Keith Glassman’s award-winning documentary Lives Beyond Motion

Directed and produced by dancer and choreographer Keith Glassman, the 71-minute documentary—originally released in February 2025—explores the personal and professional journeys of internationally renowned male dancers and choreographers—many of whom identify in the LGBTQ+ community. Through candid interviews—conducted over a ten-year period—interwoven with rare archival performance footage, participants discuss their artistic beginnings, creative evolution, the realities of sustaining a life in dance, and the enduring question that connects them all: “Why do I dance?” Along the way, the film also examines broader social and cultural experiences—including the challenges involved in pursuing a dance career in the U.S., experiences with homophobia, the AIDS crisis, racial issues, and more. Viewers are given a rare level of transparency as participants share their sacrifices, triumphs, and struggles to transcend economic, racial, and sexual marginalization.

The film features an original score by composer The Angel and editing by veteran filmmaker Douglas Thompson. The two are also producers and Kevin Herlihy serves as a co-producer, with Glassman as executive producer.

Since its premiere, Lives Beyond Motion has received Best Documentary honors at Dance Camera West and Outstanding Editing at the Micheaux Film Festival, while screening at festivals and special presentations throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and Europe.

Event details:

Confirmed Q&A participants include former Merce Cunningham Dance Company performer and L.A. Dance Chronicle co-founder Jeff Slayton; veteran dancer, choreographer, and educator Vernon Gallegos; and Heidi Duckler Dance Artistic Director Raymond Ejiofor. More TBD.