Netflix invites us to the “Polish world” in its new dance document Strip Down, Rise Up. In the first trailer for Michelle Ohion’s new film for the television series, a group of women learn to restore their bodies and sexuality through a new form of therapy: pole dancing.
Led by Sheila Kelly of the Good Doctor, new dancers curious about healing through practice will try out the intricate art of pole dancing to address issues such as body acceptance, sexual abuse, and other trauma. “I want you to think of the pole as the framework for your body,” Kelly tells her students in today’s trailer as she guides them through the pole dancing experience.
All the women who come to Kelly’s studio have their own reasons for turning to pole dancing to process their emotions. For some, this is due to recent downsides, such as the 50 year old widow featured in today’s trailer. For other people, it’s better to connect with your body. “As I commenced, I almost expected to realize more seductive,” clarifies one dancer.
As some women walk into the studio to learn new skills, today’s footage reveals pole dancing is about more than just physical flexibility and strength – it can offer emotional transformation. “Emotions will come, fear will come,” Kelly told the dancers. You have to fight.
In an interview with People, Ohayon stated that he wanted to “celebrate women” with his new film, which explores the dancer’s journey through a “victim to winner” dance.
Release Date:
Strip Down, Rise Up premieres on Netflix on Friday, February 5.
About the trailer:
It’s not about feeling beautiful. It’s about feeling powerful. I want some, “explained one character. Another woman was initially attracted to pole dancing because she “wanted to be more sensual” but “a deeper journey” was waiting for her.
Women describe a feeling that they can “rule the world” after being physically and emotionally challenged. Many of them are recovering from trauma and struggling with self-acceptance. What if we’re not ashamed of our bodies?
Ohio received an Academy Award nomination in 1997 for Colors Straight Up, a nonprofit drama spectacle teaching teenagers. “Power” and “Cowboy del Amor” are among his other documents.