If you’re from Harlem, you’re no stranger to the phrase, “Get Lite” and the energy it brings. A community of culture, art and style, it should be no surprise that one of the most iconic dances reigned from the uptown Manhattan region: Litefeet.
Born in the streets of Harlem in the early 2000’s, young dance groups started “Getting Lite” by incorporating jumps and fast footwork into their routines, which strayed from floor work-focused break dancing. Litefeet is all about quick, seemingly effortless movements that make one quite literally look light on their feet. The style highlights legendary moves such as the Tone Wop, Chicken Noodle Soup, Shuffling and the infamous “Harlem Shake.”
As the dance circulated its way around neighborhoods, Harlem youth and dance groups, Litefeet grew to be a cultural staple amongst the Harlem community. Young dancers brought the style to the rest of the city through common subway performances that mesmerize many onlookers on their daily commutes-and hopefully bring in some cash. If you’re a Harlem dancer, “Getting Lite” definitely plays some type of role in your origin story.
It seems only fitting now that the latest film on the dance style is set to be directed by the rose of Harlem herself, Teyana Taylor.
Announced in March, Taylor will be making her directorial debut with the film, “Get Lite,” which is currently in development with Paramount Pictures. What’s more, according to Deadline, the film will star beloved actress Storm Reid (“The Last of Us,” “Euphoria,” “A Wrinkle in Time”) as the main character.
“Get Lite” follows a scholarly teenage boy who collides with Reid’s character, a “charismatic beatmaker,” who reignites his love for dance when she invites him to join her crew. In the film, the boy has to choose between the safe academic path he’s on, or his passion-a true ode to Harlem-bred dancers. This is showcased through Taylor’s own rise to fame as she started out as a young dancer in Harlem that choreographed many of her own music videos.
Although this is Taylor’s first time directing a film, she most definitely is not unfamiliar with leadership roles. In 2017, Taylor founded her all-female production company, The Aunties, which will also be producing “Get Lite.”
Along with The Aunties, the film is also getting produced by Reid’s production company (A Seed & Wings Productions), “Black-ish” creator Kenya Barris and Anni Weisband. Coco Gilbert is set to co-produce and Taylor is executive producer with Eric Gross as the screenplay writer.
The film does not have a set release date announced yet, but in an Instagram post on March 18, Taylor shared that she will be auditioning dancers in NYC soon.
“NEW YORK GET READY TO GET LITE! Auditions coming soon!” Taylor wrote in her post. “The only way to seek opportunity is to ‘STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS PLEASE.’”
