For many dancers, participating in the competition circuit means chaotic weekends full of early call times, quick changes in crowded dressing rooms, and the nerve-racking wait for judges’ scores. She Dances, a new movie that arrived in theaters March 27, brings that world to the big screen. The film stars dancers and actresses Audrey Zahn and Mackenzie Ziegler, as well as Audrey’s father, Steve Zahn, and fellow Hollywood A-lister Ethan Hawke.
The story was inspired by Audrey’s own years growing up in the competition-dance world. After more than a decade spent traveling to conventions and competitions with his daughter, Steve Zahn became fascinated by the culture of competitive dance and set out to capture it, co-writing the script for She Dances with director Rick Gomez. The movie follows a teenage dancer, Claire (Audrey), her father (Steve), and her friend Kat (Ziegler), who navigate grief and family tension on the road to the girls’ final regional competition. It also includes plenty of dancing: Along the way, Claire and Kat rehearse and compete a duet together, and Claire enters the spotlight for a solo.
Dance Spirit caught up with the film’s two dance stars to talk about stepping back into competitive dance, blending their backgrounds with acting, and what they hope young dancers take away from the story.
What was it like jumping back into the competition world together for the film?
Audrey Zahn: It was healing. We got to do it again, but on our own terms. When Kenzie and I got into the rehearsal rooms, we clicked right away. That’s not always easy to find in someone right off the bat.
Mackenzie Ziegler: I was nervous going into it because I hadn’t danced in a while. The competitive-dance world can be toxic at times, but this felt like pure fun. It was especially healing because it felt so real, like we were actually rehearsing for a competition, and having such a talented dancer like Audrey there was amazing.
Did growing up as dancers change the way you approach acting?
MZ: Learning dance choreography translates really well into acting and actually makes it easier. During filming, it’s exactly like a choreographed dance. There are cues to memorize and it’s a full production.
What did you really want the film to get right about competition dance?
AZ: The number one thing I wanted to capture was how hard competition dancers work. People don’t realize how much work is put in and how much pressure is on you.
Mackenzie, you’ve danced your whole life. How was dancing as a character different?
MZ: It felt more meaningful. I did grow up on television in a different way, so this was more wholesome—showing me experiencing the more joyful parts of dance, and being so excited to just perform. Not everyone has the best experience, but there are times where people do and I love that we got to show that.
Audrey, how does dance help tell Claire’s story when words can’t?
AZ: For Claire, it’s her only escape. Dance is her way to let go of her grief. She always uses it as an outlet of some kind, and that’s why it’s so important to her.
What was it like acting opposite your dad in such emotional scenes?
AZ: It was super-comfortable to have him there. I’m so proud that I got to act with him. I think this is something I’ll carry really close to my heart for the rest of my life.
What do you both hope dancers take away from the film?
AZ: This movie is a great example of a dancer breaking away from the discipline and performing freely. It made me realize that I wish I had done that when competing; it’s more fulfilling. It’s also a great story about people reconnecting after being separated through grief, and I hope that influences people to bridge important family gaps.
MZ: I remember being so stressed competing that I felt like my life was over if I lost. I hated that, because it ruined the experience, when it should have been an opportunity to just build friendships and an outlet to express emotion. I hope young dancers know it’s not all about winning, and that doing what you love is most important.
