I was on a Netflix binge the other week and I saw three really inspiring documentaries that I really wanted to share with you:

A Man Named Pearl; Bela Fleck: Throw Down Your Heart and Mad Hot Ballroom

A Man Named Pearl was a truly inspiring story about an African-American man living in a small southern town who expresses his creativity and artistic voice through nature, more specifically through his garden. A son of sharecroppers and a former can factory worker, he invents himself into a seasoned horticulturist. He transformed his humble garden into a playground of geometric shapes and imposing structures - think of painting of the Versailles gardens painted by Picasso. This was the image of his garden - a true artist of nature.

Bela Fleck: Throw Down Your Heart is the incredible journey of American banjoist, Bela Fleck. He essentially brings the story and sound of the banjo back to its home in Africa. He travels throughout Eastern and Western Africa, playing with local musicians. The familiar sound of the banjo in bluegrass or country music was transformed into another language, a language perhaps closer to its African roots. The musical relationships between Fleck and the musicians and the music created were beautiful, illustrating that language of sound and music is something that is trans-cultural, universal and malleable to interpretation. It was a truly beautiful film and the music was absolutely amazing!

Mad Hot Ballroom, a wonderful story of several New York City schools competing for the annual ballroom dancing competitions. It shows elementary school students, from various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, give their all to earn the title of dance champions. These kids have a lot of heart, soul, and of course, moves, as you witness them bring the heat to the dance floor.

Be sure to check these out! You will not be disappointed.