Ordinary Kids. An Extraordinary Journey.

Mad Hot Ballroom is an inspiring look inside the lives of New York City school kids on a journey into the world of ballroom dancing, an unexpected arena where they discover new frontiers about attitude, movement, style and commitment. Told from the candid, sometimes hilarious perspective of the boys and girls themselves, the picture chronicles their transformation from typical urban kids to 'ladies and gentlemen,' as their school teams strive towards a final citywide competition.

Providing unique insight into the incredible cultural diversity that is truly the soul of New York City, first time feature filmmakers Marilyn Agrelo and Amy Sewell profile eleven-year-olds from three public elementary schools. Shooting in neighbourhoods, classrooms and in the fifth-graders' homes, the filmmakers show all the contradictions of this dynamic and intriguing age, when growing pressure to become a 'cool' teenager vies with rambunctious childlike innocence.

Parents and friends rally around these exuberant children as they try their best while reminding us what is really important in life. They really want to win, but they also take pride in their progress. Like 'Spellbound' before it, Mad Hot Ballroom portrays the fierce passion that kids can bring to a competition. Yet it also celebrates the small steps of everyday life and reminds us of a moment in time when it seemed as if anything was possible.