Mad Hot Ballroom

"Mad Hot Ballroom" is a testament to the urban 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 finals dance contest as director Marilyn Agrelo reveals the personalities of the students whose lives are enriched by their contact with each other and their teachers through dance. The narrative builds toward its built-in trophy award climax with 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. There are no special features. Aspect ratio is 1.78:1 Full Frame. Sound quality is processed in Dolby Digital 5.1. (Movie - Four Stars, DVD features - Zero Stars) Rated PG, 110 mins. (Paramount)