Jen Lilley
Emma
Overview
Emma relinquishes her job so a colleague with a family will keep his. Contemplating life’s next steps, Emma meets a professional dancer, Leo whose love for competitive dancing is waning, until a once in a lifetime opportunity arises for the novice to join the pro and sweep all of Paris off its feet.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
5 min readDancing on the Edge of Cliché
I’ll admit it: I went into A Paris Christmas Waltz expecting another holiday movie where the plot exists only to deliver a series of cozy, forgettable moments. And in many ways, that’s exactly what it is. But somewhere between the predictable meet-cute and the obligatory mistletoe moment, something unexpected happened.
I started tapping my foot. Not out of impatience, but because the film’s dance sequences—real, sweaty, and alive—managed to do what the script often couldn’t: make me feel something.
That’s the paradox of Michael Damian’s latest holiday confection. It’s a movie that stumbles over its own formula, yet still leaves you humming its tune long after the credits roll. Maybe that’s because, like a waltz, it knows how to lead even when it’s stepping on its own toes.
The story is as familiar as a Christmas carol. Emma (Jen Lilley), an accountant with a heart of gold, quits her job so a single dad can keep his. Adrift in Paris (or at least a very convincing stand-in), she bumps into Leo (Matthew Morrison), a once-passionate dancer who’s lost his spark.
Their chemistry is instant, the kind of effortless connection that only exists in movies and Hallmark cards. But here’s the twist: instead of falling into bed or bickering their way through a snowstorm, they fall into a dance partnership. Emma, a novice, agrees to compete in a pro-am ballroom competition with Leo, who’s desperate to reignite his love for the art.
It’s a premise that could have been ridiculous. Instead, it’s… charming. Mostly because the film doesn’t try to pretend it’s anything more than a holiday fantasy.
The dialogue is serviceable, the conflicts are telegraphed from a mile away, and the supporting characters—Emma’s wisecracking best friend, Leo’s gruff but lovable mentor—are little more than cardboard cutouts. But when the music swells and the dancers take the floor, A Paris Christmas Waltz suddenly remembers why it exists.
The dance sequences are the film’s saving grace. Choreographed by Pasha Kovalev (who also makes a cameo), they’re not just window dressing—they’re the emotional core of the story. Watching Emma and Leo’s first awkward rehearsal, you can almost feel the blisters forming on their feet.
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsBehind the Scenes of Paris Christmas Waltz: A Holiday Romance with Dance and Heart
Michael Damian’s Paris Christmas Waltz (2023) is the latest festive romance to sweep audiences off their feet—literally. Set against the twinkling backdrop of Paris during the holiday season, the film blends competitive ballroom dance with a classic meet-cute, offering a fresh twist on the genre. But what went into bringing this wintry fairy tale to life? Here’s what we know about the making of the movie, its cast, and the creative vision behind it.
A Story of Second Chances and Dance Floors
At its core, Paris Christmas Waltz follows Emma (Jen Lilley), a woman at a crossroads after selflessly giving up her job to help a colleague keep his. Adrift in Paris, she crosses paths with Leo (Matthew Morrison), a once-passionate professional dancer whose competitive fire has dimmed. Their chance encounter reignites Leo’s love for dance—and sparks an unexpected partnership that could change both their lives 
.
The film’s premise leans into the classic "opposites attract" trope, but with a high-stakes twist: Emma, a novice, is thrust into the world of competitive ballroom, where she and Leo must prove themselves on the dance floor. The stakes? A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to "astound Paris," as the official synopsis teases . While the evidence doesn’t reveal the exact nature of this opportunity, the setup promises plenty of drama, romance, and, of course, dazzling dance sequences.
The Cast: From Broadway to Ballroom
Paris Christmas Waltz brings together a mix of stage and screen talent, with Matthew Morrison—best known for his Tony-nominated role in Hairspray and his breakout turn in Glee—taking on the role of Leo. Morrison’s background in musical theater and dance makes him a natural fit for the part, though the evidence doesn’t specify whether he performed his own choreography .
Jen Lilley, who plays Emma, is no stranger to holiday romances, having starred in Hallmark favorites like A Very Merry Mix-Up and The Spirit of Christmas. Her chemistry with Morrison will be key to selling the film’s central romance, though the snippets don’t reveal how the pair’s dynamic was developed behind the scenes .
The supporting cast includes Paul Freeman (Raiders of the Lost Ark), Debbie Matenopoulos (The View), and Jade Ewen, a former Eurovision contestant and EastEnders star. Graziano Di Prima, a professional dancer known for his appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, also joins the ensemble, likely lending authenticity to the film’s dance sequences .
Michael Damian’s Vision: A Holiday Tradition
Director Michael Damian is no stranger to feel-good, music-driven storytelling. Best known for his role as musician Danny Romalotti on The Young and the Restless, Damian has built a second career behind the camera, directing a string of successful holiday movies, including The Sweeter Side of Life and A Princess for Christmas . His films often blend romance, family drama, and a touch of whimsy—elements that appear to be present in Paris Christmas Waltz as well.
While the evidence doesn’t detail Damian’s specific creative choices for this project, his track record suggests a focus on heartwarming narratives with strong emotional beats. The film’s Parisian setting, a city synonymous with romance and artistry, provides the perfect canvas for Damian’s signature style. Whether he leaned into the competitive dance angle for added tension or kept the tone light and festive remains unclear, but the combination of holiday cheer and ballroom drama is a promising one.
What We Don’t Know (Yet)
Despite the film’s release in 2023, behind-the-scenes details are surprisingly scarce. The evidence doesn’t reveal:
- Choreography secrets: Who designed the dance sequences, or whether the cast underwent intensive training.
- Filming locations: Whether the production shot on location in Paris or relied on sets and backdrops.
- Audience reception: Critical or viewer reactions to the film’s blend of romance and dance.
- Soundtrack details: Whether the film features original music or classic holiday tunes.
For now, Paris Christmas Waltz remains a charming but somewhat mysterious addition to the holiday movie canon. Fans of Damian’s work and dance-driven romances will likely find plenty to love, but those hoping for juicy behind-the-scenes drama may have to wait for more details to emerge.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.