What Is And Then We Danced About?
The premise of And Then We Danced in 288 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the austere rehearsal halls of the National Georgian Ensemble, the rhythm of tradition pulses through every step, demanding both precision and passion. Merab lives for this world, a young dancer whose dedication borders on obsession as he prepares for a coveted place in the troupe. The film immerses the viewer in the quiet intensity of Georgian ballet, where the line between art and identity is as thin as a perfectly held arabesque.
Sharing the stage—and an ambiguous partnership—with his longtime counterpart Mary, Merab navigates a relationship built on mutual ambition and unspoken affection. Their routine is suddenly disrupted by the arrival of a striking new talent, Irakli, whose presence ignites a fierce rivalry that pushes both men to the edge of their abilities. The competition quickly becomes a conduit for a deeper, unanticipated bond, hinting at emotions Merab has never explored within the disciplined confines of the dance world.
Beyond the studio, family expectations loom large. Merab’s father urges him toward a more conventional future, while his elder brother David drifts in and out of his life, adding an undercurrent of instability. The clash between external pressures and internal desire forces Merab to confront questions about loyalty, ambition, and the very nature of love. The choreography becomes a language through which these conflicts are felt as much as spoken.
And Then We Danced balances the elegance of Georgian folk movement with a quietly electric tension, portraying a coming‑of‑age story that is as much about the courage to follow one’s heart as it is about the pursuit of artistic perfection. The mood is intimate and lingering, inviting audiences to watch the characters sway between discipline and desire, all while the music of their world swells beneath every step.
What Happens in And Then We Danced?
The complete story of And Then We Danced, from the first scene to the last, in 335 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Merab is a young and dedicated Georgian dancer training at the National Georgian Ensemble, where he pours every ounce of energy into perfecting his craft. He shares the stage with his partner and pseudo-girlfriend, Mary, and lives with his delinquent brother, David.
From the moment a new dancer arrives, Irakli joins the troupe and threatens Merab’s secure place. Initially, jealousy flares, but the rivalry grows into a wary bond as they push each other toward a chance at the ensemble, and their connection quietly deepens into a secret romance.
Merab’s father presses him to quit dancing and pursue education, adding pressure on an already demanding path.
Mary grows suspicious of the closeness between Merab and Irakli, adding tension and complicating the trio’s dynamics.
David arrives at a moment of turmoil, but is swiftly ejected by Aleko, the ensemble’s supervisor, due to his criminal history.
Merab tries to help by finding David a job at the restaurant where he works, but David’s actions lead to both of them being fired, further straining their relationship.
Still longing for Irakli, Merab meets a young male sex worker and spends a night at a gay bar, an episode that is noticed by fellow dancer Luka.
Hangover from the night out leaves Merab with an injured ankle during the next day’s rehearsal, and he is told he cannot audition. Yet he presses on with practice, while Luka continues to heckle him, and Mary warns him to be careful, fearing he might end up like the ensemble’s former dancer.
At David’s wedding, Merab spots Irakli, who reveals he is leaving Georgia to marry a woman.
Back home, a heartbroken Merab is comforted by an injured David, who reveals he was hurt defending Merab’s honor from the others.
Merab comes out to David, and the elder encourages him to pursue his dreams beyond Georgia.
At the audition, Merab dances in his unorthodox style, impressing choreographer Aleko but offending the director, who storms out. Undeterred, Merab finishes his routine and bows before leaving.
And Then We Danced Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
11 key events in the order they happen, from “Merab starts training at the National Georgian Ensemble” to “Audition day: Merab's unorthodox dance”. 11 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Merab starts training at the National Georgian Ensemble
Merab trains diligently at the National Georgian Ensemble, practicing with his partner Mary and his brother David. The arrival of a new dancer, Irakli, threatens Merab's secure position and sparks a fierce competition for a coveted spot. The rehearsal room hums with pressure as everyone anticipates what comes next.
When:early phase Where:National Georgian Ensemble rehearsal space
- 2
Irakli joins the troupe
A new dancer named Irakli joins the troupe, triggering Merab's jealousy as he competes for a lead role. The dynamics within the group shift as the newcomer unsettles established friendships. Rehearsals become more tense as ambition surfaces.
When:shortly after joining Where:National Georgian Ensemble rehearsal space
- 3
Merab and Irakli form a secret bond
Despite rivalry, Merab and Irakli grow closer and begin a secret romance amid the competition. Their bond deepens away from the others, complicating Merab's relationships with Mary and the rest of the troupe. The romance quietly pushes them toward a dangerous threshold.
When:during training period Where:Rehearsal room
- 4
Mary grows suspicious
Mary grows suspicious of Merab's closeness to Irakli, adding tension to their partnership. She warns him to be careful and keeps a wary eye on the evolving relationship. The risk of exposure looms as rehearsals continue.
When:during rehearsal period Where:National Georgian Ensemble rehearsal room
- 5
David arrives and is kicked out
David arrives at the ensemble, only to be dismissed by Aleko because of his criminal behavior. The confrontation underscores the fragile family ties and removes a potential influence from Merab's life. Merab watches his world tighten around him as the romance and ambition collide.
When:before disruptions Where:National Georgian Ensemble rehearsal space
- 6
Merab helps David by finding him a job; both get fired
Desperate to help his brother, Merab tries to land David a job at his own workplace—the restaurant where he works. David's reckless actions still manage to ruin both of them, and they are fired as a consequence. The setback strains their already fragile relationship and leaves Merab more vulnerable.
When:after David's eviction Where:Restaurant where Merab works
- 7
Night out at a gay bar
That night, Merab goes out with a sense of escape and meets a young male sex worker, spending time at a gay bar. The experience stirs a mix of longing and self-discovery as he navigates his identity. Luka, a fellow dancer, later sees him, foreshadowing looming tension.
When:that night Where:Gay bar
- 8
Next day: hangover, injury, and doubts about audition
The next day, Merab is hungover and injures his ankle during rehearsal, jeopardizing his audition. Despite the pain, he insists on continuing practice, stubbornly pursuing his dream. Luka mocks him and Mary warns him to be careful not to destroy his future.
When:the following day Where:Rehearsal studio
- 9
David's wedding and Irakli's revelation
At David's wedding, Merab spots Irakli, who reveals he is leaving to marry a woman. The news crushes Merab and forces him to confront the consequences of their secret romance. The revelation marks a turning point in Merab's emotional journey.
When:David's wedding day Where:David's wedding
- 10
Heart-to-heart: coming out and a push to leave Georgia
Back home, an injured David comforts Merab and explains he was hurt defending Merab's honor from Luka and other dancers. Merab comes out to David, who encourages him to leave Georgia to pursue his dreams. Their heartfelt conversation reframes Merab's fear of the future.
When:after wedding Where:Merab's home
- 11
Audition day: Merab's unorthodox dance
At the audition, Merab performs in an unorthodox style that impresses choreographer Aleko but infuriates the director, who storms out. Undeterred, Merab finishes his routine and bows, asserting his individuality. The performance leaves a charged impression as the team debates his future in the ensemble.
When:audition day Where:Audition venue
Who Are the Main Characters in And Then We Danced?
5 characters, among them Merab (Levan Gelbakhiani), Mary - Ana Javakhishvili and Irakli (Bachi Valishvili): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- M(
Merab (Levan Gelbakhiani)
Played by Levan Gelbakhiani
A dedicated dancer whose disciplined exterior conceals a growing internal conflict. His unorthodox style and fierce ambition compel him to push through injuries, while a secret romance with Irakli threatens his status in the ensemble. His journey is about choosing authenticity over conformity.
- 💃 Dancer
- 🧭 Identity
- ❤️ Romance
- 🎭 Drama
- M-
Mary - Ana Javakhishvili
Played by Ana Javakishvili
Merab's partner and confidant, who acts as both pseudo-girlfriend and witness to his struggle. She grows suspicious of Merab's relationship with Irakli and tries to protect him, even as it strains their arrangement. Her perspective grounds the relationship dynamics in the story.
- 💞 Relationship
- 🕊️ Trust
- 🎭 Drama
- I(
Irakli (Bachi Valishvili)
Played by Bachi Valishvili
A talented newcomer whose presence triggers Merab's jealousy and eventual romance. His decision to marry a woman after their affair highlights the clash between desire and obligation. He embodies both allure and conflict within the ensemble.
- 💖 Romance
- 🎭 Drama
- 🧭 Identity
- D(
David (Giorgi Tsereteli)
Played by Giorgi Tsereteli
Merab's delinquent older brother whose criminal behavior disrupts the family and the troupe. He defends Merab's honor, revealing a complex loyalty beneath his rough exterior. His arc intersects with Merab's choices and the consequences of outside influence.
- 🫂 Family
- ⚖️ Law & Crime
- 🎭 Drama
- A(
Aleko (Kakha Gogidze)
Played by Kakha Gogidze
The strict choreographer who leads the National Georgian Ensemble. He recognizes Merab's talent but clashes with the director over Merab's unorthodox approach. His authority frames the tension between discipline and innovation in the company.
- 🎼 Choreography
- 🧭 Tradition
- 👊 Authority
Where and When Is And Then We Danced Set?
And Then We Danced is set in Georgia (Contemporary (21st century)). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Contemporary (21st century)
The events take place in the present-day Georgian dance scene, where traditional forms mingle with modern interpretations. The world of rehearsals, auditions, and rivalries is intense, highlighting the pressures on young dancers. Personal relationships and identity questions drive much of the drama in this modern setting.
Where
Georgia
Set against Georgia's rich dance heritage, the story unfolds within the country's prestigious National Georgian Ensemble. The setting reflects a tradition-laden world where dance is a national emblem and a path to social status. Rehearsals, backstage tensions, and public performances shape the characters and their ambitions.
- 🗺️ Georgia
- 🎭 Dance culture
What Are the Themes of And Then We Danced?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Identity, Tradition and Freedom.
-
01
Identity
Merab's struggle to reconcile his secret love with his public role as a dancer explores how identity is performed within a conservative culture. The romance with Irakli challenges expectations from family, ensemble, and tradition. The film uses dance as a language for self-discovery and vulnerability.
-
02
Tradition
Georgian tradition and the strict hierarchy of the ensemble pressure Merab to conform. The clashes between old-school authority and new forms of expression reveal how art can become a battleground for personal freedom. Competition exposes both talent and prejudice within the company.
-
03
Freedom
The characters seek freedom to pursue their dreams beyond prescribed roles and geographic expectations. Love, ambition, and risk push Merab toward a choice that could redefine his future. The narrative frames liberation as a difficult but necessary step toward authentic life.
What Kind of Film Is And Then We Danced?
Melancholic in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Melancholic
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A poignant and tense coming-of-age drama that follows a dancer's secret romantic awakening within a conservative environment, building a melancholic atmosphere of yearning, societal pressure, and defiant self-expression.
- yearning
- secretive
- tense
- heartbreaking
- oppressive
- defiant
- sexual awakening
- coming of age
- self discovery
- artistic passion
Content notes: homophobia.
Quiz
How well do you remember And Then We Danced? Test yourself on the story.
