Jig

I cannot believe that this incredible film has a score if 6.6 on IMDB. I am a jaded and cynical American and by the end of Jig I was standing and cheering.

The cameras tour the world from Ireland, England, America and Russia, following dancers at various schools of Irish dance, including one in NY City where a girl of Irish and Asian heritage is one of the star students.

A ten-year-old counterpart in Derry, Ireland will become close with the girl from the U. S. and the pair will compete at the World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.

I was riveted to the screen for the entire movie and I am astounded that the film did not win an Oscar.

This movie was simply amazing! If you're an Irish dancer, a parent of a dancer or someone who is considering joining the lot, you would really enjoy the insight this documentary has to offer.

Jig is realistic and shows both the ups and downs of this kind of lifestyle. It accurately portrays how the parents invest so much time, expense and emotion into their children. And we see how much genuine hard work and determination is delivered by the dancers day after day through classes, sacrifice, rigorous practice at home and traveling to compete. Many even dance with injuries! The latter part of the movie takes place at the 2010 World Championships in Glasgow. This is where the dancers are given only a few minutes to display - on stage - the steps they've perfected throughout the year. Out of thousands of competitors, only 50 are recalled to do a set dance for final judging. No matter who you are rooting for, it is tense.

I also loved how this documentary showed that Irish dancing isn't only for the Irish, but that it is enjoyed by people from multiple countries, ethnicities, ages, and by both genders. And above the dazzle and excitement, they are truly doing this because of their love for it.