Growing up as a dancer, it was my dream to be on a college team. After a few romantic years, the reality of the collegiate dance world started to negatively affect me. I set out to interview other dancers on Midwest teams and found my experience to be far from unique. This is the story of women being told to be seen and not heard. Of athletes suffering through mental and physical anguish. The story of what really goes on, behind the pretty faces in red lipstick.

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This film started as a humble school project and quickly grew to be much more. Nine official selections and four awards later, Call Them Athletes has helped dancers across the country feel seen and heard. Strangers have been outraged and disgusted.

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Call Them Athletes is just the beginning of getting collegiate dancers the rights they deserve. There is still much work to be done.