A Sixties Sorta Summer: Dirty Dancing (1987)

 It's summer of 1963. Frances "Baby" Houseman (Jennifer Grey) will soon be off to

college along with her dreams of joining the Peace Corps. It's also that unforgettable summer when Frances becomes more than just a baby...She, her older sister Lisa(Jane Brucker),and their parents are off to Kellerman's Mountain House Resort for some fun and relaxation. Amid the many activities (and lame dates with the owner's snotty,dorky grandson) Baby decides to make some fun of her own! While on her exploration for excitement, she stumbles upon the dance instructors/entertainment workers quarters. Her eyes are then opened to a world of dancing like she's never seen. She's particularly intrigued by lead instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) and his partner Penny (Cynthia Rhodes); They've not only got the moves but get down and dirty!
               She soon gets the chance to be apart of their world when Penny can no longer dance
and is reluctantly asked to replace her as Johnny's partner. From clumsy to confident, Baby soon becomes comfortable on the dancefloor... as well as in Johnny's arms. As their romance ignites, so do her opportunities for Peace Corps training as she learns how underhanded and cruel the rich can be to the working class. Johnny's reputation and the integrity of others are threatened, but the lies are relinquished when Baby steps up for their defense. Even after the dancing queen saves the day, Baby must soon say goodbye to summer...and to Johnny. Despite it all, they celebrate
their love with one last dance.

This iconic 1987 romance classic has danced into the hearts of many over the years, winning an oscar and making a star out of Jennifer Grey (as if playing Ferris Bueller's sister wasn't enough!) as well as the late hunky, heartthrob, Patrick Swayze. It's an overall great film with a wonderfully interesting soundtrack combining timeless Pop and R&B tune of the 50's and 60's (such as "Cry To Me"- Solomon Burke and "Love is Strange"-Micky and Sylvia) as well as some hot 80's tracks including the classics "Hungry Eyes" and "The Time Of My Life". Aside from the "operation" scene, this film will always remain a classic due to the music, steamy love scences and sizzling dance moves! I hope you enjoy this film, as I always do, and have the time of your life this summer!
Love,
Neah B

Images courtesy of:

www.hulu.com

www.pennysdaybook.com

www.smortri-film.org

www.hollywoodchicago.com