House music, with its deep, rhythmic basslines and hypnotic grooves, has long been a beacon of freedom, self-expression, and cultural unity. Director Elegance Bratton’s documentary, Move Ya Body, delves into the artistic evolution of this influential genre while examining its historical and sociopolitical significance. What makes this project even more fascinating is its unexpected catalyst—former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
A Surprising Origin
The film’s journey began when producer Roger Williams was approached by Clinton, a Chicago native with a deep appreciation for house music. Williams, an ardent fan himself, saw an opportunity to explore the genre’s roots and global impact through film. Recognizing Bratton’s unique ability to blend personal storytelling with broader cultural narratives, he brought him on board for what Bratton considered a welcome “palette cleanser” after the intense themes of his previous film, The Inspection.
“The project was brought to me by Roger, and he was like, ‘I’ve got this project with Hillary Clinton, because she loves house music,’” Bratton shared. “I didn’t know she was a house head!”
Williams himself was thrilled by Clinton’s enthusiasm. Her involvement as an executive producer, alongside her daughter Chelsea through their production company HiddenLight, added a unique layer of credibility and intrigue to the documentary.
“Hillary is from Chicago. So when I met Hillary, I said, ‘No one is gonna believe that you’re a house music lover. This is great!’” Williams said. “I found myself on the dance floor in house music. It takes you to another place. There’s a freedom with being on the dance floor in house music.”
House Music as a Personal and Cultural Awakening
Bratton’s connection to house music runs deep. Growing up in New York, he found solace in the pulsating beats of the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. For him, house music was more than just a genre—it was a sanctuary that allowed him to embrace his identity beyond societal expectations.
“To me, house music is the soundtrack of me growing up. As a kid with a name like Elegance, everyone assumed I was gay,” Bratton explained. “Everyone was putting pressure on me to be a ‘real man.’ And then I snuck into The Limelight, this incredible nightclub in New York City, and for the first time those things that I was ridiculed for or punished for became superpowers. And the soundtrack of that liberation was house music.”
A Tribute to Freedom and Inclusion
At its core, Move Ya Body is more than a documentary about music; it’s a celebration of the communities that built house music and the ways in which the genre has empowered marginalized groups. Bratton highlights how queer individuals, femme-identifying people, and women have shaped the culture of house music and, in doing so, have helped redefine societal notions of freedom and identity.
“This film is about house music, but it’s also about how queer people, femme people, and women can teach us all how to be free,” Bratton emphasized.
The Impact of Move Ya Body
With Move Ya Body, Bratton and his team have crafted a film that not only chronicles the sonic evolution of house music but also serves as a testament to its enduring power as a cultural force. The involvement of Clinton adds an unexpected but meaningful dimension, bridging the worlds of politics, music, and social activism in a way that highlights house music’s far-reaching influence.
As audiences prepare to experience Move Ya Body, they can expect more than just a history lesson—they will witness a deeply personal and universal story of liberation, rhythm, and the unbreakable bond between music and identity.
