THE DANCE

D: John Darling Haynes.

Documentary Feature Competition, World Premiere This visually poetic documentary is about Billy “Pops” Roth, an ex-boxer, trainer, coach, and referee who has been sharing the sweet science with Louisiana state inmates for over 40 years. Shot on a mixture of film and video, The Dance demonstrates how one man can make a difference given enough time. Director John Darling Haynes chronicles four of Roth’s pupils, including Clifford Etienne (whose recent loss to Mike Tyson gave him his 15 minutes of household fame). All four students repeat themselves: Pops showed them how to find freedom within their oppressive confines, and he also taught them about respect, hard work, and dedication. Haynes has found an amazing subject in Roth, a man whose blend of modesty and honesty allows him to create bonds with men that society generally tries to forget about. (ACC, March 13, 9:30pm; Paramount, March 14, 9pm)

This article appears in March 14 • 2003.

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