Steve Zahn is one of those actors who makes everything he’s in just that much better. He makes comedies funnier; his characters, even the smaller roles, are always embued with so much heart that you remember them when the film is over. So it’s no surprise that She Dances, a film that he co-wrote with director and friend Rick Gomez, is a heartwarming, funny, and endearing charmer. That it’s also a family affair in more ways than one, makes it just that much better.
She Dances is also the acting debut of Zahn’s daughter, Audrey, and it’s an impressive performance that could be the start of a career as prolific as her father’s. A trained dancer, Audrey plays Claire, a competitive dancer embarking on her final competition along with her best friend, Kat, played by Mackenzie Ziegler. Steve plays Audrey’s estranged father, Jason, who steps in to chaperone them on this trip, and hopefully reconnect with his daughter.
So while the film presents itself as a familiar father/daughter dramedy, She Dances has a lot more going on. Jason and Audrey are both reeling from a recent trauma that has driven a wedge between them, and the film is about leaning on the people closest to you when times are tough. It’s also a film about growing up, standing up for yourself, and the power of friendship. Of course, there’s also a lot in there about the spirit of competition, and parents who force their dreams onto their kids to fulfill.
It was a real treat for me to chat with Steve Zahn, an actor I have loved for years, and Audrey Zahn, about She Dances. We talked about Steve’s inspiration for the film, whether the plan was always for Audrey to star, and whether Audrey was always interested in acting and how she feels about the entire process.
She Dances (review here) is open in theaters now. Check out the interview below!
