When I was a kid, the film Dirty Dancing swept the nation by storm. No one wore Keds or cut-off shorts until Baby did. We grew so attached to Baby that homegirl couldn’t get acting jobs after her nose job. It wasn’t because she couldn’t act but because she didn’t look the same as she did in that iconic film.
While it seemed authentic at the time, one can look back and see the 80‘s shining through. The extras were not closely monitored, and had perms with big bangs. I think I even saw a jelly bracelet on one. And what’s with the Pointer Sisters on the soundtrack?
Regardless, the film has become a successful franchise. Aside from releasing a soundtrack, then DVD, then Special Edition DVD and a horrible Havana Nights spin-off, I’ve seen some good stuff. Dirty Dancing short-sleeved hoodies were all the rage at Target a couple of years ago. I’ve seen mugs, branded dancewear, the whole gamut. All of this is leading up to my confession, which is quite embarrassing. A Dirty Dancing Official Dance Workout was released in 2008, and quite frankly, I’m addicted.
Determined to cultivate a grace about me, I flail about our living room for hours. My greyhounds are frightened, my husband is annoyed and everyone within earshot has to hear the song “Yes” by the Pointer Sisters over and over. I don’t even like that song, but I just can’t help myself. I learned basic dance moves from the dance syllabus they provided, and it gave me a false sense of confidence. I blast through the dance sequence rehearsals just to get to the music-only dance-along. “Look at me!” I scream to my husband, spinning and hopping. He winces and walks backward, afraid he’ll be smacked by a foot. Of course, with the music-only dance sequence, I sometimes have to glance at the screen to get my bearings. I have fallen more than once.
But I’ll dust off and get back up, because no one puts Fayeruz in the corner!
Tags: dirty dancing, jennifer grey
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