Kelley Kali, whose credits include must-sees Kemba and Jagged Mind, has a new indie drama is on the horizon—and it’s one that’s shaping up to be both powerful and deeply personal.
Omari Hardwick, Tavon Olds-Sample, Reggie Lochard, and Anika Noni Rose are set to star in Shadow Dance, a coming-of-age feature about ambition, identity, and survival.
Olds-Sample—known for his standout performance as “Middle Michael” in MJ the Musical on Broadway—will lead as Amare, a gifted young dancer whose dream of stardom collides with the dark side of the entertainment world. After being cast out by his father for who he is, Amare finds refuge in the home of a charismatic stranger who offers mentorship and opportunity—at a dangerous cost.
The cast also features Omar J. Dorsey, Adrienne Warren, and Jasmine Guy.
Written and produced by Lochard, Shadow Dance will be directed by Kelley Kali (Jagged Mind) and produced by Ty Walker (Imperium) under the Braveheart Entertainment banner. Production is scheduled to begin in Q1 2026, with financing coming through private equity sources.
According to the film’s synopsis, Shadow Dance follows Amare Jordan, “an aspiring dancer who finds himself out on the streets after his father walks in on him in bed with another man. Now on his own, he must navigate the harsh realities of survival while chasing his dream of becoming a professional dancer. Scared and alone, he meets Dennis Knight, a seemingly kind and generous man who takes him down a rabbit hole of drugs, sex, and lies.”
With its exploration of identity, acceptance, and the pursuit of artistry against all odds, Shadow Dance promises to deliver an emotional and unflinching look at what it means to fight for your truth in a world that often demands you hide it.
