Take the Lead (2006)

Mixing elements of sports film, feel-good drama, and teen movie--with a dash of social realism--TAKE THE LEAD is an inspiring tale of transformation through art and sports. Based on a true story, the film centers on the dashing Pierre Dulaine, an idealistic New York City ballroom dancer who was the subject of the runaway documentary hit MAD HOT BALLROOM (2005). After spying the desperate and violent actions of a young and angry high schooler named Rock, Dulaine becomes intent on channeling his talent into the service of troubled youth, and almost immediately approaches Rock's tough but well-meaning high school pr...
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incipal (the always radiant Alfre Woodward) with the idea of teaching ballroom dancing to detention students. Were it not for the fact that this is a story pulled from real life, the premise might ring false; the fact that it actually happened only makes the movie more powerful.

Though at first greeted with the expected disdain and cynicism by his street-hardened students--gang member Ramos, tough-as-nails Larhette, charming but overweight "Monster," and the lone white boy Kurd--all of them become transformed into dedicated, graceful, and talented dancers, performing the tango and rumba as confidently as they once initiated fistfights. Along with learning the technical steps of the ballroom, these youngsters are also exposed to their toe-tapping teacher's wisdom about life, learning everything from how to treat a lady to how to disengage from pointless violence. Former music-video director Liz Friedlander brings a kinetic energy to the film, and the pulsating hip-hop soundtrack is designed to attract youthful viewers.
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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 demo...
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nstrates 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.
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Inspired by a true story, Antonio Banderas stars as internationally acclaimed ballroom dancer Pierre Dulane. The film revolves around a professional dancer who volunteers to teach in the New York City public school system. But when his classic methods clash with his students' hip hop instincts, he teams up with them to create a new style of dance and becomes their mentor in the process. "Take the Lead" co-stars Alfre Woodard and marks the feature directing debut of veteran music video helmer Liz Friedlander.

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De professionele ballroom danser Pierre Dulaine (Antonio Banderas) besluit als vrijwilliger les te gaan geven op een school in New York. Dansles welteverstaan. En dat aan een lastig groepje leerlingen dat na moet blijven. De scholieren staan in eerste instantie erg sceptisch tegenover Dulaine, zeker als ze merken wat hij ze komt leren, maar door zijn enorme toewijding weet hij ze langzaam maar zeker voor zich te winnen. Ze gaan zelfs een stap verder en combineren Dulaine's klassieke dansstijl met hun eigen hiphop-muziek, waaruit een energieke mengvorm ontstaat. Dulaine spoort zijn leerlingen aan om mee te doen aa...
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n een prestigieuze danscompetitie. In ruil daarvoor leert hij ze waardevolle en inspirerende lessen over trots, respect en eer.
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