A fresh look at the YA dance rom-com film at AFM, “I Won’t Dance,” to be directed by Christine Lakin, capturing major global buzz.
Every year, the American Film Market brings a few surprise standouts, but this season, the YA dance rom-com film at AFM sparking genuine heat is “I Won’t Dance.”
Find the full interview on the FlavRReport Youtube channel:
Directed by Christine Lakin—yes, the same Christine millions grew up watching on Friday nights—the project blends romance, athleticism, humor, and a fun-loving sense of movement that feels right on time. It’s the kind of film that resonates with viewers from Los Angeles rooftops to Berlin art districts and Hong Kong harbor lounges.
What makes this story hit deeper is its sincerity.
Ballroom glamour meets real-world emotion, wrapped in a flavorful, modern edge. And as Lakin and her producing partner Alexandra Engelson shared, this film isn’t just entertainment—it’s universal. It’s relatable. And it comes with a sense of humor that feels refreshing in a world ready for joy again.
Why This YA Dance Rom-Com Film at AFM Is Creating Serious Buzz
Christine Lakin may be known for the 90s classic Step by Step, but her evolution into a director has been both intentional and inspiring. As she explains:
“I graced a lot of people’s televisions on Friday nights
in the 90s on a TV show called Step by Step.”
And yet, directing feels like destiny. Years of acting, choreography, and TV directing shaped a creative vision rooted in movement:
“Everything for me looks like movement and music… trying to infuse some kind of musicality within the movement.”
This perspective gives I Won’t Dance a stylish, flavorful tone—fun-loving but grounded, with a rhythm that fits modern audiences across Manhattan, Miami Beach, and Aspen.
Lakin’s training on high-pressure TV sets sharpened her instincts:
“Television is a very fast paced medium…
when you run into issues, you have to pivot very quickly.”
That level of discipline appeals not only to viewers, but also financiers who appreciate efficiency and creative flexibility—especially in independent film.
The Story: Romance, Rivalry, and Ballroom Heat
This YA dance rom-com film at AFM centers on two teens who couldn’t be more different. Lakin describes it simply:
“The belle of the ball must partner with her nemesis…
for a chance to win the national teen dance championship title. And not killing each other would be a win.”
For anyone who loved Strictly Ballroom or The Cutting Edge, the tone will feel instantly familiar—just updated with fun-loving energy for a Gen Z era filled with TikTok dance culture and social humor.
But the film isn’t just about footwork. It’s about family pressure, privilege gaps, and personal purpose. Elena, the underdog raised by a single mother, fights to earn her place in a bougie sport that’s as expensive as it is glamorous. Xavier, her rival, comes from ballroom royalty. Put together, they ignite tension and chemistry—two flavors that make rom-coms unforgettable.
And as Lakin shares:
“It’s about what it means to be a young person… learning how to be yourself and learning what’s important to you.”
That’s a message that resonates from Chicago lofts to San Francisco startup circles—a relatable arc with emotional impact.
The Canary Islands: A Production Playground With Real Incentives
Partner Hula Hoop brings the production to the Canary Islands, offering both beauty and practicality. Lakin says:
“They are just so beautiful. There are so many locations there that work for our benefit.”
From beaches to cityscapes, the islands can double for small-town America and even Las Vegas. Their generous 54% incentive structure also provides financial logic (a topic investors around the country and globally care deeply about).
This approach, combined with New Jersey post-production credits and brand sponsorship conversations, creates a model of responsible, forward-thinking filmmaking.
For more on film incentives, see trusted industry reference data at the Motion Picture Association.
Dance as a Universal Language (and Why Gen Z Will Love It)
The team behind I Won’t Dance understands the social power of movement. Engelson notes:
“The global demand…
is for storytelling that is movement driven.”
And Lakin adds:
“There is something universal about dance… a language we can all understand without having any language barrier to it.”
This universal quality gives the film global reach—from Hong Kong’s dance studios to Berlin’s creative neighborhoods. And with TikTok dominated by dance content, the film feels timely, fun-loving, and primed for shareable moments.
FAQ for “I Won’t Dance”
Q: What genre is “I Won’t Dance”?
A: It’s a YA coming-of-age dance rom-com blending romance, rivalry, sports energy, and ballroom drama.
Q: Where will the film be shot?
A: The movie will be filmed entirely in the Canary Islands, with location doubles for the U.S. and Las Vegas.
Q: Who is directing the film?
A: Actress-turned-director Christine Lakin, known for Step by Step and acclaimed TV directing work.
Heart, humor, and fun-loving ballroom
I Won’t Dance blends heart, humor, and the flavor of a fun-loving ballroom world into a YA story built for modern audiences. With smart financial strategy, global sensibility, and a director who understands movement at every level, this film promises to be a standout as it moves toward production.
AFM had a lot of noise this year. A YA dance rom-coms for a comeback? Really?
The TikTok dance angle is genius.
Great video. Christine Lakin stepping into the director’s chair feels like such a natural evolution.