Directed by Randall Miller and released in 2005, Marilyn Hotchkiss’ Ballroom Dancing and Charm School is a beautiful film about how dancing really is the best medicine. In the film, Robert Carlyle stars as Frank Keane, a recent widower who is struggling to find a purpose in his newly single life. Through an unusual situation Frank finds himself in a ballroom studio, where he meets another shy student named Meredith who is portrayed by Marisa Tomei. Frank is drawn to Meredith, yet is not liked by her dominating partner Randall. Frank soon surpasses Randall in talent and forms a friendship with Meredith despite threats from her partner. After learning about each other’s sad pasts, Frank and Meredith continue to help each other heal and move on through their dance lessons together.
This movie was based on a short film of he same name created in 1990. The beautiful message and all star cast really pull at the audience’s heartstrings, as well as portray death and the grieving process in a natural and relatable way. Marilyn Hotchkiss’ Ballroom Dancing and Charm School is a perfect example of the healing powers of dance. Everyone dances for a different reason, yet many do so as a form of release, escape, or comfort. Here at Dance All You Can, one of our goals is to help you find your reason for dancing. In addition to the hundreds of reasons people love to dance, this movie will help you discover that dance is a wonderful remedy to all sorts of injury and loss. The next time you see someone you love in pain, suggest to them the healing powers of dance, it may be just what they need to carry on. Described as a musical romance film, Marilyn Hotchkiss’ Ballroom Dancing and Charm School runs 103 minutes.
