44 Facts About The Movie Dirty Dancing

“Dirty Dancing” was released in 1987.

One of the most iconic films of the 80s, “Dirty Dancing” captivated audiences with its blend of romance, music, and dance.

Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey portrayed the lead characters.

Patrick Swayze played Johnny Castle, the charismatic dance instructor, while Jennifer Grey portrayed Baby Houseman, the young woman who falls in love with him.

The film was set in the summer of 1963.

“Dirty Dancing” takes place at a resort in the Catskill Mountains during a time of social change and cultural upheaval.

Jennifer Grey initially didn’t want to work with Patrick Swayze again.

Grey and Swayze had previously worked together on another film, but Grey was hesitant to reunite with him. However, they ultimately had great on-screen chemistry.

The famous line “Nobody puts Baby in a corner” was ad-libbed by Patrick Swayze.

Swayze improvised the line during a pivotal scene, and it has since become one of the most memorable quotes from the movie.

“Dirty Dancing” has a cult following.

Over the years, the film has garnered a dedicated fan base who continue to love and appreciate its timeless story and iconic soundtrack.

The soundtrack was a massive success.

The film’s soundtrack featured hit songs like “Time of My Life” and “Hungry Eyes,” and went on to sell over 32 million copies worldwide.

The iconic lift scene was difficult to film.

The lift scene, where Johnny lifts Baby above his head, took multiple takes to get right. It required intense coordination and strength from both Swayze and Grey.

“Dirty Dancing” was inspired by the childhood experiences of Eleanor Bergstein.

Bergstein, the screenwriter of the film, based the story on her own upbringing in a Jewish family who spent summers in the Catskill Mountains.

The budget for the movie was relatively low.

With a budget of only $5 million, “Dirty Dancing” achieved massive success at the box office, earning over $214 million worldwide.

The film tackles social issues.

“Dirty Dancing” addresses topics such as class differences, female empowerment, and the clash of traditional values with the changing times.

The character Penny Johnson was originally written as a Caucasian woman.

However, in a great casting choice, the role was given to Cynthia Rhodes, who brought depth and complexity to the character.

The resort where the movie was filmed is a real location.

The Kellerman’s Resort, where the majority of the movie was filmed, is actually the Mountain Lake Lodge in Virginia.

The final dance sequence was filmed in one take.

The climactic dance scene at the end of the movie was shot in a single take, showcasing the skills of the dancers and the chemistry between Swayze and Grey.

The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

The song “Time of My Life” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, solidifying the film’s impact on popular culture.

There is a prequel to “Dirty Dancing” titled “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights.”

Released in 2004, the prequel follows a different story set in Cuba during the revolution.

The famous log scene was initially deemed too risqué.

The scene where Baby and Johnny practice their dance moves on a log was considered too sensual, but it was eventually included in the film.

The lake where Baby and Johnny practice their lifts is still a popular tourist destination.

Lake Lure in North Carolina, where the lake scenes were filmed, attracts many visitors who want to relive the movie’s iconic moments.

The film was a surprise hit.

Despite initially receiving mixed reviews from critics, “Dirty Dancing” became a box office success and has since become a beloved classic.

The character of Baby is based on Eleanor Bergstein herself.

Bergstein drew inspiration from her own experiences as a teenager and her transformation through dance.

The movie was originally intended to be a low-budget film for the home video market.

However, after test screenings received positive feedback, the decision was made to release it in theaters.

The script for the film was developed over several years.

Eleanor Bergstein spent years refining the script and drawing inspiration from her own life before it finally went into production.

“Dirty Dancing” was a breakthrough role for Patrick Swayze.

Swayze’s portrayal of Johnny Castle brought him widespread recognition and established him as a leading man in Hollywood.

The film’s success led to various adaptations.

A stage adaptation, a television series, and a made-for-TV remake have all been created in response to the popularity of “Dirty Dancing.”

The movie’s title almost became “Catskill Summer.”

However, the producers decided to go with “Dirty Dancing” after consultation with focus groups.

The film features diverse dance styles.

“Dirty Dancing” showcases a range of dance styles, including salsa, mambo, and of course, the iconic lift at the end.

