It makes me laugh, because I learned to do guerrilla filmmaking with Jim. And now I'm in this big movie where they bought the PATH train for the night because there's a scene where Chris Rock and I are having a conversation. Tyrone Brown, the bandleader, said the filmmakers probably weren't aware of all the ways in which the movie directly mirrored life. A drum major with a speaking role became pregnant six months after filming finished. Things happen because of the stress that goes here with the poverty.
People think there's no answer, no other way out.
But Mr. Brown is counting on the movie to help raise expectations and the profile of the Steppers. He's hoping that new exposure of the film will lead to more parade invitations, perhaps university scholarships for graduating players and the chance to perform for an expanding audience. Tom Carson is the movie columnist for Esquire. Privacy Information Stay connected to the news that interests you with free e-mail alerts from The New York Times.