Dancing (1995)
A tender, heartbreaking BBC short about a dying Glasgow woman who finds refuge in whisky, morphine, and the music of her youth.
Dancing - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1995
- Directed by: Stevan Rimkus
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 22m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1995 (United Kingdom)
- Production Companies: BBC Scotland, Scottish Screen
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Dancing - Plot
Dying of cancer, an old woman trapped in her Glasgow flat relieves her pain by drinking morphine and whisky cocktails and dreaming of her youth and dancing to the bittersweet music of The Inkspots.
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Dancing - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Stevan Rimkus
Main Cast
- Sylvia Syms
- Patricia Kerrigan
- Jason Flemyng
- John Kazek
- Jack Docherty
- Natasha Little
- Daniela Nardini
Producers
- Pamela Wilson
Dancing - FAQs
What is Dancing (1995) about?
Dancing follows an elderly woman in Glasgow who is dying of cancer. Confined to her flat, she eases her pain with morphine and whisky while drifting into vivid memories of her youth, set to the nostalgic, bittersweet sounds of The Inkspots. It's a quietly devastating portrait of life, loss, and longing.
Who directed the 1995 short film Dancing?
Dancing was directed by Stevan Rimkus. The film was produced by BBC Scotland and Scottish Screen, and released in the United Kingdom in January 1995. It's a compact but emotionally rich short film running just 22 minutes.
Who stars in Dancing (1995)?
The film features a strong cast led by Sylvia Syms and Patricia Kerrigan. They're joined by Jason Flemyng, John Kazek, Jack Docherty, Natasha Little, and Daniela Nardini — several of whom would go on to become well-known faces in British film and television.
Where can you watch Dancing (1995)?
You can find current streaming and viewing options for Dancing on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. Given its status as a short BBC production, availability may be limited, so JustWatch is your best bet for up-to-date options.
How long is the short film Dancing?
Dancing runs just 22 minutes, making it a short film rather than a feature. Despite its brief runtime, it packs a powerful emotional punch, using its tight focus to deliver an intimate and affecting story about memory, mortality, and the solace found in music.
What is the significance of The Inkspots in Dancing?
The Inkspots serve as the emotional heartbeat of the film. Their melancholic, nostalgic sound transports the dying protagonist back to her youth, when dancing was a source of joy and freedom. The music becomes a lifeline — a way to escape pain and reconnect with a version of herself long past.
Is Dancing (1995) based on a true story?
Dancing does not appear to be based on a specific true story. It reads as an original dramatic work, though its portrayal of terminal illness, isolation, and the comfort of memory feels deeply rooted in universal human experience, giving it a raw, authentic quality that resonates as profoundly real.
What films are similar to Dancing (1995)?
If Dancing moved you, you might also enjoy The Outrun (2024), Leaving Las Vegas (1995), Crazy Heart (2009), and Eleanor the Great (2025) — all films that explore themes of addiction, grief, and the search for meaning. Moulin Rouge! (2001) shares the film's love of music as emotional refuge.
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