MAD HOT BALLROOM

"Mad Hot Ballroom" is a testament to the elementary public school system of New York's five boroughs, to its kids, and to the dance teachers of the American Ballroom Institute.

Teams of fourth and fifth grade girls and boys from Brooklyn, Tribeca, and Washington Heights train to compete in a citywide dance contest.

Director Marilyn Agrelo reveals the personalities of the young students whose lives are enriched by their contact with each other and their teachers through ballroom dance. The narrative (written by Amy Sewell) assembles toward its built-in trophy award climax with dance teams performing five dances: the Fox Trot, Swing, Rumba, Tango and Meringue.

Charming, poignant, and festive "Mad Hot Ballroom" is an inspirational documentary that shows the power of dance to invigorate self-esteem and ambition in young hearts.

Rated PG. 110 mins. (B+) (Four stars)