04/30/06 Mad Hot Ballroom

Mad Hot Ballroom (2005), directed by Marilyn Agrelo

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Blockbuster) @ home; suggested by Jenny

How can you not like this movie? Not just for fans of documentaries or reality shows, and not simply because it's a perfect family-oriented film...but more for its darn delightfully different appeal. The film focuses on three New York City public middle schools that have incorporated the art of ballroom dancing into the urban landscape of classes. Introducing the ballroom dance as a strange departure from the everyday subject matter of public schooling, the film aims to demonstrate the social and cultural aspects that the art can enhance in those who participate. Not only is the film a way to display the medium of dance, but it opens up a world of interest and involvement of the children and teachers that help each other grow with the classes. The filmmakers took care to become a regular fixture in the classroom atmosphere and learning development, but also did not overstep boundaries of expression allowing the real people to create what are the most entertaining parts of this "film." Everybody knows that children on screen can be cute, and tend to ham it up...but these kids show a gradual maturation in self-character and worth that the audience can't help but root for. Set in the already densely packed urban jungle that is NYC, the many children here represent a greater population of the melting pot enviornment; incorporating rich & poor, privileged & neglected, and many different ethnic backgrounds. It's a fascinatingly awkward age to be at (most of the kids are around 11 years old), and everyone can relate to that...let alone someone forcing you to interact with someone of the opposite sex in a social setting involving couth. Yuck! It brings me back to the days in high school where they actually made us square dance in gym class. I had to dance with a girl who's hair smelled like Ivory bar soap. Talk about awkward.

5 out of 5 stars