Rating: PG13
Genre:
Drama
Theatrical Release: 04/07/2006(USA)
Release Date: 04/15/2008
Flags: Violence, Adult Situations, Profanity
Distributor/Studio: New Line Home Video
A teacher and his students open up new worlds for one another in this
urban drama inspired by a true story.
Pierre Dulaine (
Antonio Banderas) is a prize-winning ballroom dancer and instructor from Manhattan who volunteers his services to a high school in one of the roughest neighborhoods in the Bronx. Principal
Augustine James (
Alfre Woodard) in turn gives
Dulaine a tough assignment -- a detention class with some of the biggest troublemakers on campus. When the kids learn that
Dulaine intends to teach them how to dance in the classic style, they're incredulous at best and dismissive at worst -- until
Dulaine demonstrates his moves for the class. While
Dulaine's charges -- including
Rock (
Rob Brown),
LaRhette (
Yaya DaCosta),
Ramos (
Dante Basco),
Eddie (
Marcus T. Paulk), and
Sasha (
Jenna Dewan) -- respect his talent, they have their own way of dancing, and as they mix
hip-hop moves with ballroom discipline, they create an exciting new style.
Dulaine also strives to instill self-confidence and a work ethic in his kids, insisting they can make their way out of the ghetto if they're willing to try. Screenwriter
Dianne Houston based
Take the Lead on the real-life story of
Pierre Dulaine, who taught dance as a volunteer to at-risk students at New York elementary schools.
~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
;)
