My review was written in December 1990 after watching the film on AIP video cassette.
Soap opera corn sinks "Dance", an earnest, non-exploitive drama about the competitive world of dance companies. No "Turning Point" or "A Chorus Line", this 1988 production is an unstimulating title for video shelves.
Real-life ballet dancers Johan Renvall and Ellen Troy toline as a romantic duo competing for the chance to go to make it in the Big Apple. Locale is unidentified; it could be Chicago or Toronto.
Dramatic situation is set in motion by the arrival of a taskmaster choreographer (Charlene Campbell) from New York who gives everyone a hard time. Renvall and Troy's love affair is strained past the breaking point when Campbell and Renvall get together romantically.
Scripter Steven Alldredge piles on far too many corny plot twists to swallow. Black dancer Carlton Wilborn gets the featured solo spot because of the political influence of his dad, and, sure enough, in the final reel he stands up to his old man. Bulimic dancer Hilary Ryan is just used as a gimmick role.
Forced happy ending resolves various subplots too quickly and neatly. Use of real dancers is a plus for fans of same, but their acting chops are in doubt. Central role for Renvall is written as far too unsympathetic to engage the viewer's interest.
