New York Kids Learn the Power of Dance in Heartfelt Doc 'Lift' Movie Trailer

"I am drawn to stories of people trying to find shelter, connection, or identity in small communities." Paramount Movies has released an official trailer for a documentary film titled Lift, directed by documentary filmmaker David Petersen. This film premiered at last year's Tribeca Film Festival and also premiered at the Palm Springs Film Festival earlier this year. In the works for over a decade, this inspiring and unforgettable documentary follows children affected by homelessness as they discover the magic of self-expression through dance. New York Theater Ballet's LIFT program provides scholarships to homeless children, helping them develop untapped skills as ballet dancers. The film follows some of their journeys, from shelter to stage; a celebration of joy and triumph in the face of adversity. This documentary film features Steven Melendez (lead artist and artistic director of NYTB), Diana Byer (founder and former artistic director of NYTB), Victor Abreu (dance student LIFT, member of New York City Ballet), Yolannsie Cardona (dance student LIFT), and Sharia Blockwood (LIFT dance student). An inspiring film about the power of dance.

Here is the official trailer (+ poster) for David Petersen's Lift doc, straight from Paramount's YouTube:

"Ten years ago, a performing arts photographer introduced me to the New York Theater Ballet and their program called LIFT, where they traveled to homeless shelters and offered scholarships to children interested in ballet.A film that began with just me, a camera and a microphone, has grown into a decade-long collaboration between dancer Steven Melendez, our production team and the families featured in the documentary Ever since my own father grew up poor and insecure in the Bronx, "LIFT's story has captivated me. It took 10 years to follow the challenges and aspirations of these remarkable children and their mentor, but the rewards of growing up with them, their families and their communities made the story of this journey worthwhile. " –Director David Petersen

In the works for over a decade, this inspiring and unforgettable documentary film follows children affected by homelessness as they discover the magic of self-expression through dance. Guided by mentor Steven, whose journey leads back to his childhood refuge, their journey through a remarkable ballet program becomes a celebration of joy and triumph in the face of adversity. "The LIFT Community Service Program provides scholarships to talented, at-risk and underserved children in NYTB's school, as well as programs that champion dance for the common good." Lift is directed by doc filmmaker David Petersen, director of the films If You Lived Here, You'd Be Home Now, Journey of the Boner's Daughter, The Witman and many other shorts before. Produced by Mary Recine and David Petersen. This premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival last year. Paramount Movies will release Petersen's Lift documentary in select US theaters September 15, 2023 and on VOD/DVD starting September 22. Go to the film's official website.

Find more articles: Documentaries, Watch, Trailer