Father-Daughter Duo Steve and Audrey Zahn Bring Personal Bond to 'She Dances'

The real-life father and daughter open up about the intimate process of co-starring in the new film.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:15am

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In the new film 'She Dances,' Steve Zahn and his daughter Audrey Zahn play a father-daughter duo navigating the world of competitive dance. The two discuss the personal parallels that shaped their on-screen roles, the intensive rehearsal process, and the rewarding experience of bringing their close-knit family dynamics to the big screen.

Why it matters

The film offers a rare, intimate look at the relationship between a father and his teenage daughter, exploring themes of grief, ambition, and the powerful bonds of family that are often underrepresented in mainstream movies.

The details

Steve Zahn and his daughter Audrey co-wrote the script for 'She Dances,' drawing heavily on their own family experiences, including Audrey's background as a competitive dancer. The two spent a month intensively rehearsing the film, an uncommon practice in modern filmmaking, to ensure their natural chemistry and comfort translated on screen. The movie also features Steve's son and wife, as well as the family's own home movies, making it a deeply personal project for the Zahn clan.

  • The film will open in Lexington, Kentucky on March 26, 2026, with a packed hometown premiere.
  • It will then expand to theaters nationwide, including a New York City run at the AMC Empire, on March 27, 2026.

The players

Steve Zahn

An acclaimed actor who co-wrote the script for 'She Dances' and stars as the father, Jason, drawing on his own close relationship with his children.

Audrey Zahn

Steve's daughter, making her feature film debut in the role of Claire, the teenage competitive dancer at the heart of the story.

Ethan Hawke

Steve's longtime friend who plays Jason's best friend, Brian, in the film, exploring the theme of male friendship.

Haley Fish

A dancer who played the role of the antagonist, Mara, based on Audrey's real-life experiences with competitive dance rivalries.

Jamie Harner

The film's choreographer, who has a longstanding personal connection to the Zahn family.

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What they’re saying

“We wrote this script because it's the world that I know. And we knew that only one person could play the part and that was Audrey.”

— Steve Zahn, Co-writer and actor

“I would have loved a movie like this growing up, you know. So it's really cool.”

— Audrey Zahn, Actress

“It's a little movie. That's why it needs support.”

— Steve Zahn, Co-writer and actor

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.