How to Dance in Ohio
A review by Emma and Sam
How to Dance in Ohio is an inspiring documentary that goes into the homes and workplaces of autistic teenagers and young adults as they prepare for their annual spring formal. It emphasizes that the lives of high-functioning teens and young adults on the autistic spectrum are not much different from those of any other adolescent. In the twelve weeks leading up to the dance, they learn common social and dance skills. Throughout the movie, you fall in love with three of the girls within the program: Jessica, Caroline, and Meredith, as they pick dates, dresses, and a King and Queen for dance overall.
The film started out focusing equally on both boys and girls, but in the editing process, the director made the decision to concentrate on girls. During the time leading up to the dance, the girls (and a few guys, too) face issues that anyone who has gone to a high school dance know: buying a dress, finding a date, being nervous about dancing. Along with these and some others, these autistic adolescents have other challenges to face that may be somewhat familiar to anyone but are also somewhat intensified. These include finding work as a person on the autism spectrum, socializing in general, and having a difficulty in expressing feelings.
Both Emma and Sam agree that this film was worth the ticket. It was comical and moving all in one. It gives the viewer an idea of what life is like as a person on the autistic spectrum. We would both highly recommend this film.
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