And Then We Danced 2020

Merab, portrayed by Levan Gelbakhiani, is a passionate young dancer immersed in the vibrant world of the National Georgian Ensemble, where he practices alongside his partner and provisional girlfriend, Ana Javakishvili as Mary, and his troubled brother Giorgi Tsereteli who struggles with delinquency. One fateful day, their rehearsal is disrupted by the entrance of Bachi Valishvili as Irakli, a replacement dancer whose smug demeanor rubs some of the established dancers, as well as the choreographer Kakha Gogidze, the wrong way. Despite his initial bravado, Irakli’s remarkable talent soon earns him a place in the ensemble, much to Merab’s chagrin, who is criticized by Aleko for lacking the masculine prowess and rigidity that’s supposedly essential for a dancer.

Fanning the flames of jealousy, Merab becomes drawn to Irakli’s innate skill, yet their rivalry blossoms into a deep bond as they begin early morning practices together, igniting a friendly competition for a coveted place in the main ensemble. However, Mary unveils a chilling truth regarding the previous male dancer’s vacancy; he faced brutal repercussions for engaging in a sexual relationship with another man and subsequently vanished into a life of desperation and despair after facing rejection from his family and ultimately resorting to prostitution to survive.

In a poignant moment, Merab’s visit to his father, who was once part of the ensemble alongside Merab’s mother, reveals a familial burden. His father implores him to abandon dancing in favor of education, fearing there is no future in the art form. This conversation is tinged with the undercurrents of Aleko’s disdain for their family, which only fuels Merab’s determination. Amidst this turmoil, Merab and Irakli’s friendship deepens and evolves into something more profound, culminating in a moment of passion that sparks jealousy and suspicion within Mary.

As the narrative unfolds, Merab finds himself plagued by the absence of Irakli when he vanishes without a trace. Meanwhile, David, Merab’s brother, faces escalating troubles due to his frequent absences and disorderly behavior, ultimately leading to conflict during a rehearsal. In a desperate attempt to reconnect with his brother, Merab secures him a job, which sadly ends in disaster due to David’s reckless actions, further straining their relationship.

Feeling desolate and yearning for connection, Merab encounters a young male prostitute when their eyes meet on a bus, leading him to a revelatory night at a gay bar. However, this adventure is not without consequences, as another dancer, Luka, witnesses him leaving. The following day, Merab’s performance at practice suffers, culminating in an injury during his attempt to impress Irakli with a passionate dance.

Merab eventually reconnects with Irakli who reveals he has returned home due to family obligations. The sting of heartache is palpable as he learns Irakli has chosen to give up dancing and is now engaged to his girlfriend to support his grieving mother. Distraught, Merab flees the wedding where they briefly reunite, only to feel his heart shatter as he realizes the gulf that separates them.

In a moment of brotherly love, David reveals his injuries from defending Merab’s honor and embraces his brother’s identity with support and understanding, urging him to leave Georgia and pursue his true potential. The audition day arrives, with Mary supporting Merab, who performs passionately despite his pain, showcasing his vibrant, androgynous style that challenges the traditional norms of dance. Though dismissed by the unimpressed director, Merab boldly asserts his individuality, leaving behind a storm of emotions and aspirations as he departs the stage, fully embodying the spirit of his journey.