It’s been more than 25 years since Princess Diana passed away, but her legacy continues.

William and Harry’s late mother remains a global icon, and as such, much has been written about her short life. Now though, a new film promises to reveal a “secret side” to the Princess.

The 90-minute movie is an adaptation of Anne Allan’s book, Dancing With Diana; A Memoir, which was released back in September 2024. Anne worked as Diana’s private dance teacher and, over the course of hundreds of weekly one-hour lessons, forged a close friendship with the royal.

The new documentary will chronicle the nine-year period Anne spent with Diana, from early 1981, around the time Diana wed the then-Prince Charles. Anne, who lives in Toronto, Canada, spoke to People about their special bond: “During my time with the princess, I was so fortunate to witness not only Diana’s profound love of dance, but a much more personal side of her. I hope that viewers of the documentary will appreciate this fresh look as well as discover a deeper understanding of just how extraordinary she was.”

The former teacher also revealed her reason for writing her book – she did so “partly for her four-year-old granddaughter” and to also share “the other side of [Diana], the dancing side of her, the beauty within her”.

Anne continued: “She loved to dance. The minute she started to move her arms, you could see the feeling that it brought her. She was able to be herself. She loved to move and loved to have fun.”

The dance classes also offered Diana a safe space to share both her joys and her sorrows. “If something was on her mind, she would say so,” she recalled. “Later on, there were days where she would come in and just talk a little bit.”

The documentary film is being made by Canadian company Sphere Media, and Two Rivers Media, which is based in Anne’s hometown of Glasgow, Scotland.

Marlo Miazga, president of Sphere Media, said in a statement, “It’s a rare thing to find a fresh angle on such an adored and explored public figure, but Anne’s memoir is a treasure trove of new perspectives and intimate insights into one of the most scrutinised women in history.”

Alan Clements, managing director and executive producer of Two Rivers, added, “Diana’s story is, of course, as enduring as it is poignant. The gems to be found in these memoirs represent a perfect and organic opportunity, and we’re very excited to take it.”

Princess Diana had a special affinity for ballet – much like her granddaughter Princess Charlotte has now. In fact, Diana enjoyed the practice so much that during her childhood, she aspired to be a professional ballerina, but was rejected due to being too tall.