And Then We Danced

And Then We Danced

Year: 2019

Runtime: 113 mins

Language: Georgian

Director: Levan Akin

Echo Score: 89
RomanceDrama

Merab is a dedicated dancer preparing with his partner Mary for a place in the National Georgian Ensemble. His rigorous training is disrupted by the arrival of Irakli, a new male dancer. An intense rivalry develops between the two, but Merab also finds himself experiencing unexpected romantic feelings. This burgeoning desire challenges Merab's future in dance and puts his existing relationships at risk, forcing him to confront complex emotions and make difficult choices.

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Timeline & Setting – And Then We Danced (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of And Then We Danced (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

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

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:47

Main Characters – And Then We Danced (2019)

Meet the key characters of And Then We Danced (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

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

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:47

Major Themes – And Then We Danced (2019)

Explore the central themes of And Then We Danced (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💃 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.

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:47

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Movies about forbidden desires like And Then We Danced

Stories of hidden romance and identity under the weight of societal pressure.If you were moved by the secret romance and personal conflict in 'And Then We Danced', explore these other films. This collection features emotional stories of characters navigating hidden love and identity within restrictive societies, capturing a similar mood of tension and yearning.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow a character's private awakening—romantic, sexual, or creative—that clashes with their public life and societal expectations. The central conflict is internal and external, building tension as the character navigates the risk of exposure while grappling with their authentic self. Journeys often involve a secret relationship, a moment of defiance, and a bittersweet resolution between personal truth and societal cost.

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When the pursuit of artistic excellence demands a high personal price.Fans of 'And Then We Danced' and its portrayal of a dancer's struggle will appreciate these similar stories. Discover other moving films where the demanding world of art—be it dance, music, or painting—clashes with love, family, and self, resulting in poignant and bittersweet journeys.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern centers on a dedicated artist whose world is disrupted by a new rival or a burgeoning romance. The art form itself becomes a battlefield for rivalry, desire, and self-expression. The story unfolds through rigorous training and performance, leading to a climax where the character must choose between their artistic ambition and their personal happiness, often with a costly outcome.

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This thread connects movies through their core theme of art as both a discipline and an emotional outlet. They share a steady, deliberate pacing that mirrors artistic practice, a medium emotional weight from high-stakes personal sacrifices, and a focus on how passion can be both liberating and isolating.

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And Then We Danced Summary

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And Then We Danced Summary

And Then We Danced Timeline

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And Then We Danced Timeline

And Then We Danced Spoiler-Free Summary

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And Then We Danced Spoiler-Free Summary

More About And Then We Danced

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