Dirty Dancing (1987)

Film: Dirty Dancing

Director: Emile Ardolino

Country: USA

Released: May 1987

Runtime: 100 minutes

Genre: Musical

Studio: Great American Films / Vestron

Influenced: Baz Luhrmann, Anne Fletcher, Thomas Carter, Adam Shankman, Damien Chazelle

Among the strong field of dance movies and musicals that emerged in the 70s and 80s, from Saturday Night Fever (1977), Grease (1978), Fame (1980) and Footloose (1984) to higher-brow offerings like Cabaret (1972), All That Jazz (1979) and A Chorus Line (1985), there is one clear winner: Dirty Dancing. The concept for the film was inspired by screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein's own experiences as a teenager, attending resorts in the Catskill Mountains and participating in dance activities. She wanted to create a story that captured the social and cultural dynamics of the early 1960s while focusing on the transformative power of dance and love. Producer Linda Gottlieb was committed to bringing the project to life but struggled to find a studio willing to back the film, eventually securing financing from Vestron, a relatively small production company known for low-budget horror films.

Gottlieb brought in director Emile Ardolino, a relative unknown who had produced documentaries on dance legends like Martha Graham and Mikhail Baryshnikov, and who had a strong understanding of dance choreography. Dirty Dancing benefited from his unique blend of documentary-style authenticity and cinematic, emotional storytelling. The film is set in the summer of 1963 at Kellerman's, a family resort in the Catskill Mountains. The story follows Frances "Baby" Houseman (Jennifer Grey), a naive, listless and sheltered young woman from an affluent family. While at the resort, she becomes infatuated with the world of dance she witnesses in the staff quarters. The film subtly addressed topics like class divisions, abortion and sexual awakening, offering a deeper layer beyond the romantic storyline.

Baby crosses paths with Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), a charismatic and skilled dance instructor from the working-class side of the resort. Baby's awkward introduction to Johnny and his dance partner Penny sets the tone for her initial discomfort in the staff quarters. Despite initial class differences and her lack of experience, Baby convinces Johnny to teach her how to dance. Their intense practice sessions lead to a deepening emotional connection and a forbidden romance that challenges the social norms of the time. The iconic final dance performance, where Johnny and Baby perform the breathtaking lift during a performance of "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" is now firmly embedded in the cultural lexicon. Johnny's declaration of love for Frances – "Nobody puts Baby in a corner" – in front of her parents and the resort guests is another iconic moment.

Cinematically, one of my favourite scenes on a recent rewatch was the dance training montage, which captures the transformation of Baby's dancing skills under Johnny's guidance. I was also struck by Ardolino's careful treatment of the revelation of Penny's unwanted pregnancy and the efforts to help her. Quotable, immensely re-watchable and even a little unusual, Dirty Dancing is a time-capsule tale of rebelliousness and blossoming sexuality. The casting of Grey and Swayze was integral to the film's success, given how much their chemistry on screen adds authenticity to the characters' relationship. The film's soundtrack also featured a mix of classic hits and original songs that became iconic –  "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" won the Oscar for Best Original Song – contributing to the movie's lasting impact.