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Reviews of Ballroom Dance Movies Take The Lead Review by Heather Diodati of www.ballroom-dance-resource.com When I recently decided to see "Take The Lead" when it came out in the theatres, I had basically made up my mind that it would be another wonderful dance movie to add to my collection. I had my doubts as to the dancing talents of Antonio Banderas because of my somewhat 'painful' memory of him dancing a slow instead of a rumba to a beautiful latin song in Mambo Kings. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Antonio oozes passion from every pore of his latin body as he does a mean, sexy tango in front of the students he is trying to impress. This movie is an inspirational account, a true story, of Pierre Dulaine, played by Antonio Banderas. Mr. Dulaine had the foresight to offer a unique program to a group of New York city high school students who are habitually in detention hall. Despite the students rejection of his efforts and their lack of enthusiasm to say the least, Mr. Dulaine persists and with his dedication and obvious love for ballroom dancing, the students are finally won over and even add some of their own hip-hop type music and moves to create a unique new mix that brings them to compete in a city ballroom dance competition. In the process of teaching them how to dance, Mr. Dulaine becomes their mentor, sharing valuable lessons about life; teaching them honor, respect and manners. This was a very enjoyable movie, very well done and truly an inspiration to all dancers and dance teachers alike. Definitely one to add to your dance movie collection. Cast & Crew Theatrical Release: 4/7/2006 Studio Credit: New Line Cinema - Studio Director Credit: Liz Friedlander - Director Cast: Antonio Banderas - Pierre Dulaine Rob Brown - Rock Elijah Kelley - Danjou Dante Basco - Ramos Jenna Dewan - Sasha Alfre Woodard - Augustine James John Ortiz - Mr. Temple Laura Benanti - Tina Marcus T Paulk - Eddie Yaya Dacosta - LaRhette Katya Virshilas - Morgan Lauren Collins - Caitlin Brandon D Andrews - Monster Production Credits: Paul D. Austerberry - Production Designer Pierre Dulaine - Consultant Toby Emmerich - Executive Producer Liz Friedlander - Director Christopher Godsick - Producer Michelle Grace - Producer Bonnie Greenbert - Music Supervisor Mathew Hart - Executive Producer Dianne Houston - Writer Robert Ivison - Editor Joann Jansen - Choreographer Mark S Kaufman - Executive Producer Ray Liotta - Executive Producer Matt Moore - Executive Producer Diane Nabatoff - Producer Alex Nepomniaschy - Cinematographer Melissa Toth - Costumer Bio of Pierre Dulaine (dance studio website: www.pierredulaine.com) "Dancer and Teacher extraordinaire" (New York Times), Pierre is the co-artistic director and founder of the American Ballroom Theater Company. He has been on the faculties of the School of American Ballet (New York City Ballet) and the Juilliard School at Lincoln Center for many years. Pierre is also the four-time winner of the World Exhibition Championship, the Astaire Award winner for "best dancing on Broadway" in the hit musical GRAND HOTEL. Other honors include the prestigious DANCE MAGAZINE AWARD, and the DANCE EDUCATORS OF AMERICA and NATIONAL DANCE COUNCIL OF AMERICA awards for his contribution to the world of dance. He is now the Director of the company’s Outreach Program "DANCING CLASSROOMS" in the New York City Public Schools. To date, this program teaches approximately 7500 children annually. He has also taught in most of the Ivy League and private clubs in New York City. Pierre started dancing at the age of 14 in Birmingham, England, and at 21 became a full member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. He soon went on to win the "Duel of the Giants" at the Royal Albert Hall in London, and right after that captured the "All England Professional Latin American Championship" title. In 1971 he arrived in New York City for a two-week holiday and decided to stay. Two years later he met YVONNE MARCEAU and they formed a most successful partnership of adagio and ballroom dancing, performing all over the world on their own and with their company. Pierre Dulaine was also the director of the American Ballroom Theater’s (ABrT) dance program featured in the hit documentary, Mad Hot Ballroom.

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