Take the Lead

Who:  Amber
What:  Take the Lead
Where:  @ home off cable
Why:  I like dancing movies!

Based on a true story, this movie is all about a ballroom dance teacher, Pierre (Antonio Banderas) and a group of good-for-nothing teenagers.

One night Pierre sees to see a boy destroying a principal's car. The following day (for some odd reason) Pierre goes to the school to speak to the principal. He doesn't tell her that he knows what happened to her car, but he overhears that nobody is available to 'teach' detention and volunteers. The director has little confidence in this idea, but figures "what the heck!"

The kids, who (of course) prefer hip-hop to any ballroom dance music are against learning dance. Then Pierre brings in a hot, sexy, tango dancer and they are hooked! Pierre convinced them to even sign up for a dance competition.

As a former teacher, it's a little hard to believe that a bunch of kids would flock to a prim and proper teacher trying to teach the foxtrot. And why does detention seem to last all day? And why is one of the math teachers so against Pierre teaching dance? These kids were kicked out of your math class for a reason - enjoy a classroom full of kids who want to learn! I know when there is a trouble maker in your class, it just consumes you!

The ending of this movie was great. It wasn't about who wins or loses the dance competition, it was all about learning about yourself, trying hard, and making a better life for yourself. Kudos to ballroom dancing!