Jennifer Grey injured herself during the filming.

Grey suffered a minor knee injury during a dance rehearsal, but she continued filming despite the pain.

“Dirty Dancing” is often referenced and parodied in popular culture.

From television shows to music videos, “Dirty Dancing” has left a lasting impact on pop culture.

A famous line from the movie is “I carried a watermelon.”

Baby utters this line when she first meets Johnny, creating a memorable and comical moment.

The film’s success revived interest in dance-based movies.

“Dirty Dancing” sparked a resurgence in dance films, inspiring movies like “Save the Last Dance” and the “Step Up” franchise.

“Dirty Dancing” has been praised for its feminist themes.

The film explores themes of female empowerment, with Baby challenging societal expectations and finding her own voice.

The movie was shot in just 44 days.

Despite the tight schedule, the cast and crew managed to create a timeless and unforgettable film.

The lake scene where Baby and Johnny practice their lifts was extremely cold.

The scene was shot in October, and the water temperature was significantly colder than it appears on screen.

“Dirty Dancing” has inspired many to take up dancing.

Countless individuals have been motivated to join dance classes and recreate the moves from the film.

The film’s theme song was initially rejected by the studio.

The studio executives were initially not impressed with the song “Time of My Life,” but it went on to become an iconic part of the movie.

The soundtrack won a Grammy Award.

In addition to the film’s success, the soundtrack won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci inspired the dance moves in the film.

Nadia Comaneci’s graceful performances at the 1976 Olympics influenced the choreography and elegance of the dance sequences.

“Dirty Dancing” was a low-risk investment for the studio.

The film was made with a relatively low budget, making it a financially sound decision for the studio.

The movie’s release was met with controversy.

Some criticized the film for its mature themes and portrayal of an illegal abortion, while others praised its courage to address such issues.

“Dirty Dancing” has been adapted into a successful stage musical.

The stage version of the film has enjoyed great success worldwide and has become a favorite amongst theatergoers.

The film has been preserved in the National Film Registry.

In 2017, “Dirty Dancing” was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for its cultural and historical importance.

The production faced challenges due to limited rehearsal time.

Due to budget constraints, the cast had limited time to rehearse the dance routines before shooting the film.

“Dirty Dancing” has become a staple of pop culture conventions.

Fans of the film often cosplay as the iconic characters and attend events dedicated to celebrating the movie.

The legacy of “Dirty Dancing” continues to thrive.

Decades after its release, the film remains a beloved classic, inspiring new generations to embrace the joy of dance and young love.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dirty Dancing is a timeless movie that continues to captivate audiences with its mesmerizing dance sequences, memorable soundtrack, and heartfelt storyline. The film’s portrayal of forbidden love and the transformative power of dance resonates with viewers of all ages. With its iconic lines and unforgettable performances by Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, Dirty Dancing has cemented its place in cinematic history.Whether you’re rewatching it for the umpteenth time or experiencing it for the first time, Dirty Dancing’s blend of romance, drama, and energetic dancing will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. So, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to relive the magic of this beloved film. Remember, “nobody puts Baby in a corner.”

FAQs

1. When was Dirty Dancing released?

Dirty Dancing was released on August 21, 1987 in the United States.

2. Who were the lead actors in Dirty Dancing?

Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey portrayed the lead characters, Johnny Castle and Frances “Baby” Houseman, respectively.

3. Was the dancing in Dirty Dancing performed by the actors themselves?

Yes, both Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey underwent extensive dance training in preparation for their roles and performed many of the dance sequences themselves.

4. Where was Dirty Dancing filmed?

The majority of the movie was filmed in Virginia, specifically at Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke.

5. Did Dirty Dancing receive any awards?

Yes, Dirty Dancing won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” and received numerous other nominations and awards.

6. Is there a sequel to Dirty Dancing?

Yes, a sequel titled Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights was released in 2004, although it features a new set of characters and takes place in a different time period.

7. Why is Dirty Dancing considered a cult classic?

Dirty Dancing gained a cult following due to its iconic dance sequences, memorable lines, and its ability to capture the spirit of the 1960s. It continues to be a beloved film that resonates with audiences even decades after its release.