En Avant (2022)
How far would you go to take a bow?
“En Avant” highlights the internal struggle of a Black ballerina with self-acceptance as she faces racism in a white-dominated art form. It tells the story of one's battle with self-love through black-and-white imagery. After being cast in the lead role of a professional ballet, Ragan is pressured by the ballet’s director to lighten her skin with make-up, in order to be consistent with the white dancers on stage. She reluctantly goes along with the request, but with each performance in the lighter make-up, she feels more degraded. When a young adoring fan tells her she wants to be just like her, the dancer cannot continue to perform feeling such shame. She makes a decision to be authentic, and dance freely, in her own skin.
Cast
- Toi'ya Leatherwood - Ragan
- Kevin Scott Allen - Leon
- Natalya James Washington - Bailey
- Noraye Gardiner - Young Ragan
- Katie O'Gara - Core Dancer #1
- Emily Van Citters - Core Dancer #2
- Eliza S. Tollett - Core Dancer #3
- Anaïs Blake - Core Dancer #4
Screenplay
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is En Avant about?
- “En Avant” highlights the internal struggle of a Black ballerina with self-acceptance as she faces racism in a white-dominated art form. It tells the story of one's battle with self-love through black-and-white imagery. After being cast in the lead role of a professional ballet, Ragan is pressured by the ballet’s director to lighten her skin with make-up, in order to be consistent with the white dancers on stage. She reluctantly goes along with the request, but with each performance in the lighter make-up, she feels more degraded. When a young adoring fan tells her she wants to be just like her, the dancer cannot continue to perform feeling such shame. She makes a decision to be authentic, and dance freely, in her own skin.
- Who directed En Avant?
- En Avant was directed by Sarah Jean Williams.
- Who stars in En Avant?
- En Avant stars Toi'ya Leatherwood, Kevin Scott Allen, Natalya James Washington, Noraye Gardiner, Katie O'Gara, Emily Van Citters.
- How long is En Avant?
- En Avant has a runtime of 12m (12 minutes).
- What genre is En Avant?
- En Avant is a Drama film.
- Where was En Avant produced?
- En Avant was produced in United States of America.