Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa (The Dance of Two Left Feet) is a 2011 Filipino film directed by Alvin Yapan and starring Paulo Avelino, Rocco Nacino, and Jean Garcia. It is a Cinemalaya entry that won the Audience Choice Award and the Best Original Music Score Award. The film explores the themes of feminism, homosexuality, and art through the interplay of music, dance, and poetry.
The film revolves around the complex love triangle of Karen (Garcia), a literature and dance teacher who is passionate about feminist poetry; Marlon (Avelino), a student who is infatuated with Karen and wants to learn how to dance to impress her; and Dennis (Nacino), another student who assists Karen at the dance studio and secretly harbors feelings for Marlon. The film uses the metaphor of dancing as a way of expressing the emotions and desires of the characters, as well as their struggles with identity and acceptance.
One of the strengths of the film is its use of music, dance, and poetry to create a rich and layered narrative. The film features original songs composed by Christine Muyco and Jema Pamintuan, based on the poems of Benilda Santos, Joi Barrios, Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Rebecca Anonuevo, and Ophelia Dimalanta. The songs are performed by some of the country's finest singers, such as Bayang Barrios, Cooky Chua, Aia de Leon, and Noel Cabangon. The dances are choreographed by Eli Jacinto and performed by the actors themselves, who underwent intensive training for their roles. The film also showcases the beauty and diversity of Filipino poetry, which reflects the different perspectives and experiences of women in society.
Another strength of the film is its portrayal of the characters, who are complex and realistic. Karen is not just a stern and aloof teacher, but also a lonely and vulnerable woman who longs for love and companionship. Marlon is not just a naive and clumsy admirer, but also a curious and adventurous learner who discovers new aspects of himself. Dennis is not just a loyal and helpful assistant, but also a conflicted and courageous friend who risks losing everything for his feelings. The film does not judge or stereotype the characters, but rather shows their humanity and flaws.
The film also tackles some of the issues and challenges faced by women and LGBTQ+ people in the Philippines. It shows how Karen faces discrimination and harassment in her workplace because of her gender and beliefs. It shows how Marlon deals with his confusion and fear about his sexuality and identity. It shows how Dennis copes with his repression and isolation because of his orientation and situation. The film does not offer easy solutions or happy endings, but rather poses questions and challenges to the audience.
Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa is a film that celebrates art as a form of expression, communication, and liberation. It is a film that honors women as poets, dancers, teachers, and lovers. It is a film that respects LGBTQ+ people as friends, students, artists, and human beings. It is a film that deserves to be seen, heard, and felt by everyone.
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