The Next Step

I think this was a very good movie, well acted, written, directed. You could actually see and enjoy a lot of the choreography unlike so many dance movies. I, however, must question the release date of 1997. It says to me it is a 1980s movie, early 90s at most. Why? Look who is in it? Thomas Gibson in a tiny part as a bartender? Taylor Nichols in a minor supporting role? And the choreography looked of that time, Donald Byrd looked at least ten years younger than he does now, etc. I saw dancers I knew in classes in the 80s, they couldn't look exactly the same now. So I say, this was originally filmed around 1989, before Far and Away and Metropolitan, and was released to DVD in 1997. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

Nick (Rich Negron) has been a noteworthy dancer in Broadway's chorus lines for quite a number of years. He also has a sweet, beautiful live-in girlfriend named Amy (Kristin Moreu). Amy, a former dancer whose career was cut short by injury, now works in physical therapy. It is her fervent wish to marry Nick. Nick, however, has a roving eye and has been participating in an extracurricular romance with Heidi, also a dancer. When Nick's current Broadway show folds suddenly, he has two hard choices staring him in the face. Is he too old to compete in the world of dance and should he marry Amy?

This is an excellent examination of career paths that last only a brief number of years. Negron's portrayal of a man obsessed with proving his stamina and vitality rings true. Nick indulges in spontaneous sexual encounters and refuses other job offers when he should analyze what is really important to him. All of the lovely actresses in the film are captivating, with Moreu giving a caring, vulnerable performance. The dance sequences are lively and fun. What a shame that this film does not have a higher profile. Despite some brief scenes of strong sexuality, it deserves the attention of those who admire films dealing with the lost specter of youth.