The kids in the engaging documentary "Mad Hot Ballroom" don't cut class, but they sure can cut a rug. Mostly the tango, the foxtrot, swing, the rumba, even the merengue. As we learn in director Marilyn Agrelo and writer Amy Sewell's heartwarming film, these budding Fred-and-Gingers are part of a program in the New York City public school system, in which fifth-graders from some 60 schools are taught ballroom dancing. And a whole lot more. Read the full review
A documentary following several 11-year-olds in the New York City public schools as they learn ballroom dancing — balancing the pressures of growing up with the steps of merengue, rumba, tango and the foxtrot.
Director: Marilyn Agrelo
Starring: Rodney Lopez, Victoria Malvagno, Yomaira Reynoso, Allison Sheniak, Alex Tchassov
Run time: 105 minutes
Release date: May 13, 2005
Rating: PG for some thematic elements.
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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: B
"Dance lessons are life lessons as well, nurturing self-confidence, team spirit, the joy of dancing and even a slight touch of Old World etiquette in an otherwise too-busy-to-be-courteous world."
Austin American-Statesman: 3 of 5 stars
"...the most sure-fire crowd-pleaser in some time, guaranteed to elicit appreciative giggles in any child-loving viewer."
Dayton Daily News: A
"There's no way you won't grin seeing the kids gulp a bit as they try to forge 'eye-to-eye connections' with their partners or learn to remain composed from the waist up while swaying their generally compact hips in the merengue."
The Palm Beach Post: A-
"It is hard not to think of Oscar-nominated 'Spellbound,' the national spelling bee film, particularly in the latter half of the film as 'Mad Hot Ballroom' moves on to the city-wide dance finals at the World Financial Center."
The Daily Advance
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