Six Dance Lessons in Six Week - A Movie Review

Dance is all about capturing the soul.

Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks is a 2014 film. A retired widow hires a dance instructor for six weeks of private dance lessons at her home. Lily and Michael clash in various debates until they form a deep connection that evolves into a heartwarming friendship.

I had tears in my eyes after Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks concluded. Time is precious and we cannot waste a minute of it. Dancing the salsa and other dances, the film centers around a meaningful friendship that glows hope and possibility.

This was the final film for the late Gena Rowlands. Out of all the movies I have seen her in, Rowlands was an exceptional actress. Rowlands character, Lily is a somewhat lonely woman who has trouble being vulnerable. She also learns a lesson not to judge too quickly.

Playing her suave, flamboyant, and humorous dance instructor, Cheyanne Jackson does a good job as Michael. I wasn’t fond of Michael who made lude remarks, judged too soon, and had crude behavior. However, once he opens up about his personal matters, you understand where he is coming from.

The prim and proper Lily and outspoken Michael clash during each lesson about different opinions. Eventually, their bond evolves into a healing friendship, filling missing voids. All friendships start with a foundation. You can’t give up too soon because you never know what you’ll learn about someone.

Rowlands and Jackson made a terrific acting pair and created a genuine bond. They had fun working together. Both were drawn to the story by their characters and passion. This film is a love letter to friendships across several generations.

The film would not be complete without its ensemble. The wonderful Rita Moreno plays Lily’s nosy neighbor. She always interrupts the dance sessions with a phone call. More credits include Jacki Weaver, Kathleen Rose Perkins, Anthony Zerbe, Simon Miller, and the late Julian Sands. There’s a lot of memorable small roles.

Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks is based on a 2001 play written by Richard Alfieri. Director Arthur Allan Seidelman, who also directed the stage production, creates a moving story about friendship and dance. He successfully translates the relationship between two characters through dance steps.

Dance plays a major impact in the story. I never realized how much you can learn about culture through each style. Described humbly by one character, dance translates to empathy, grace, and sensitivity.

The characters attend numerous dance events, showcasing various techniques like the Vietnamese Waltz, salsa, and the tango. The late Vilmos Zsigmond, who was the cinematographer created warm visuals and excellent scene transitions of these sequences.

Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks follows the usual formula where the characters meet in Lily’s apartment, have a debate, and then dance. Sometimes they hardly danced because their discussions preoccupied them. I found it predictable, but as the film progressed, it revealed its true emotional depth.

The message comes through with a memorable salsa dance. It becomes a story about loneliness, acceptance, and friendship. Be lucky for what you have because you don’t know what others have endured.

I appreciated my friendships all the more after watching this film. Relationships are described perfectly, needing to evolve so we don’t relive moments over and over. Allow for possibility and learn how to connect with others.

The final shot ends with a powerful image, especially given the passing of Gena Rowlands. I cannot recommend Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks enough. It is a beautiful film that celebrates life and dance.