Mad Hot Ballroom (2005)

User Rating:

7.5/10   

Director:

Marilyn Agrelo

Writer:

Amy Sewell (writer)

Release Date:

13 May 2005 (USA)

Genre:

Documentary | Family | Music

Tagline:

Anyone can make it if they know how to shake it.

Plot:

The students of several New York City elementary schools learn ballroom dancing and compete in a city wide dance competition.

Plot Keywords:

New York City | School | Ballroom Dancing | Dance | Tango

Awards:

8 wins & 5 nominations

Cast

Heather Berman	...	Herself
Emma Therese Biegacki	...	Herself
Paul Daggett	...	Himself
Graciela Daniele	...	Herself - Judge
Pierre Dulaine	...	Himself - Organizer and MC of the Final Dance Competition
Tara Devon Gallagher	...	Herself
Madeleine Hackney	...	Herself
Charlotte Jorgensen	...	Final Competition Judge
Rodney Lopez	...	Himself
Victoria Malvagno	...	Herself
Stacee Mandeville	...	Herself
Daniel Ponickly	...	Himself
Ann Reinking	...	Herself
Yomaira Reynoso	...	Herself
Allison Sheniak	...	Herself
Solomon Singer	...	Himself
Alex Tchassov	...	Himself
Jatnna Toribio	...	Dancer
Vanessa Villalobos	...	Herself

MPAA:

Rated PG for some thematic elements.

Runtime:

USA:105 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Spanish

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

UK:U | Ireland:PG | Singapore:PG | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | France:U | Brazil:Livre | USA:PG | Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Just One Productions

Trivia:

Cinematographer Claudia Raschke held the camera at stomach level to keep it in line with the children's faces.

Quotes:

Tiny boy with curly hair: A girl and a boy loving each other, you know, really loving each other and being together and
[waxes lyrically for a while]
Tiny boy with curly hair: ... It is very beautiful!

Movie Connections:

Version of Take the Lead (2006)

Soundtrack:

FEVER

Learning self-reliance, poise and social graces through ballroom dancing!

This sunny documentary on a rainy and gloomy afternoon was the perfect movie to watch. "Mad Hot Ballroom" directed by Marilyn Agrelo, who is working with her collaborator, Amy Sewell, will put anyone into a good mood because it's a disarming view at inner city children who have benefited a lot from this experience.

What comes across in the documentary is the tenacity in which the teachers keep these children involved as they are exposed to another world many of them don't even know exists. The teachers one sees in the film are clearly people that ought to be commended for motivating children that otherwise would probably be in the streets hanging out and getting in trouble.

Yomaira Reynoso and Allison Sheniak are seen openly crying when describing what they are trying to give these youngsters. It shows their devotion to the children that comes from their hearts. It's a rare thing to find men and women whose lives are given to the cause of shaping these youngsters under their care. The other teachers also have to be singled out for their dedication, especially Rodney Lopez and Alex Tchassov.

Three public schools are shown preparing for the competition, but only three are singled out, one in Tribeca, one in Brooklyn and one in Washington Heights. The children featured in the different segments are caught being themselves. There seems to be an air of improvisation in the way Ms. Agrelo points the camera to whatever is going on. The kids come out so natural in being themselves, no small achievement for this, or any other director.

It is to Ms. Reynoso's credit to dress all the six couples of her team in such a colorful, yet modest, way they have a dignified and professional look. These children of Washington Heights are poor, but they clearly show they are there to win, despite of competing with other, more affluent, schools. In a way, Ms. Reynoso has achieved in showing by her example how to be a better person.

The dancing in all the different categories at the finals show all teams in great form. Some of the dancers show a grace and a joy for whatever they are dancing at the moment. This is reflected in some of the judges, especially Ann Reinking, who seems happily surprised by some of the kids on stage.

The reaction of the audience at the session we attended couldn't have been more positive. The energy of the music and the dancing make a perfect combination. Ms. Agrelo is to be congratulated for capturing these New York school kids that show an amazing group of young and talented people that are a delight to watch.