I just saw this documentary. It was wonderful. I wish there were more programs like this in our schools. If it's playing in your city, please try and see it. I laughed, I cried, my hope was renewed.
'Mad Hot Ballroom' tells the story of eleven-year-old New York City public school kids and their journey into the world of ballroom dancing. Told from the candid, sometimes hilarious perspectives of the children, the film illuminates how the kids are transformed -- from reluctant participants to determined competitors, from typical urban kids to "ladies and gentlemen" -- on their way to compete in the final citywide competition. Providing unique insight into the incredible cultural diversity that is New York City, 'Ballroom' profiles several kids from three schools. As they struggle with becoming "cool" teenagers while holding onto a shred of their childhood innocence, the kids learn how to express themselves through the merengue, rumba, tango, the foxtrot and swing.