DANCE:FILM 11: My Paths Through Dance

After the emotional drama of Bill T. Jones in A Good Man (Gordon Quinn's documentary following Jones as he creates a new dance-theatre piece based on Abraham Lincoln), My Paths Through Dance (17 Nov, 6pm, Filmhouse) is comparatively traditional. A biography of Spanish dancer Mariemma, one of the defining performers of twentieth century flamenco, it takes in her early training – in a distinctive and kitsch montage of ancient photographs and modern recreations – before getting down to the serious business of interviewing her colleagues, family and students. A quick tour of Spanish styles – concise and informative – gives way to footage of Mariemma, effectively defining the style and panache now associated with Spanish dance.

Mariemma is remembered as a passionate, if sometimes aggressive, teacher who helped her students raise their abilities and opened them to the potential beauty of their art. Ballet is identified as an essential part of her technique, accounting for the flamenco’s contemporary polish. Mariemma herself comes across as motivated, talented and intellectually curious: her greatest collaborators were often inspired to unexpected heights by her energy. Perhaps aimed at the casual fan rather than a general audience, the film is a solid, detailed study of one woman’s career, with the clips of her controlled performances a repeating highlight. Aside from a rather melancholy conclusion, which bemoans the contemporary state of Spanish dance, this is an enthusiastic study of one woman and her importance. [Gareth K Vile]