Streetdance Family

Although dance-contest documentaries follow a familiar format, each one strives to unearth those human-interest stories that keep audiences on the edge of their seat, preferably with a tissue in hand. Directors Debbie Shuter and Adam Tysoe tweak the rubric here in following Barking street-dance troupe Entity from the British to the World championships in 2014, by placing more emphasis on inspirational choreographer Tashan Muir and the parents of his 10-16-year-old charges than the aspirational kids themselves. They put in the long hours and reap the rewards with some spirited routines. But Shuter and Tysoe (whose son Ethan is the newest recruit) dwell on the sacrifices made by parents to help their children realise their dream. Contrasting highlights involve recently widowed Laura Walsh and her daughter Keir sharing how Entity helped them cope with their loss, and the cringe-inducing meltdown of Street Dance president Derek Povey as the UK's first-ever finalists wait to perform within earshot. The sociopolitical message bubbles beneath the surface, but the focus remains on hard graft, friendship and dedication right up to the rousing, feel-good finale.