Dirty Dancing has 11 million Facebook fans, a controversial remake in the works, and grossed $214 million worldwide. This small independent film made in 1986 on a shoestring budget of about five million dollars, shot in two different locations (standing in for the Catskills of New York) in sometimes harrowing conditions, is still just as popular now after nearly twenty-five years.
The film has even taken many different forms: a 1988 musical concert tour (ninety cities in ninety days), a short-lived 1988 television show, a 2007 UK musical concert tour, and a two-week tour. seasons in the United States. Kingdom reality TV show (filmed at Mountain Lake Hotel in Virginia in 2007 and 2008). There is a 2004 prequel, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. Probably the most surprising thing is that the play opened in Sydney in 2004 and has continued to be a huge success around the world ever since.
The two main filming locations, the Mountain Lake Hotel in Pembroke, Virginia and the Lake Lure Inn in Lake Lure, North Carolina, are still visited by scores of people. A third filming location, Rumbling Bald Resort in North Carolina sees many visitors who enjoy walking the golf course to see the 16th hole, where the golf scene in Dirty Dancing was filmed. Dirty Dancing weekends are held throughout the year at Mountain Lake Hotel. In September 2010, the first annual Dirty Dancing Festival was held in Lake Lure.
Let’s not forget that the music goes on. In November 2010, Fergie and The Black Eyed Peas released a new single, “The Time (The Dirty Bit)”, which uses part of the chorus from the Dirty Dancing song “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”. (written by Frank Previte, Donald Markowitz and John DeNicola). Additionally, Franke Previte has made demos of the song (along with “Hungry Eyes” also written by Franke Previte and John DeNicola and two other songs) available for digital purchase with most of the proceeds going to the Trust Fund. Patrick Swayze Pancreatic Cancer Research. at the Stanford Cancer Center. Patrick Swayze’s song, “Ella She Ella’s Like The Wind” (written by Patrick Swayze and Stacy Widelitz) has been covered by Lumidee, John Wayne, David Hasselhoff and the combined Pet Shop Boys song and video are on You Tube. The cast of Glee recorded “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” and performed it on their November 30, 2010 episode. “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” was named Most Popular Romantic Duet played for the last ten years by PPL (UK music licensing company).
It would totally discount me if I didn’t mention the 2010 season of Dancing with the Stars, which had around 24 million viewers per episode, which had so many huge ties to Dirty Dancing. For example, everyone knows that winners Jennifer Gray and her professional partner Derek Hough danced to these two songs from the movie: “These Arms of Mine” and “Do You Love Me?”, and that Jennifer brought the watermelon once again. . There has been an endless discussion about whether the last “lift” dance from Dirty Dancing would be performed by the couple in the last show, which personally I’m glad it wasn’t, as I don’t see how anyone can top it. that classic “lift”. “done by Jennifer Gray and Patrick Swayze.
Continuing the cultural influence, the “I wore a watermelon” line was referenced in The Devil Wears Prada. Also, there was a rumor on the internet that Kate Middleton’s sister was planning a Dirty Dancing-themed bachelorette party at her family’s home to celebrate the upcoming nuptials.
In September 2011, the Facebook game Dirty Dancing was released. In August 2011, it was announced that a remake of Dirty Dancing was in the works with Kenny Ortega as director. While Jennifer Gray spoke out in favor of the remake, many fans expressed their disbelief and anger at this development. The last word is that the new version will be released on July 26, 2013.
On a poignant and bittersweet note, Lisa Niemi helped unveil the Patrick Swayze wax statue at Madame Tussauds in Hollywood on October 19, 2011. The Patrick Swayze wax figure balances on a log over a lake, meaning the scene from Dirty Dancing where Johnny teaches Baby the importance of balance in dancing. Lisa Niemi commented that the wax figure captures Patrick’s confident yet mischievous look and the message of him “come and don’t be afraid with me…and take a chance in whatever you do”.
In conclusion, what is it about Dirty Dancing that makes it so many people’s favorite movie and its influence so pervasive? Based on my personal experience watching the movie and talking to other people who love the movie and a review of the literature, I think it all boils down to the authenticity of the movie and that it is a solid love story. Of course, it helps that the two lead actors, Jennifer Gray and Patrick Swayze, had incredible chemistry and delivered brilliant performances along with incredible performances from the entire cast, incredible dancing, and music. Listening to interviews conducted by the people who made Dirty Dancing, it’s obvious that this extremely talented group of writers, choreographers, and actors worked together in a great collaboration and put their heart and soul into the film.
Interestingly, there are no special effects, no weird plots, and virtually no violence, and the movie still resonates with viewers. Perhaps today’s filmmakers can learn a lesson from this originally “small” movie that remains “big” in the hearts of so many. I’m sure the movie will be a classic forever.
Link: Patrick Swayze Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund at Stanford Cancer Center – http://med.stanford.edu/cancer/features/research_news/Patrick_Swayze_Pancreas.html
