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The Dirty Dancing Guide to Romance
Men could learn from the moves of Dirty Dancing's Johnny.
by Renée A. James
No matter what, no matter when, I have to watch the final scene of Dirty Dancing if I come across it on TV. The goofy end-of-season Catskills resort talent show, the disgruntled dancers scowling in the back of the room because their leader has been unceremoniously fired, the awkward table for three where our heroine, Baby (Jennifer Grey), and her parents self-consciously sit to watch the pageant.
It doesn’t matter that I’ve seen this mid-80s sleeper hit, oh, let’s call it 50, 60 times—I always have to watch it again. Not because it’s classic cinema. Not because I have to hear Patrick Swayze as Johnny Castle (is that a great name?) say, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner” before he hauls her up on stage, although that line makes my husband laugh every single time he hears it. Not even for the excruciating singing of Baby’s older sister.
No. I watch because, deep down, I believe with all my heart that with just a few turns around the floor I could learn those steps from Patrick Swayze, wear the flowing dress like Jennifer Grey, and do an unbelievable job with that final number. If you’re a woman reading this, you’re nodding your head, saying, “Yes! Yes!” Any woman worth her strappy high-heeled sandals would agree: There but for the grace of a good dance partner go I.
And guys—what does Dirty Dancing do for them? My husband may laugh at Johnny’s big line, but shouldn’t a movie that has captivated so many women have something to say to men?
Try just about everything. The teaching and the learning of the dance steps. The early challenges of Baby and Johnny’s partnership. The slow build, from the first time they perform in public at a nearby resort to the climactic scene where they put it all out there for the world to see, is a road map for what women want.
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1 Kevin Swayze // May 13, 2008 at 6:10 pm
I liked the article gals. Just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that my fiance and I are practicing the “Dirty Dancing dance” as our wedding dance. We are even taking lessons at Arthur Murray. BUT what I need help on is on are the types of dances in that final scene. Does anyone know all the “types” of dances? I believe it has: Mambo (basic) with a Mambo promenade, Polka (basic) (i think)…this is where I need help. Can anyone fill me in with the rest OR good resources on how to choreograph the dance? Arthur Murray will get the foundation, but we still need work.
Your help will be much appreciated. Thanks
kevin swayze
2 Amy // Jan 16, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Dancers aren’t made of their technique, but their passion.
3 Brooklyn // Dec 12, 2006 at 8:09 pm
Dancing is the only acceptable public forum for “sex” with strangers! Sex doesn’t have to be vaginal or oral or anal penetration, either. I get more from dancing with ten strangers in one night than with one man in bed all week. A PhD friend of mine once tried to measure various levels of blood hormones associated with arousal and passion, and found that dancing evoked more of these ‘mones and in greater concentration than when two people were having traditional sex. That was enough for me to go out on weekend nights and do the Tango!
4 enoestiog // Aug 18, 2006 at 8:36 am
in the purifying vibrations of love, the couple has arrived when they can dance to intimacy. the silence serenates both ears and their bodies move self-directed in unison. dancing is a gift from the gods: even the spirits that lack rhythm grow into the one set by the loving partner.
5 Monica // Aug 16, 2006 at 2:13 pm
I love dancing as a form of foreplay. If you are out, partying, dancing with someone you are truly “feeling” dancing can definitely lead you straight to the bedroom.
Read All 8 Comments on The Dirty Dancing Guide to Romance