Feel the Beat

Movie Trailer

Release Date
June 19, 2020

Genre
Family, Drama, Comedy, Dance

Cast & Crew

• Sofia Carson as April Dibrina
• Wolfgang Novogratz as Nick
• Donna Lynne Champlin as Barb
• Enrico Colantoni as Frank Dibrina
• Lidya Jewett as Kari
• Johanna Colón as Lucia
• Eva Hauge as Zuzu

Director
Elissa Down

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Black Balloon (2008)
• Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)
• The Honor List (2018)

Producer
Susan Cartsonis, Brent Emery, Suzanne Farwell

Writer
Michael Armbruster, Shawn Ku

Budget
Estimated $10-15 million

Production Company
Resonate Entertainment, Netflix

Running Time
109 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
TV-G (suitable for all audiences)

Content Advisory

• Mild language
• Themes of perseverance, teamwork, and self-discovery

Movie Story
Feel the Beat follows April Dibrina (Sofia Carson), a talented but self-centered dancer who, after failing to impress on Broadway, reluctantly returns to her small hometown in Wisconsin. April’s career takes a nosedive when she publicly clashes with a powerful Broadway director, leaving her with few options in the dance world.

Back in her hometown, April is persuaded by her former dance teacher, Barb (Donna Lynne Champlin), to coach a group of young misfit dancers at the local community center. Though initially resistant, April realizes that helping these girls win a prestigious national dance competition might be her ticket back to the big stage.

As April begins training the group, she struggles with her perfectionist tendencies and her desire to reclaim her status as a professional dancer. However, as she gets to know her students—each with their own quirks and challenges—April begins to reconnect with her passion for dance and learns valuable lessons about teamwork, humility, and the importance of nurturing young talent.

Feel the Beat is a heartwarming and inspiring film that combines comedy, drama, and dance. The movie highlights themes of second chances, personal growth, and the impact of mentorship. Through her journey with the girls, April discovers that success isn’t just about individual achievement but about lifting others up along the way.

Special Effects
The special effects in Feel the Beat are minimal, focusing instead on the choreography and dance performances. The film showcases a variety of dance styles, from contemporary to hip-hop, with energetic and well-coordinated dance numbers that are the film’s main attraction. The cinematography captures the grace and precision of the dancers, emphasizing the emotional and physical aspects of their performances. The vibrant and colorful settings add to the film’s uplifting tone, creating a visually appealing experience.

Box Office Performance
Feel the Beat was released on Netflix and quickly became popular on the platform, especially among family audiences and fans of dance films. While Netflix does not typically disclose detailed viewership statistics, the film was featured in the platform’s top 10 lists in several countries, indicating its popularity. The film’s feel-good story and strong performances resonated with viewers, particularly during its release in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Filming Locations

• Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “You don’t need to be perfect to be amazing.” – April Dibrina
• “Dancing isn’t about being the best. It’s about having fun.” – Barb
• “Sometimes you need to take a step back to move forward.” – Frank Dibrina

Behind-the-Scenes

• Sofia Carson, who plays the lead role of April, is not only an actress but also a singer and dancer, which allowed her to perform many of the dance sequences herself.
• Director Elissa Down, known for her work on films that combine heartwarming stories with relatable characters, brought her expertise to Feel the Beat, creating a film that appeals to a broad audience.
• The young cast members who play April’s dance students were chosen for their real-life dance abilities, adding authenticity to the film’s dance sequences.

Awards

• None, but the film was praised for its positive message, strong performances, and engaging dance sequences.

Final Verdict
Feel the Beat is a delightful and uplifting family film that combines the excitement of dance with a heartwarming story about second chances and personal growth. Sofia Carson shines in the lead role, bringing both charisma and depth to her character. The film’s dance sequences are energetic and well-executed, making it a treat for fans of dance movies. With its positive messages about teamwork, resilience, and finding joy in the journey, Feel the Beat is a perfect choice for a family movie night or anyone looking for an inspiring and feel-good film.

IMDb Rating
6.3/10