Buckjumping

..... a story of the America we can be proud of .... told with respect, joy & love. I especially appreciate seeing how the Second Line honors the First People who helped the slaves hide while honoring those who have passed. As long as the ceremonies go on, America just might save her soul.

"Buckjumping" covers about five different cultures of dance in New Orleans: funeral dance, drag/club dance, Native American homage dance, cheerleading, and bounce/twerk dance.

The documentary does so in a free form, unstructured way, without any narrative structure beyond one or two people having a conversation about the different types of dance. The form of the documentary is lazy in a way that feels fitting to the drawl of New Orleans. However for some like myself, there is too lazy, and too organic.

For me the documentary lacks sufficient introduction, transitions, and conclusion. The subject matter is unique and authentic, and sometimes raw, but also at times may not go deep enough. The concept is good, to show a portrait of New Orleans past and future through dance, and I am left with an interest in learning more.

This film bursts with joy. The glory of dancing in the streets and bars of New Orleans would be compelling enough watching, but Buckjumping skillfully shows the power of dance as resilience and resistance in Black lives. Makes you want to get moving, in all the ways.