Dirty Dancing (1987)

Directed by: Emile Ardolino | 100 minutes | drama, music, romance | Actors: Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach, Cynthia Rhodes, Kelly Bishop, Jack Weston, Jane Brucker, Lonny Price, Max Cantor, Neal Jones, Charles ‘Honi’ Coles, Wayne Knight, Paula Trueman

The catchy songs, the romance, the dance moves of Jennifer Gray and Patrick Swayze and the enormous chemistry between the two lead actors have made the movie ‘Dirty Dancing’ a big hit. The story may not be particularly original, but it sure is fun! Many attempts have been made, think of ‘Honey’, ‘Shall We Dance’ and ‘Dirty Dancing 2: Havana Nights’ but none of these films have managed to match the success of ‘Dirty Dancing’ and it is doubtful whether it will ever work. ‘Dirty Dancing’ is and remains the topper among dance films.

Frances “Baby” Houseman is vacationing at a resort with her parents and sister. Baby is a shy teenager and she is clearly Daddy’s favourite. That changes when she is introduced to the concept of ‘Dirty Dancing’ through the staff, a less neat form of ballroom dancing that is taught by the dance teachers at the resort. This way of dancing immediately attracts the attention of the good Baby. Especially when Johnny (Patrick Swayze) teaches her some dance moves. When she accidentally becomes involved in the problems of Johnny’s regular dance partner, she is drawn into the adult problems of the staff members. Is Baby mature enough to deal with these problems?

Sparks fly from the first moment Baby and Johnny meet. The chemistry between the actors Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Gray is very strong. That’s also why you can accept the somewhat predictable story. It also doesn’t matter at all whether it’s predictable or not. This movie is simply enjoyable from start to finish! The romance, the beautiful music, but especially the dancing appeals to the imagination. Everyone immediately wants to take dance lessons after seeing this film, programs like ‘Dancing with the Stars’ can’t compete with that.

It is striking that the good girl Baby, after one dance lesson with Johnny, changes from a gray mouse to a vamp. Suddenly she dresses differently, more provocatively, she walks differently and she wears make-up. In itself it is understandable, because which woman would not fall for the charms of Patrick Swayze? Still, Baby’s metamorphosis from a shy teenager into a grown woman could have been a little more subtle. The best part of the movie is the elevator scene. Yes, the one and only ‘Dirty Dancing’ elevator. Women dream of one day getting hitchhiked the way Patrick Swayze does in this movie. Practicing this lift is a romantic affair on a balance beam and in the water. That’s the movie’s biggest swoon. If you weren’t convinced of the quality of this movie before, you will be from this scene.

‘Dirty Dancing’ is a spectacle to watch. It’s fun. Nostalgia. Just the sight of the lantern-lit path that Baby walks on every day to go to Johnny brings back memories. As soon as the first notes of the music sound, the first dance steps are set, you are sold. Even the biggest critic will succumb to this film.