The Australian docu-series, Dance Life, has premiered exclusively on Prime Video this January 19th, offering a captivating glimpse into the lives of ambitious students at Australia’s prestigious Brent Street dance studio. This five-part series shadows a select group of students during their crucial final year, as they strive to transform lifelong dedication to dance into professional careers. With dreams of stardom and the relentless pursuit of perfection, these dancers navigate the intense pressures of elite training, culminating in a make-or-break Grad performance where agents scout for the next generation of talent. Ahead of the global release of Dance Life, we had the opportunity to delve into the creative process behind this compelling series with its creator and director, documentary filmmaker Luke Cornish. Discover the insights into capturing the raw energy of dance and the poignant stories of these aspiring artists in our exclusive interview.
A dynamic group of dancers in rehearsal at Brent Street, showcasing the high-energy atmosphere of the Dance Life show.
Capturing the Cinematic Energy of Dance in Dance Life
Nick L’Barrow spoke with Luke Cornish about the unique challenges and approaches to filming Dance Life, particularly in capturing the dynamic dance sequences alongside the intimate, documentary-style moments. The series stands out for its ability to convey the sheer energy of dance in a cinematic way. When asked about the process of filming these vibrant performances, often without pre-set choreography for the camera, Cornish revealed an insightful, adaptable approach.
Luke Cornish: “It’s interesting you pick up on that because my approach to everything I do is to take that observational, authentic, natural documentary feel and then layer in a cinematic style on top. The key for us was to elevate the visual experience. While we identified a few routines that we knew would be visually spectacular, the actual technique was quite straightforward – we simply used more cameras.”
Cornish explained that the production wasn’t about staging scenes specifically for the camera, but rather about organically capturing the unfolding rehearsals. As the students progressed towards their final performances, the crew strategically increased camera presence to capture multiple angles. This method ensured that the raw energy and authenticity of the dance routines were preserved, offering viewers a genuine glimpse into the dancers’ world. “Everything you see is genuinely what happened in the room. We adapted to capture it from more perspectives, giving us greater flexibility in the edit to create that cinematic feel,” Cornish elaborated.
Dance as an Escape: Unveiling the Emotional Depth
The raw passion and emotion conveyed through dance in Dance Life is palpable, particularly in moments like Max’s performance in the first episode, which deeply resonated with viewers. L’Barrow, reflecting on these powerful moments and Cornish’s previous dance documentary Keep Stepping, inquired about what the filmmaker has learned about dance as an art form capable of evoking such profound feelings.
Luke Cornish: “At its core, dance, at its best, is an escape. I’ve come to see it as an escape for the performers themselves. That’s a fundamental lesson for me. But it also has the power to offer an escape for the audience, especially when they connect with the emotional output of the dancers. For those deeply committed to it, dance is genuinely cathartic.”
Cornish highlighted Max as a prime example of a dancer who channels deep emotion into his art. Initially perceived as confident and well-adjusted, Max’s journey throughout Dance Life reveals a more complex emotional landscape. This revelation helped Cornish understand what distinguishes certain performers. “Max connects deeply with the energy and emotions in the room. As the documentary progresses, we – and the audience – discover the underlying emotional world he’s navigating. It became clear that his dancing is a powerful form of expression, almost a release,” Cornish shared.
Max in a still from Dance Life, capturing the emotional intensity and personal journey of the dancers featured in the show.
The Selection Process: Spotting Stars in the Dance Life Ensemble
The “Light The Way” performance in Dance Life draws a compelling parallel between agents scouting for talent among a large group of dancers and a documentarian selecting subjects to follow. L’Barrow drew this analogy, questioning Cornish about the similarities in identifying standout individuals within a large ensemble.
Luke Cornish: “That’s such a perceptive comparison! As you ask, I’m realizing just how alike the processes are! I’ve asked agents and choreographers the same question – how they spot talent – and they often say, ‘It’s just obvious.’ And I’m thinking, ‘Really? I can’t discern huge differences at that advanced level without an expert eye.’”
Cornish recounted the initial selection process for Dance Life, where aspiring students submitted videos and answered questionnaires. The individuals who were ultimately chosen possessed an undeniable quality that made them stand out. He noted the unique advantage of working within the performing arts, where many individuals are naturally comfortable and compelling on camera. “There was a large pool to choose from, with people standing out for diverse reasons! What struck me was this ‘cast’ of individuals, all with unique backgrounds and motivations, united by the same dream and mission. That level of shared purpose in diverse lives is incredibly rare in documentary filmmaking,” Cornish reflected.
Expanding on the organic nature of subject selection, Cornish shared the story of Arabella, a standout student whose vibrant personality and drive emerged over time. “To answer your question somewhat poetically, the subjects almost find you. Take Arabella, for example. She wasn’t immediately apparent, but over time, her dynamic presence and ‘hustler’ spirit became undeniable. She carved her space in the narrative through sheer performing arts presence, making it clear she deserved to be a central part of Dance Life.”
The Iconic “Broken Chair” Shot: Visual Storytelling in Dance Life
One of the most memorable and impactful visual moments in Dance Life, highlighted by L’Barrow, is a seemingly simple shot of a chair in the second episode, marked with the words ‘I AM BROKEN’. The placement and context of this shot amplify its meaning, resonating deeply with the underlying themes of the series. L’Barrow prompted Cornish to discuss the story behind this shot and its integration into the narrative.
Luke Cornish: “I’m thrilled you noticed and appreciated that shot! It’s exciting to talk to someone with a filmmaker’s eye [laughs]. ‘Show, don’t tell’ is filmmaking 101. You’re always searching for visual metaphors to represent underlying emotions or situations. A fearful expression is always more potent than simply stating ‘I’m afraid’.”
Cornish recounted the serendipitous discovery of the chair. After a long and grueling day in a demanding audition space, the crew returned the next day to find that someone had inscribed ‘I AM BROKEN’ on a chair. “It was a perfect, spontaneous expression of collective feeling – exhaustion, pressure, vulnerability. Immediately, I knew I had to include it in the series. Initially, I considered its applicability across various episodes, as it resonated with so many themes.”
This moment underscores Cornish’s observational and intuitive filmmaking approach. “It’s about maintaining a heightened awareness, constantly seeking out these visual cues. You develop an alertness that enriches your perception of the environment, allowing you to notice details and layers of meaning you might otherwise miss. It’s about seeing more in the space around you.”
Our sincere thanks to Luke Cornish for sharing his insights and to Kit Communications and Prime Video for facilitating this interview. Dance Life is now available for streaming on Prime Video, inviting audiences worldwide to experience the passion, dedication, and drama of this compelling Dance Life Show.
