Jig: The True Story Of The Irish Dancing World Championship Review

Toe-tapping children compete to become the next Michael Flatley in this mildly entertaining documentary. As the 40th Irish Dancing World Championships approach, filmmaker Sue Bourne follows young competitors from all over the world. With diamante-studded costumes costing thousands, this is no cheap hobby, and parents talk of remortgaging in order to finance their darlings’ progress. It’s an interesting insight into a world of fake tans, frozen grins and broken dreams — although the talent on show is beyond beauty-pageant standards and the dedication is remarkable. Only one or two case studies deliver Spellbound-style one-liners, so this is more of a balanced portrait than a hilarious one, but it’s well filmed, and certainly one for dance fans.