
Mad Hot Ballroom
2005, Documentary, 1h 55m
122 Reviews 5,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
This heartwarming documentary will win audiences over, as the sheer charm of precocious, enthusiastic children learning to dance resonates from the screen. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
Mad Hot Ballroom Photos
Movie Info
Documentary filmmaker Marilyn Agrelo chronicles the lives of several New York City schoolchildren as they get ready for a dancing competition sponsored by the nonprofit group American Ballroom Theater. As the finals of the competition near, the students -- ranging in age from 10 to 11 and coming from both poor and affluent neighborhoods -- make their transformation from reticent novices to confident contestants versed in the Latin styles of foxtrot, merengue and rumba.
Cast & Crew
Heather Berman
Self
Self
Eva Carrozza
Self
Self
Evangelina Carrozzo
Self
Self
Paul Daggett
Self
Self
Marilyn Agrelo
Director
Director
Critic Reviews for Mad Hot Ballroom
Audience Reviews for Mad Hot Ballroom
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Aug 02, 2010Sweet but kind of slow.Julie B Super Reviewer
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Jul 04, 2009(2005 Director: Marilyn Agrelo) "Sinatra--Someday..The Way You Look Tonight" just LOVE the ball room dancing craze. Gonna have to go to Arthur Murray Studios to learn/relearn ball room dances...and there are some meetups here in the Valley...Dance is movement...Liked the one with the actress from" " My Cousin Vinny", and Take the Lead with Antonio Banderas...the Netflix review I read compared this documentary to the Antonio Banderas film "Take the Lead." My review? Imagine taking a group of 5th graders by NYC subway to a dance competition? "I see them turning into ladies and gentlemen," an instructor reflects with tear-filled eyes. Favorably showcases a free of charge 10-week after school programs for 5th grade NYC students at several NY schools, including Washington Heights & Brooklyn, many of whom are financially disad-vantaged. This documentary includes some wonderful teacher-student interaction without the hard edge of the high schoolers, which is where the resemblance to "Take The Lead" ends. "Look at your partner--don't look at me! And S-M-I-L-E!" The first dance introduced is the Merengue dance from where the students are asked? Why the Dominican Republic we learn!! TIPS for the merengue? Keep your knees down, bent. Shares some of the feelings of the 5th graders who still are a bit awkward with dance. Dance (& movement, athletics & music study) is great for the mind as well as physical health. Social interaction as well as competition is taught--thje students may enter a dance competition. Another dance introduced is the Foxtrot (described as sly, sneaky & quiet by the instructor). Yet another ballroom dance taught is The Swing (originated in U.S.A.); Rumba (Cuba), and T-A-N-G-O (Argentina--tho there are other "Tango's" I learned from Dancing with the Stars!!) Instructor encourages the students "to make believe everyone when you are doing the Tango to imitate cat moves." One of the participant shares that his Nanny has taught him & his friends the Foxtrot. Some immigrants to NYC share their stories. 2 of the children highlighted are restricted from dancing by their religious customs and instead are DJ's playing the music selections. One students shares insights into being female such as the good, "It's Hard to Be a Girl." "It's fun being 10 because when you are 10 you can play alot...." In the competition they include the song: "You Give Me Fever," Loved the final dance competition held in a primary-color painted school auditorium!! Some links to share: /http://www.toseeka.com/subject/ballroom%2BdanceTeresa S Super Reviewer
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Aug 06, 2008Fantastic... I was cheering for those kids. :)Leigh R Super Reviewer
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Jan 11, 2008This made me want to take dance lessons!Ida K Super Reviewer
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