When The Beat Drops

Director: Jamal Sims
2018 | USA | 86MIN

Bust out your best dance moves! You’ve tried to vogue, twerk and perhaps taken a few hip-hop steps. But have you tackled — or even seen — “bucking,” the dance movement that emerged from the underground dance scene down South?

Once you watch When the Beat Drops, the award-winning documentary from choreographer Jamal Sims, you’ll learn all the moves you need to know about bucking, which was popularized nationally when Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” video was released.

“Big Tony” Davis, our emcee, traces the hip-thrusting steps of black female cheerleaders several decades ago to the current dance competition he created, where gay African-American men have reclaimed the dance moves as their own.

By promoting the dance contest, Big Tony also has initiated a tight-knit family of gay black male dancers, whose passion for the dance has helped them survive adversity. In fact, it’s their stories that give Sims’ debut film its power, as he examines their struggles with homophobia and racism and their commitment to bucking no matter the cost.

Winner of best documentary at film festivals in San Francisco, LA and Miami, When the Beat Drops showcases incredible dance performances, but in the end you’ll be rooting for all of the dancers in a competition culminating with an edge-of-your-seat finale that celebrates athleticism, artistry and personal triumph.

**Included in your movie ticket purchase, Closing Night reception **

Where: Images  (965 Liberty Ave)
Time: 9-11
Music, Light Appetizers and Drink tickets will be provided.