Sundance 2026: Ha‑Chan, Shake Your Booty! Finds Grace in Recovery and Rhythm

Josef Kubota Wladyka’s Ha‑Chan, Shake Your Booty! pulses with tenderness, flowing gracefully between sorrow and renewal as it follows Haru and Luis through Tokyo’s vibrant ballroom scene. The film begins with a heartfelt sense of devotion: two dancers who see competition as a shared breath, a bond forged in movement. When Haru steps away after a devastating loss, the narrative softens, creating space for her retreat and the quiet that follows. Wladyka masterfully guides these early moments with patient care, casting a gentle shimmer over Haru’s solitude.

The film’s energy ignites anew when Haru’s friends persuade her to return to the studio. This moment pulses with a subtle thrill, as if the very floor remembers her footsteps. Here, a new instructor—played with charming warmth by Damián Alcázar—becomes a catalyst for Haru’s rediscovery. Their scenes are infused with elegant tension, created through meaningful glances, deliberate pauses, and the gradual re-establishment of trust. Alejandro Edda and Alberto Guerra enrich the story as spirited dancers who orbit the main duo with humor and heartfelt affection.

Wladyka and co‑writer Nicholas Huynh craft a compelling narrative that invites viewers into a realm of emotional honesty. The film’s middle section sparkles with rehearsal scenes, small victories, and the tender emergence of Haru’s infatuation. Alcázar delivers a confident, steady performance, providing guidance that feels natural and earned. The choreography transforms into a silent language, conveying what Haru cannot voice aloud. These moments resonate deeply, giving the film its most vibrant heartbeat.

Wladyka and co‑writer Nicholas Huynh craft a compelling narrative that invites viewers into a realm of emotional honesty. The film’s middle section sparkles with rehearsal scenes, small victories, and the tender emergence of Haru’s infatuation. Alcázar delivers a confident, steady performance, providing guidance that feels natural and earned. The choreography transforms into a silent language, conveying what Haru cannot voice aloud. These moments resonate deeply, giving the film its most vibrant heartbeat.

As Haru ventures into a new chapter of herself, the film celebrates the enchanting power of small awakenings. The final act seamlessly weaves dance, desire, and renewal into a radiant glow. Alcázar’s instructor transforms into both muse and mirror, guiding Haru to reignite the spark she once effortlessly carried. Wladyka’s direction masterfully emphasizes movement—both physical and emotional—culminating in a story that leaves viewers uplifted and inspired.

Ha‑Chan, Shake Your Booty! may dance with subtlety, but its vibrant spirit shines through. Through movement, friendship, and a gentle reclaiming of confidence, the film paints an authentic and heartfelt portrait of healing. Its joyful moments flicker like sparks: a welcoming hand, a step rediscovered, a rhythm reignited.

Letter Grade: B+.