Strictly Ballroom

In the film ‘strictly Ballroom’ to ‘belong’ in the world of ballroom dancing, to belong in this word it is a about conforming and giving up ones individuality. Buz Lurhmann, the director of the film ‘strictly Ballroom’ uses camera angles, costume, music, lighting, dialogue, and symbolism to highlight the importance of finding ones individuality to belong and challenge the status que. The audience are portrayed to realise that one must never compromise their individuality. A true sense of belonging is found when one is true to them. Lurhmann successfully portrays the idea of belonging and self-identity through the use of symbolism.

The red curtains in the opening sequence symbolise that the world of ballroom dancing is a world of theatre and performance. The Dancers are all living in a fake world; they are not true to themselves except Fran. Fran is the only character that is living a natural and true world whilst other characters are unrealistic and wear exaggerate costumes, hairstyles, and make-up. The audience are soon portrayed that the dancers live in a world of pressure and competition where to win; they must obey the rules of others, such as Barry Fife. It is a world in which individuality and creativity are thrown away in the desire to win.

Lurhmann successfully shows the audience that Fran does not simply belong to this world. The title itself is indicated that the world of ballroom dancing is a world that is bound by rigid rules and regulations that must be obeyed, it is a traditional world. The audience are soon positioned that the dancers live in a world of burden and competition where to win; one must follow the rules of others. Liz Holt’s character epitomises the attitudes of the dance federation. Liz refuses to dance with Scott because he doesn’t dance how ‘he’s suppose to”; the rejection of Scott is affected to her because she simply scared of losing at the Pan pacific.

Liz belongs to a world where dance is exaggerated and winning is an obsession. Scott loses the South Waratah dance championships for dancing he’s own steps due to fear and freedom. The close-up shot of Barry Fifes mouth reinforces the attitude of the dance federation that “you can dance any step you like, but it doesn’t mean you’ll win! The introduction of this over title to the audience is presumed of conformity over individuality in a world bound by the fear of losing. Fran provides are fleshing break from this world of fake, teaching Scott that it’s not all about winning and that “ a life lived in fear is a life half lived”.

The Toledo milk bar scene highlights the difference worlds of Scott and Fran belongs to. The sequence is a similarity to the opening scene. The opening sequence shows a world of unrealistic and the exaggerated hairstyles and costumes contrast to the real world of Spanish community. In Fran’s world we see people dancing from the heart whilst in Scott’s world, we see the dancer dancing to win and for them winning is everything, greedy and lies fall in this category. In the opening scene, they are dancing to compete, to win!! At first Scott does not belong.

Rico laughs at his Paso Doble due to fact cause, Scott is not dancing from the heart. Scott is upset and asks “what are you laughing at? ” Scott is not use to people laughing at his dancing in the world of ballroom dancing; he is reflected as one of the best. When Rico ridicules Scott for not dancing with his heart, this divides Scott from the group, soon he realises he has a lot to learn from Fran and her Spanish Family. The use of close-up shots are portrayed to transform Scott’s, as Rico is dancing the audience realise Scott’s understanding and epiphy of how he should dance the Paso Doble.

The main point of the transformation is reinforced with YaYa’s tapping on Scott’s chest, as he learns that rhythm and beat comes from the heart, and o dance in a real world, one must dance from their heart and to be true to themselves. This particular scene ends with Scott spinning, celebrating his new found freedom. The happiness dancing from his heart is enlightened. Modest lighting contrasts a romantic warm and welcoming atmosphere, unlike the atmosphere of the complex competitive wold in the opening scene.

Scott is converted as he learns the importance of Fran and her Spanish culture and the true spirit of fitting in. The importance of the Toledo milk bar scene is conveying a true sense of belonging. The scene in particular is important as it shows the transformation in Scott as he learns the quality of dancing from the heart and a true spirit of fitting in one group. The scene is main idea contrasts the opening sequence where the importance of dancing is based on winning. The Toledo Milk bar scene quotes the importance of dancing from the heart.

YaYa and Rico teach the true connection to the ‘Paso Doble’. The audience are made aware of Scott’s new bound freedom. The scene ends with Scott spinning, celebrating his new found liberation, he is happy as he is dancing from the heart itself. As individuals we struggle against the rules and regulations that are forced by others. As can be seen in the film “Strictly Ballroom” Scott challenges the existing order/authority and finds a true sense of belonging. He learns to ‘dance from the heart’.