Very uplifting movie for anyone who cares deeply about the human condition, and how today's kids in difficult situations might actually make it to productive adulthood. In concept it reminds me of an earlier movie "Music of the Heart" where inner city kids learned to play violin. But this one has no actors, no script -- it is real life.
In 1994 a trial was begun to see if ballroom dancing could be successfully taught in NYC inner city public schools. It caught on to the point where now a large number of schools have the program and there is a yearly city-wide competition. This movie, which is basically a documentary, follows several teams through the competition.
The title, "Mad Hot Ballroom", is borrowed from the title of the song which closes the movie. Or, maybe the song was written for the movie?
These kids are 5th graders, mostly around 11 years old, highly black and Hispanic. Some speak very little English, most are from very poor families. For all of them, a life of crime on the streets is a realistic possibility. But the kids in ballroom must develop a poise and manners which go along with the dancing. They gain confidence, they become more articulate, their overall behavior and grades improve. Ultimately it isn't the dancing that is important, it is the process which helps shape these kids into fine young men and woman, and give them a better chance for choosing positive life options.
During the final competition I was amazed by the ease with which these young boys and girls stood to the competition, and danced wonderfully. Just as I was amazed in "Music of the Heart" when the kids played at Carnegie Hall next to professional musicians (the real kids played the actual final concert in the DVD extras). It shows how much potential youngsters have if we just give them opportunities and challenges.
Superb movie!!
In 1994 a trial was begun to see if ballroom dancing could be successfully taught in NYC inner city public schools. It caught on to the point where now a large number of schools have the program and there is a yearly city-wide competition. This movie, which is basically a documentary, follows several teams through the competition.
The title, "Mad Hot Ballroom", is borrowed from the title of the song which closes the movie. Or, maybe the song was written for the movie?
These kids are 5th graders, mostly around 11 years old, highly black and Hispanic. Some speak very little English, most are from very poor families. For all of them, a life of crime on the streets is a realistic possibility. But the kids in ballroom must develop a poise and manners which go along with the dancing. They gain confidence, they become more articulate, their overall behavior and grades improve. Ultimately it isn't the dancing that is important, it is the process which helps shape these kids into fine young men and woman, and give them a better chance for choosing positive life options.
During the final competition I was amazed by the ease with which these young boys and girls stood to the competition, and danced wonderfully. Just as I was amazed in "Music of the Heart" when the kids played at Carnegie Hall next to professional musicians (the real kids played the actual final concert in the DVD extras). It shows how much potential youngsters have if we just give them opportunities and challenges.
Superb movie!!