Mad Hot Ballroom (2005)

In the pulsating heart of New York City, a group of spirited eleven-year-old public school students embark on an unexpected voyage into the captivating world of ballroom dancing. Mad Hot Ballroom offers an intimate glimpse into their transformation - from ordinary urban children to elegant ladies and gallant gentlemen, from hesitant beginners to passionate competitors. Their journey, told through their own unabashed and often hilarious narratives, culminates in a riveting citywide showdown. The film uniquely explores the rich tapestry of New York's cultural diversity by profiling select students from three diverse schools out of a total of sixty. It's a critical age of transition for these kids, caught at the crossroads of burgeoning adolescence and lingering innocence. As they navigate this delicate stage, they simultaneously master the vibrant steps of merengue, rumba, tango, foxtrot, and swing. Mad Hot Ballroom is a stirring exploration of youth, dance, and the dazzling diversity of New York City, viewed through the lens of a ballroom dance competition. It's a dance of life, laughter, and growing up, played out on the city's grand stage.

Mad Hot Ballroom is a documentary movie featuring Cyrus Hernstadt.

Mad Hot Ballroom is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on CBS and Hoopla.

It is also possible to buy Mad Hot Ballroom on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.