LXD: The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers

Chu, Jon. LXD: The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers. Paramount: 2010. ASIN: B003VQO4U2.

Plot Summary:
"Some people can be trained to attain their gift, others are born with it, but all must choose their destiny." That's how the narrator begins this innovative program. People with supernatural abilities live among us and are apart of the LXD. There are also those who do not posses supernatural abilities, but desire to help the LXD with their mission. In the beginning, the plot casts a wide net that is seemingly unconnected, but as the chapters progress the intricate web begins to take shape. The first chapter shows Trevor Drift, a high school senior with a strict, overprotective father. Trevor has known that something is different about him since childhood, but unsure of the significance. His father forbids attending the senior prom. Trevor disobeys and attends the dance with unexpected results. At the dance another student pushes Trevor around and his response is some completely amazing dance moves. The DJ notices his talent and makes a phone call. Several men show up and begin dancing with Trevor in the same amazing style. It is as if gravity does not apply to them. The next shot is Trevor leaving his home with these men with a suitcase in hand. Later a man shows up to Trevor's home and has a 'fight' with Trevor's dad. This fight is dancing, yet the idea of a violent fight is obvious.

Critical Evaluation:
This program has been described as ground breaking, and it's hard to find adequate words to describe the skill of the dancers. Unlike a typical television program the story is broken up into unique chapters. For example, chapter three is called Robot's Story and there is virtually no dialogue. The actors communicate through action including phenomenal robot style dancing and the audience is given brief phrases written on the screen periodically to move the plot along. A narrator speaks before each chapter and explains the movement of the plot to the audience. This convention is not obvious, but the result is very effective and gives an epic feel to the story. Jon Chu, the creator/director is known for Step-Up and Step-Up2, both movies that revolve around dance. The actors/dancers are racially diverse, but there aren't very many women. The director uses different film techniques that really add to the idea of these teens having supernatural powers. At times the film slows down, not into slow motion, but slow enough to see the dance moves clearly. The music is showstopping including many different styles. With a comic book feel and supernatural dancers it will be interesting to see how this show evolves.

Reader's Annotation:
The Uprising has started. Which side are you on?

Genre:
Adventure/Fantasy

Talking Points:
Rebellion
Dance
Film making

Interest Age:
7th +

Why I Included This:
This is so awesome, I wanted to share.