.

Mad Hot Ballroom

Madeleine Hackney

Directed by Marilyn Agrelo
Rolling Stone: star rating
5 3
Community: star rating
5 3 0
August 4, 2005

Dance is everywhere. Summer TV has spun reality programming such as Dancing With the into a ratings grabber. But the real deal is Marilyn Agrelo's tremendously entertaining documentary on fifth-graders from New York public schools (representing a full range of family income levels) who learn all the right moves during a ten-week after-school program in ballroom dancing. What begins as precious and cute turns into something that swings and inspires. Listening to the kids talk is a treat in itself, but watching them strut their stuff in the final competition is enough to make you stand up and cheer.

prev
Movie Review Main Next

ADD A COMMENT

Community Guidelines »
loading comments

loading comments...

COMMENTS

Sort by:
    Read More

    Movie Reviews

    More Reviews »
    Daily Newsletter

    Get the latest RS news in your inbox.

    Sign up to receive the Rolling Stone newsletter and special offers from RS and its
    marketing partners.

    X

    We may use your e-mail address to send you the newsletter and offers that may interest you, on behalf of Rolling Stone and its partners. For more information please read our Privacy Policy.

    Song Stories

    “Youth Knows No Pain”

    Lykke Li | 2011

    “Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”

    More Song Stories entries »