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Mad Hot Ballroom (DVD, 2005, Widescreen Collection)

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Product Information

Tango, foxtrot, swing, rumba, and meringue may seem to represent the last vestiges of a dying art to some, but director Marilyn Agrelo proves this is far from true in MAD HOT BALLROOM. Agrelo reveals that the New York City public school system runs a ballroom dance program for fifth graders, in which these former preserves of the adult world are given a new lease on life by some enthusiastic little characters. The film follows students at three schools in the neighborhoods of Tribeca, Bensonhurst, and Washington Heights, with Agrelo training her cameras on the kids' lives both inside and outside of the classroom. The students are united by a zeal for the ballroom dancing lessons, which builds over a 10-week period and culminates in a competition to find the school that has produced the best dancers in the city. As the teachers gently cajole their students to learn the intricacies of the various disciplines, Agrelo intersperses classroom footage with the students' musings on life; many of these reveal a remarkable maturity. Gender and race boundaries disappear as focus on the competition consumes the students' energy, and the teachers are brought to tears as they see their prodigies turning into what one teacher touchingly terms "little ladies and gentlemen." As the pitter-patter of tiny toes scuttles across the ballroom floor in the competition's final stages, it's impossible not to get swept up in the action. One of Agrelo's cameramen is caught grinning in an affectionate, almost paternal manner as he accidentally wanders into the frame while filming. One of 2005's most uplifting slices of cinema, MAD HOT BALLROOM is a joyous, life-affirming experience.

Product Identifiers

UPC0097363455547

eBay Product ID (ePID)46552974

Product Key Features

RatingG

EditionWidescreen Collection

Movie/TV TitleMad Hot Ballroom

DirectorMarilyn Agrelo

FormatDVD

Release Year2005

GenreEducation/General Interest, Educational

Additional Product Features

Region CodeRegion 1

Number of Discs1

Country/Region of ManufactureUSA

Display FormatWidescreen Collection

Release Date20051018

Film CountryUSA

Ratings and reviews

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4.7

7 product ratings

6 users rated this 5 out of 5 stars
0 users rated this 4 out of 5 stars
1 users rated this 3 out of 5 stars
0 users rated this 2 out of 5 stars
0 users rated this 1 out of 5 stars

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Most relevant reviews

by calud_6518
04 Sep, 2024
This movie takes it to the dance floor. by Caleb L.
The product was spectacular It arrived a little earlier than usual but either way I am very happy with what I got in the movie. is tons of fun. The movie tells a very great story about how. many kids in the New York School District take ballroom dance classes and compete in a competition. The. only issue I have with the DVD release of the movie is that it doesn't have any special features. but other than that, this movie is great I give it 100% satisfied review.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: New
by boys410
01 Dec, 2016
A must see - Hopeful
I love this video - it definitely gives me goose bumps. I purchased it for my dance teacher for his birthday. We're always looking for ways to get young people involved and interested in DC hand dance (swing) esp. since most of the folks dancing this genre are 50 and older. There are very few 40 something and fewer 30 something and even fewer 20 something then the age group almost completely drops off. Introducing dance in schools could very well be the means to boost the interest of our youth in dance esp. this dance genre. We just have to find our way into the school system. Mad Hot Ballroom, explores how this was done in NYC. It's simply wonderful.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: New
by k4stuff
09 Sep, 2023
Mad hot ballroom dancing is more than dancing it’s 10 years old inner city kids becoming adults and it beautiful.
The movie is about NYC schools using dance as a way to engage the kids. We see the kids in school, home and playing and transform from 10 year old children into young mature people. A group of kids from each school compete for 1 trophy as well as multiple silver and bronze medals. They learn to respect each other, work as part of a team and boys and girls socialization. It’s fantastic to watch them mature and develop into wonderful young people while they learn to ballroom dance.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: New
by zep825
10 Apr, 2019
"Renews hope and faith in future generations"
This nuanced presentation of disadvantaged youth as well as youth of means (albeit still public school students) will make your heart burst with joy! The principal of the ultimate winning school is a no-nonsense yet clearly caring individual who manifests the best qualities of public education.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned
by clbcbl.jxnzfg77v
06 Apr, 2016
Love this documentary!
Can't get enough of this real life, true event and the life-changing lessons that impacted the children who starred and were featured in the documentary.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: New
by joyce5173
26 Nov, 2019
Boring...
more a documentary than a story.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned