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This
journey into the lives of New York City
eleven year-olds as they learn and compete
in ballroom dancing is one of the most
delightful films to hit theaters in
years. I was a little nervous when the
opening cast credits just simply listed
the names of the three schools highlighted
in the feature, and even more so by
the slow pace in which the children
took to dancing. But once they embraced
their dance classes, and especially
when they really started opening up
to the camera, I was transfixed.
I wish it could be said that the dancing
and competition alone carried the movie,
but what got the most reaction from
the audience was the things that these
little kids were saying. I thought it
a wise decision not to include much
of the parents' thoughts, and even though
there is plenty of commentary given
by the teachers, the story really is
told from the children's perspective.
Being from New York and of humble means,
the children of "Mad Hot Ballroom"
have to face many issues most of us
don't have to seriously face until we've
left home and started our own adulthood.
While matters of drugs, sex and everything
in between is fair game for conversation,
it's the general outlook on life and
the confidence in which they share their
ideas that make this movie so spirited.
You almost get the feeling that they
have no more growing up to do --until
you hear a little girl say "boys
are gross". Ah, affirmation that
kids will always be kids (which could
be the whole statement of the documentary).
The music and dancing aspect is enjoyable
as well. And by the end of the film
you get to witness a major transformation,
not only in the competency of the children's
dance abilities, but in their love for
dancing. The film does an good and overt
job of making sure the audience is aware
that these hard-luck youngsters are
being transformed into "little
gentlemen and ladies" (much to
the joy of their teachers, who never
cease to hold back their emotions).
The competition aspect is as serious
as any high school varsity sport, and
one gets the impression that it is just
as, or more important, for the teachers
and instructors to reach victory. In
fact, a few teachers at times displayed
such an animated zeal for victory you'd
think their characters were crafted
from a Christopher Guest movie ("Best
in Show", anyone?).
You may just get more belly laughs from
"Mad Hot Ballroom" than any
high dollar comedy this year, and if
it delivers only one thing, it will
be the unabashed smile on your face
as you leave the theater.
-K. Tanaka
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