And Then We Danced 2019

Romance

Drama

Box Office

$621K

Runtime

113 mins

Language

Georgian

Directed by

Levan Akin

Made by

French Quarter Film AB

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And Then We Danced Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for And Then We Danced (2019). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

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

Follow the complete movie timeline of And Then We Danced (2019) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

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.

early phase National Georgian Ensemble rehearsal space

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.

shortly after joining National Georgian Ensemble rehearsal space

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.

during training period Rehearsal room

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.

during rehearsal period National Georgian Ensemble rehearsal room

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.

before disruptions National Georgian Ensemble rehearsal space

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.

after David's eviction Restaurant where Merab works

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.

that night Gay bar

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.

the following day Rehearsal studio

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.

David's wedding day David's wedding

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.

after wedding Merab's home

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.

audition day Audition venue

And Then We Danced Characters

Explore all characters from And Then We Danced (2019). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Merab (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

Mary - Ana Javakhishvili

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

Irakli (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

David (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

Aleko (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

And Then We Danced Settings

Learn where and when And Then We Danced (2019) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

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.

Location

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

And Then We Danced Themes

Discover the main themes in And Then We Danced (2019). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

💃

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.

🎭

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.

🌈

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.

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And Then We Danced Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of And Then We Danced (2019). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

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.

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