The Art of Dance Doubling: Inside the Film Industry's Hidden Performers
Over the last year, dance has played a significant role in movies such as Pretty Lethal and The Bride!, with dance doubles—skilled dancers substituting for actors—taking center stage. Maidie Widmer, a ballet dancer from London, became involved in Pretty Lethal early on, collaborating with choreographer Will Tuckett. Director Vicky Jewson selected her to be Iris Apatow's dance double, leading to six weeks of filming in Budapest. Meanwhile, tap dancer Luke Hickey connected with director Maggie Gyllenhaal via choreographer Michelle Dorrance and landed the role of Jake Gyllenhaal's dance double after auditioning for Ronnie Reed. He spent six weeks working with Dorrance before filming in Brooklyn. Dance doubles often work alongside stunt teams, and establishing rapport with actors is crucial. Aimée Casey, who doubled for Millicent Simmonds, learned ASL to enhance communication.
Key facts
- Dance doubles are professional dancers who step in for actors in technical dance sequences.
- Maidie Widmer was cast as Iris Apatow's dance double in Pretty Lethal after director Vicky Jewson noticed their resemblance.
- Widmer worked with choreographer Will Tuckett and filmed for six weeks in Budapest.
- Luke Hickey was introduced to director Maggie Gyllenhaal at a Dorrance Dance rehearsal by Michelle Dorrance.
- Hickey became Jake Gyllenhaal's dance double in The Bride!, working with Dorrance for six weeks before shooting in Brooklyn.
- Dance doubles on Pretty Lethal collaborated with stunt teams and had to adapt to fight sequences.
- Aimée Casey learned ASL to communicate with Millicent Simmonds, whom she doubled in Pretty Lethal.
- Dance doubles emphasize the importance of training broadly and building strong relationships with actors.
Entities
Artists
- Maidie Widmer
- Iris Apatow
- Will Tuckett
- Vicky Jewson
- Luke Hickey
- Maggie Gyllenhaal
- Michelle Dorrance
- Jake Gyllenhaal
- Aimée Casey
- Millicent Simmonds
Institutions
- Dorrance Dance
- Pretty Lethal
- The Bride!
Locations
- London
- Budapest
- New York City
- Brooklyn
- United Kingdom