Overview. Professional dancer Jillian Schmitz performs a series of deeply personal monologues while stripping away secrecy and stigma using the medium of burlesque. Deeply symbolic, the film challenges viewers to see past the facade of glamour and presentation, to grittier truths.

Director’s bio. Mesha Kussman has been working for over a decade as a professional choreographer. Working on set alongside the Coen Brothers to choreograph Scarlett Johansson’s water ballet in Hail, Caesar!, collaborating with Jon Chu to create tour footage for Justin Bieber, contributing to Amy Sherman Palladino’s vision for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and choreographing music videos for Lizzo, New Kids On The Block, Rita Ora and more… has shaped her innovative + kinetic directing style. In recent years she has been directing music videos and dance-inspired commercial content for brands. This is her first film.

Director’s statement. This is a film about recovery. I was originally drawn to adapt Jillian’s live performance for screen because I identified with her story of navigating depression, an abusive relationship, body dysmorphia and misogyny. But most of all, I felt drawn in by her resilience. As a woman who has recently overcome the loss of both my parents, shortly after having two children of my own, I have been in deep reflection about what makes or breaks a person and the impact of the legacy one leaves behind.

I admire how Jillian is willing to face and even dance through the dark corners of her pain. By sharing her story, she strips away the shame and stigma that historically accompany these themes of violence and abuse which so many women experience. She is an example of how embracing one's authenticity is the key to healing and recovery. I want to leave a legacy behind as a woman who faces my personal demons, stands up to bullies, and through my life & work celebrates authenticity and self-love.

A statement from Jillian Schmitz, the writer/performer.
Can a woman celebrate her sensuality and sexuality without being sexualized? I dance burlesque to celebrate female sexuality and sensuality. To highlight its beauty and creative power. This is often confused with being sexualized. My performances are not to satiate the traditional male gaze. It is to share insight into my own female expression and spirit. I discard clothing as an analogy for letting go and transformation. I expose myself as a metaphor for freedom.

Jillian Schmitz, is an active member of sobriety, and recovery. She is a mental health, eating disorder, abuse and addiction recovery advocate.