Step (2017)

Follows the founding class of the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women and their STEP group.The main point of the school is for every girl to graduate from high school, get into college and then graduate from college.Raw emotion and choices that some of the ladies make impact their futures for better and worse.Must see!

Greetings again from the darkness. Director Amanda Lipitz proves that a documentary can be both inspiring and a bit sad. She takes us inside the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women and introduces us to the senior girls on the Step dance squad known as the "Lethal Ladies". The school was founded in 2009 with the goal of sending every student to college, in spite of the challenges and barriers faced in this inner city community. This is the school's first senior class, and everyone – students, teachers, parents, administration – is on edge.Emotions overflow throughout the film. The normal roller coaster ride that accompanies high school girls is somehow magnified when the pressures of becoming the first one in the family to attend college collide with such harsh realities as poor grades, no food in the fridge, no power in the home, and inconsistent support from parental units. There is also the goal of winning the year-end Step competition against schools that have a more successful track record, and who likely don't face the extremes of Baltimore street violence and poverty that is normal for these girls each day.Ms. Lipitz' film, a Sundance award winner, never backs away from the emotion of the moment and yet still manages to maintain the long-game perspective of trying to get each of these students graduated and accepted into college. She dives into the home lives of a few of these girls and though all of the parents want the best for the kids, it's quite obvious that the type of home support and structure varies widely even amongst these few we follow.The real beauty of this environment is that the school provides structure, guidance and support all along the way. The Step coach pushes them hard daily towards being the best they can be going into the competition. The girls also push themselves and each other, and overcome some personality conflicts, all for the sake of a stronger team. The school principal has one-on-one meetings to light a fire when necessary, and you've likely never seen a more dedicated high school college counselor who doles out hugs and motivation in whatever dosage is necessary.The key message here is that it takes a combination of inner-strength and drive, and a support system of family, teachers, coaches, administrators and friends, for kids to have a chance at finding a way to succeed at life … whether that's at Johns Hopkins or a local community college program. This is a special film with a real-world case study of students looking for a way up, and of those looking to provide the necessary boost.

Step is one of those rare films that is great for all ages. You will go on a journey of tears and laughter with 3 girls, their families, the entire team and staff of the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women. Knowledge is Power but without support the road is difficult. These young women have support but they and others like them are often forgotten. This film will have accomplished its mission of change if each viewer does something to educate and mentor just one child...that is how movements are built!

STEP exceeded my expectations! Variety has called it ""Hoop Dreams" for the social media generation". I was skeptical - another doc on the marginalize. But this is different thanks to the filmmaker – who entertained while documenting a slice of life for this group of students, parents and their teachers. See it!