Take the Lead

Mixing elements of sports film, feel-good drama and teen movie, with a dash of social realism, TAKE THE LEAD is an inspiring tale of transformation through art and sports. Based on a true story, the film centres on the dashing Pierre Dulaine, an idealistic New York City ballroom dancer, who was the subject of the runaway documentary hit, MAD HOT BALLROOM (2005). After spying the desperate and violent actions of a young and angry high school student named Rock, Dulaine becomes intent on channelling his talent into the service of troubled youth. He approaches Rock's tough but well-meaning high school principal (the always radiant Alfre Woodward), with the idea of teaching ballroom dancing to detention students. Were it not for the fact that this is a story pulled from real life, the premise might ring false; the fact that it actually happened only makes the movie more powerful. Dulaine is greeted with the expected disdain and cynicism by his street-hardened students, yet by the end of the film, gang member, Ramos, tough-as-nails Larhette, charming but overweight Monster and the lone white boy Kurd, are all transformed into dedicated, graceful, and talented dancers. The troubled teens perform the tango and rumba as confidently as they once initiated fistfights. Along with learning the technical steps of the ballroom, these youngsters are also exposed to their toe-tapping teacher's wisdom about life, learning everything from how to treat a lady, to how to disengage from pointless violence. Former music-video director, Liz Friedlander brings a kinetic energy to the film, and the pulsating hip-hop soundtrack is designed to attract youthful viewers.