A ballroom dancer’s return to his hometown in Israel and the story of the mixed-race daughter of a British admiral open May 23 at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center. Both films show through May 29.
In “Dancing in Jaffa,” renowned dancer Pierre Dulaine returns to his hometown of Jaffa, Israel, to teach the basics of ballroom dance to an ethically mixed population of children. The project is fueled by Dulaine’s belief that dancing has the power to build self-esteem and social awareness.
After decades abroad, Dulaine brings his Dancing Classrooms program to three diverse, Jaffa-based schools. He selects the most focused dancers to train for a citywide competition, pairing Palestinians with Jews. The project helps diminish many of the negative beliefs families have toward each other.
Directed by Hilla Medalia, “Dancing in Jaffa” is not rated.
Also showing at the Ross is “Belle,” a film inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate mixed-race daughter of Admiral Sir John Lindsay.
Belle is raised by her aristocratic great uncle Lord Mansfield and his wife. Her lineage affords certain privileges, yet her status prevents her from the traditions of noble social standing.
While her cousin Elizabeth chases suitors for marriage, Belle is left wondering if she will ever find love. After meeting an idealistic young vicar’s son bent on changing society, he and Belle help shape Lord Mansfield’s role in ending slavery in England.
Directed by Amma Asante, “Belle” is rated PG for thematic elements, language and smoking.
For more information on films at the Ross, go to http://www.theross.org or call 402-472-5353.
