Mad Hot Ballroom

2005
US
1h 46min
U

Directed by: Marilyn Argrelo
Written by: Amy Sewell

Three different schools compete for a citywide ballroom dancing competition in New York City. Agrelo and Sewell's wildly emotive, beautifully structured documentary is indeed succour for the soul. This energised low-fi hybrid of 'Hoop Dreams' and 'Spellbound' so fully embraces the quirky half formed world of these miniature urbanites that as a viewer it is virtually impossible not to be dragged in or to take sides. A very special documentary.