Mad Hot Ballroom is an inspiring look inside the lives of New York City school kids on a journey into the world of ballroom dancing, an unexpected arena where they discover new frontiers about attitude, movement, style and commitment. Told from the candid, sometimes hilarious perspective of the boys and girls themselves, the picture chronicles their transformation from typical urban kids to 'ladies and gentlemen,' as their school teams strive towards a final citywide competition.
Directed by
Marilyn Agrelo
Written by
Amy Sewell
Starring
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). Please contact SFC to add other cast members and characters.
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Growing up a little too fast
Mark Banks (United Kingdom)
Opinion: Limited Recommendation
This documentary left me feeling a little uneasy for those involved in this program/competition. First of all I should say that from a film-making perspective I thought it was okay, but a little on the average side: I thought it was a bit too long and lingered on the competition, as opposed to the people, too much. Regarding the content itself, I couldn't help but question the suitability of children this age engaging in some of this dancing, especially on such a large, almost compulsory, scale. From the little I know of it, I think traditional ballroom dancing would be okay for most kids, provided the dance styles were moderated. But whilst the majority of the dancing seemed okay, there was still too much hip shaking and gyrating going on in Mad Hot Ballroom for my liking. The Tango to take one dance, is inherently connected with romance. Also the music - getting 10 and 11 year old kids to stare into their partner's eyes whilst dancing to Peggy Lee's Fever is not exactly fitting for children at their stage of development. One girl put it well when she said "I think it might come in handy for when I'm married. But I hope that won't be for a LONG time!” My sentiments exactly; for most kids this can wait for a good few years yet. Another boy put it less well when he almost uncontrollably said of a female classmate of his "she is HOT now!” If it did produce positive results in some children I'm happy for them, but I do believe other activities could produce those results too, and for the majority that lose out in this competition I'd question where it leaves them. I'd be interested to hear other peoples' thoughts though.
