House music has become big business, as pop superstars like Lady Gaga and Beyoncé incorporate the euphoric intensity and driving beats of the style into mainstream hits. But house didn’t begin on the beaches of Ibiza or at a stadium show. It was born in Chicago, where the backlash against disco led to the creation of a musical subculture centering Black and queer people. Move Ya Body: The Birth of House gives credit where it’s long overdue, shining light on the basement parties and DIY visionaries who changed the way the world dances. And it isn’t afraid to call out the phonies and parasites, either.

Returning to documentary filmmaking after 2022’s The Inspection, director Elegance Bratton traces house music to its conception, telling the story of a nerdy Black Chicago teenager named Vince Lawrence who was the target of racist violence at the infamous “Disco Demolition Night” in 1979. Lawrence later received a settlement for the hate crime and used that money to buy a Moog synthesizer and form his first band. Soon after, Lawrence and a group of friends would record “On and On,” the first house record, building a legacy that also includes — among others — Lawrence’s co-writer Jesse Saunders and the “godfather of house” DJ Frankie Knuckles. Using a combination of re-enactments, archival footage and new interviews with key players, Bratton takes house back to its sweaty, defiant, joyful roots.—Faridah Gbadamosi

After the Premiere: A house music dance party with Celeste Alexander, Lori Branch, and Lady D.

Elegance Bratton