Was looking forward to seeing the pairing of Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell in "Bewitched" 2005. Alas, the direction by Nora Ephron and her co-written script with Delia Ephron seemed flat (made "Michael" 1996 not as bad). Do see "Mad Hot Ballroom" instead - it's an energizing, enervating, perceptive documentary of youngsters who learned to appreciate ballroom dancing in all earnestness.
As the film's intro noted, since 1994, a free curriculum in Ballroom Dancing is offered to public schools in New York City. It's a vehicle to helping 11 year old's to grow and transform into young ladies and gentlemen, experience art and humanity, build self-esteem and face facets of life along the way. What a brilliant idea and effective educational approach from the American Ballroom Theatre (AbrT) founders Pierre Dulaine and Yvonne Marceau.
"Mad Hot Ballroom" is absolutely worth seeing. Director and co-Producer Marilyn Agrelo delivered a film that is full of energy and kudos to the girls and boys featured (in the competition event held in 2004). We get to see the Dancing Classrooms training sessions, hear the students talking and expressing opinions (at times, rather shrewd observations at such a tender age) and the teachers and principals involved from the different schools.
It's encouraging to see these youngsters being so focused in developing their ballroom dancing techniques and enjoying their lessons even though with fears and tribulations for the competition to come (Colors of the Rainbow Team Match - explanation of how this free event works and the various dances: merengue, rumba, foxtrot, swing, 'T-A-N-G-O' can be found at the 'americanballroomtheatre.com' site). Besides showing us how these young participants fared, we are privy to the teachers aspirations and tireless efforts.
There is not a dull moment or lull in pacing. The editing for the visual and sound - the dance music pieces, songs, conversations of the kids, teachers, parents, organizers - all are well amalgamated - 110 minutes came through beautifully engrossing. The progression of the various scenes and inter-cut of talking heads or 'eavesdropping' on the kids chatting among themselves, are tightly delivered with the anticipated excitement of the quarterfinals, semifinals and grand final of the competition. Following the facial expressions of fellow participants watching their team mates dancing on the competition floor, the mix emotions of joy and dismay, cheer and anxiety we can equally share in suspense.
The thoughtful writing by co-producer Amy Sewell, effective film editing by Sabine Krayenbuehl, comprehensive (never miss a beat) cinematography by Claudia Raschke-Robinson, and the super sound design/editing efforts of Tammy Douglas, Margaret Crimmins, and Greg Smith, along with music selections like 'Histoire d'amour' during rumba, Glenn Miller's music swinging, 'o blue eyes' singing "The Way You Look Tonight" - all contributed to the remarkable debut film-making of this enjoyable documentary by Marilyn Agrelo. Whether a team gets 'bronze or silver level' vs. 'gold level', or rooting for a specific color team - absolute insightful delight guaranteed.
As the film's intro noted, since 1994, a free curriculum in Ballroom Dancing is offered to public schools in New York City. It's a vehicle to helping 11 year old's to grow and transform into young ladies and gentlemen, experience art and humanity, build self-esteem and face facets of life along the way. What a brilliant idea and effective educational approach from the American Ballroom Theatre (AbrT) founders Pierre Dulaine and Yvonne Marceau.
"Mad Hot Ballroom" is absolutely worth seeing. Director and co-Producer Marilyn Agrelo delivered a film that is full of energy and kudos to the girls and boys featured (in the competition event held in 2004). We get to see the Dancing Classrooms training sessions, hear the students talking and expressing opinions (at times, rather shrewd observations at such a tender age) and the teachers and principals involved from the different schools.
It's encouraging to see these youngsters being so focused in developing their ballroom dancing techniques and enjoying their lessons even though with fears and tribulations for the competition to come (Colors of the Rainbow Team Match - explanation of how this free event works and the various dances: merengue, rumba, foxtrot, swing, 'T-A-N-G-O' can be found at the 'americanballroomtheatre.com' site). Besides showing us how these young participants fared, we are privy to the teachers aspirations and tireless efforts.
There is not a dull moment or lull in pacing. The editing for the visual and sound - the dance music pieces, songs, conversations of the kids, teachers, parents, organizers - all are well amalgamated - 110 minutes came through beautifully engrossing. The progression of the various scenes and inter-cut of talking heads or 'eavesdropping' on the kids chatting among themselves, are tightly delivered with the anticipated excitement of the quarterfinals, semifinals and grand final of the competition. Following the facial expressions of fellow participants watching their team mates dancing on the competition floor, the mix emotions of joy and dismay, cheer and anxiety we can equally share in suspense.
The thoughtful writing by co-producer Amy Sewell, effective film editing by Sabine Krayenbuehl, comprehensive (never miss a beat) cinematography by Claudia Raschke-Robinson, and the super sound design/editing efforts of Tammy Douglas, Margaret Crimmins, and Greg Smith, along with music selections like 'Histoire d'amour' during rumba, Glenn Miller's music swinging, 'o blue eyes' singing "The Way You Look Tonight" - all contributed to the remarkable debut film-making of this enjoyable documentary by Marilyn Agrelo. Whether a team gets 'bronze or silver level' vs. 'gold level', or rooting for a specific color team - absolute insightful delight guaranteed.