part of Merab's support system. His own struggles with family expectations reflect the film's broader themes of loyalty and acceptance amidst chaos.

🦹‍♂️ Delinquent 🔄 Family

Aleko (Kakha Gogidze)

Aleko serves as the choreographer, representing authority and traditional values that Merab must navigate. His bias against Merab and David adds tension, embodying the societal pressures that challenge the characters' ambitions.

🎭 Choreographer ⚖️ Authority

Setting

Uncover the settings of And Then We Danced (2020), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The film takes place in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal struggles and the evolving perspectives on sexuality and artistic expression. The characters navigate issues of identity, friendship, and family dynamics in a rapidly changing world.

Location

Georgia

Georgia is a country located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, known for its diverse cultures, vibrant music, and passionate dance traditions. The National Georgian Ensemble is a prestigious institution that showcases traditional Georgian dance, which is an integral part of the country’s cultural heritage.

🌍 Location 🎭 Arts

Themes

Explore the core themes of And Then We Danced (2020). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Love and Acceptance

The theme of love and acceptance is central to Merab's journey as he grapples with his identity and feelings for Irakli. The struggle for acceptance, both from society and one's family, highlights the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face in traditional cultures.

💃

Passion for Dance

Dance serves as a powerful form of expression in the film, representing the characters' desires and struggles. Merab's journey emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passion, even in the face of adversity and societal expectations.

🏳️‍🌈

Identity and Struggle

The film explores themes of identity, particularly how societal norms can impact personal relationships and self-acceptance. Merab's journey portrays the conflict of adhering to traditional values versus embracing one's true self.

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