Just wonderful...

Documentary about the ballroom dance program, introduced to the New York City public school system in 1994 and been going strong ever since. We meet the principals, teachers and occasionally the parents of ten, eleven and twelve year-olds who are able to attend for free. And, of course, the students themselves, from the likes of Washington Heights and Bensonhurst, learning all variations on the theme: Merengue, Foxtrot, Swing, etc. We see the awkwardness of something as simple as maintained eye contact when you’re that age standing face to face with a member of the opposite sex. How much the teaching staff cares about what they’re doing, and how they might be helping to shape a life. How crude the dance begins, and how better it gets.

Yes, there is competition involved, and crushing disappointment when it just doesn’t seem to happen for some. But the film, wisely directed by Marilyn Agrelo, avoids making anyone out to be an enemy, or the dragon that must be slain. These are mature young people with a positive alternative to the streets who get excited when their fellow classmates do well, which inspires them to go and do likewise.

Hard not to got swept up, you know. A loving, highly enjoyable tribute to teachers who want to educate, their subjects and the education process in general.