I first met Dan Watt in 2014 when he was working with Broadway actress/singer Anika Larsen on her debut CD, Sing You To Sleep.

Dan called me to see if I would like to do an interview with Anika to help promote the CD.

Being a fan of Anika’s since 2001, of course I said yes.

Eight years later, I am finally getting to do an interview with Dan himself!

In this interview, Dan answered my call to share:

• How he came up with the idea for the documentary film EVERYBODY DANCE
• What it takes to make a documentary film
• The roadblocks he encountered
• How he hopes this film will "Make Thunder"
• So much more

Dan is the founder of DancinDan Productions, an independent entertainment company specializing in unique, original and inspiring entertainment.

Producing quality programming across multiple platforms, Dan has worked with such luminaries as Melissa Manchester, Ben Vereen and the late Betty White and Bea Arthur.

Dan’s newest project is the uplifting, heartfelt documentary called EVERYBODY DANCE.

EVERYBODY DANCE explores the everyday challenges and blessings of kids living with neurological disabilities, following 5 kids, their families and dance teacher on a journey through life and toward their dance recital.

This touching film illuminates the daily challenges faced by children living with a variety of disabilities, focusing on the positive impact of dance in their lives.  Watch this inspiring journey of self-discovery, dedication, achievement and yes DANCE!

Connect with Dan: Website, Instagram

1. Your documentary EVERYBODY DANCE has just been released. How did you come up with the idea to make a documentary about Ballet For All Kids, which teaches ballet & other dance styles to kids of all abilities? I have always been fascinated by people who study the arts and don’t make it a profession. I always ask people questions like, “How did your piano lessons help you in your everyday life or career”? – So, I set out with that in mind.

I used to be a dancer, choreographer and dance teacher in my earlier days and I had a dream about two girls I taught 15 years ago who had autism. I thought, this is god poking me saying, “This is your movie,” so I trusted my gut and here we are.

2. Hundreds of kids have come through Ballet For All Kids, how did you narrow it down to just 5 kids to spotlight in the film? I actually filmed the dance classes for a few weeks and got to know the kids and their stories while in class – I could feel the ones that felt comfortable around me and my crew so I started chatting with their parents and did interviews with them.

In the very beginning I followed 13 kids – I fell in love with all of them so I actually trusted my Emmy nominated editor, Isaiah Camp to narrow it down as he did not have a personal relationship with the kids and would have a better eye on what stories translated better to film.

3. EVERYBODY DANCE really explained the varying abilities people live with. What did you learn about yourself from making this film? I learned we ALL have strengths and weaknesses, things we can and cannot do. We are one community and one world and should be treated as such.

EVERYBODY DANCE festival scene, Photo Courtesy of Dan Watt

4. What are some behind-the-scenes stories you can share about EVERYBODY DANCE? I must say, this movie probably would not have happened without the constant guidance from director Morgan Spurlock. Whenever I hit a roadblock or felt I just couldn’t finish it, I’d reach out to him - he gave me insight and encouragement.

By sharing his personal experiences I realized my bumps in the road were nothing new, it was what all filmmakers go through – Having someone in your corner can make all the difference in the world which actually, now that I think about it, is what Bonnie does for the kids at her studio!

5. What is one part of the documentary that got left on the cutting room floor that you really wanted to include? There are so many amazing kids and families at the studio – I wish we could have included them all - who knows maybe we can get Netflix to do a docuseries – just putting it out there.

6. What was the most challenging part of making/filming EVERYBODY DANCE? Money!!

7. What made it so difficult? Making any film is difficult but when it is about the Arts, unfortunately funding is scarce. I self-funded the film all the way through filming the recital and then was stuck. I searched and searched for funding with no luck – reaching out to many executive producers for help or guidance and the door was shut UNTIL I reached out to Emmy winner and Oscar nominated Executive Producer Howard Barish and Kandoo Films. Fortunately, he loved the message and stepped in to get this film across the finish line.

Another great lesson, if you believe in it and yourself – never give up. (I think this dedication and drive to keep going, comes from my dance training, which leads back to my initial idea for a movie).

8. In the film, you use Lynne Shankel's song "I Will Make Thunder." How do you feel this song captures the essence of the documentary? Lynne’s lyrics are brilliant. The song is an anthem to anyone on a journey. These lyrics bring tears to my eyes and when Bonnie Milligan sings them, you get goosebumps.

I wanna dance in the middle of the street
I wanna run where the sky and ocean meet
I don’t know how, but I do know when
And I’m never going back again to hide my head and shutter at the storm
I WILL MAKE THUNDER…

It feels like it was written for this film, and I am forever grateful to both of these ladies.

9. How do you hope this film makes Thunder? I hope my documentary will enlighten and shine a light on the importance of inclusion and accessibility. And if I’m lucky, uplift and remind us that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.

10. What is something we didn't get to talk about in this interview that you'd like my readers to know about you or EVERYBODY DANCE? You can join these kids on their journey through life and toward their dance recital on AppleTV, iTunes, Amazon Prime and Google Play. And the amazing song, “I Will Make Thunder” is also on iTunes.

More EVERYBODY DANCE Interviews:

2025 (Coming Soon): Dan Watt: EVERYBODY DANCE: Taking The Entrepreneurial Leap
2022 (Read Here): Lynne Shankel: Making Thunder with Music: EVERYBODY DANCE Documentary

Dan Watt, Photo Credit: dFrito Media

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