Draft:Leave it on the Floor (2011 Movie)

Leave it on the Floor (2011) directed by Sheldon Larry, was a movie about the Los Angeles (LA) ballroom dance scene. The movie provides a throwback to the 1980s and 1990s ballroom era that further popularized voguing (among other dances) and the concept of earning prizes (trophies) based on having a panel of judges rating each dancer/performer as they compete, either alone or against each other simultaneously. The African-American and Latino communities are featured in this movie as a homage to the often marginalized group. Elements of the ethnic disparities that existed in Paris is Burning (1991) are also hinted at throughout this film.

The Hollywood Reporter (2011) described Leave it On the Floor as a movie that had characters that "burst into song" and "actually took some chances" while referencing how other movies such as Dreamgirls (2006) kept much of what was given to the actors from the original play and the portrayals that the original cast displayed. However, critics noted that Leave it on the Floor had "the potential" for "cult status" in the coming years for its "niche audience" even though it might not have had the box office standing at the time. (Hollywood Reporter, 2011)

Main Cast
The movie had several popular actors who appeared in it. Many actors had starring roles for the first time on the screen. The cast list included Ephraim Sykes (Bradley), Andre Myers (Carter), Philip Evelyn (Princess Eminence), Barbie-Q (Queef Latina), Cameron Koa (Duke Eminence), James Alsop (Eppie Durall), Hailie Weaver (Ballroom Cashier), and De'Markes Dogan (Caldwell Jones).

Plot
Leave it on the floor is a coming-of-age story about Bradley (Ephraim Sykes) who is struggling with his sexuality while grappling with abiding by his mother's household rules. Bradley is forced by his mother to leave his childhood home due to his sexual preference. Bradley suddenly has to fend for himself in the streets and eventually finds comfort with like-minded individuals like himself. Being somewhat sheltered, Bradley gains new experiences from his new gay allies who teach him quite a bit along the way.

Bradley is introduced to the ballroom scene. He eventually practices and masters his craft as sex siren. This is not without some drama and pain along the way. The challenges Bradley faces include a major loss toward the end of the movie.

In the end, Bradley becomes a successful leader amongst his ballroom peers. The movie ends on a whimsical note using a reprise of music from the opening scene. Bradley and Queef Latina rise as the phoenixes that they are and the movie ends.

Other Cast
Other popular supporting cast in Leave it On the Floor included: Michael Franklin (Thug Realness), Clent Bowers (Eppie's Father), singer and actress Ledisi (Princess' Mother), and Theron Cook (Street Hustler).

There were several popular male dancers who also appeared in the movie including Anthony Burrell, Skyh Alvester Black, and Casper Smart. Popular female dancers included Ashley Everett, Stephanie Moseley, Jessica Martinez, Shirlene Quigley, Jillian Schmitz, and Aisha Jamila Francis.

Leave it on the Floor (2011) is available on many streaming platforms including Apple TV, Amazon Prime and can be purchased on DVD as well.