High Strung

This entertaining display of talent mixes classical and contemporary music and dance techniques, exposing enthusiasts of either one to the other genre. And the movie argues that mastering contemporary skills requires just as much hard work, drive, and talent as mastering classical technique -- equal admiration and respect are given to both disciplines. Energetic and imaginative choreography shows how much the performers in each category can learn from one another when artists collaborate, rather than compete. In fact, High Strung is at its best when it showcases the fun and exhilaration of following a passion. For example, musicians in a bar turn country-inspired fiddling into riffs on Swan Lake. And a swanky party devolves into a toe-tapping fiddle-off as competing violinists play variations on Ernesto Lecuona's Malaguena.

It helps that the stars are genuinely artistically talented. Kampa is one of few Americans to have starred in a Russian ballet company, and the camera loves Galitzine; as Johnnie, he gets to show off impressive musical, dance, and acting chops. Co-stars John Silver and Marcus Mitchell are also outstanding dancers. Michael Damian's direction is adroit, and the script -- while sometimes a bit corny -- is well intended, with moments of wisdom. As a dance teacher puts it, "Each time you conquer a step, there will always be another challenge waiting. It's a long road, it never ends." Good advice for anyone.