The majority of filming of the film Dirty Dancing took place in Mountain Lake, Virginia, Lake Lure, and North Carolina. 1987 released American romantic drama dance film Dirty Dancer has been a timeless classic since the day it was released. The cinematography, the soundtrack, the luscious dance choreography, and not to forget the intent chemistry between actors Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in the movie have all been an absolute treat to the eye.
The Emile Ardolino-directed film is loosely based on scriptwriter Eleanor Bergstein's own childhood. The film transports us, the viewers, to a dreamy world where summer vacation with family members at a scenic lodge was absolutely fun, filled with dance lessons, bingo nights, and hope to find your one true love. It also is an inspiration to many wedding dances.
What is Dirty Dancing all about?
The classic hit movie Dirty Dancing's plot revolves around Frances 'Baby' Houseman (Jennifer Grey), a pretty woman who falls in love with the dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) during her stay at the Kellerman's (an upscale Catskills resort in the Borscht Belt). The movie is a perfect blend of family drama, sensuous dance moves, and heartfelt romance.
The film was written by Eleanor Bergstein, produced by Linda Gottlieb, and directed by Emile Ardolino. It was released on August 21, 1987, and made a total of $214.6 million at the box office. In layman's terms, the film was a massive hit and went on to be a timeless classic in the hearts of the fans. Due to the success, the makers also came up with the film's stage version, tours, TV shows, sequels, prequels, and 20th-anniversary releases.
Apart from Swayze and Grey's tremendous performance, the film also made history for its amazing soundtrack. Dirty Dancing won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, and the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, alone for its soundtrack.
Where was Dirty Dancing filmed?
The film was majorly shot in Mountain Lake in Virginia and Lake Lure in North Carolina. If you are a die-hard fan of the film and want to take a tour of the locations where the famous scenes were shot then here is your cue.
The Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia
Most famously known as the Kellerman resort, which was supposed to be located in New York's Catskill Mountains, The Mountain Lake Lodge is the actual location where Baby and Castle fell deeply in love in the movies. The actual lodge is located in Pembroke, Virginia and most of the exteriors and interiors of this lodge was majorly used in scenes. The staff of the lodge has also marked our filming locations around the site for all the Dirty Dancing fans who want to recreate the scenes.
There was a lake right on the hotel grounds where the iconic lifting scene was filmed. Unfortunately, the lake has now dried up making it impossible for the fans to recreate or at least relish the scenic view. Coming back to the hotel, you can even sit at the same table that Baby's family did in the movie. The Gazebo where the dance lessons were taken in the movie still stands and fans can surely visit it.
Coming to the main talk, fans can even book the exact green cabin where Baby and her family stayed in the film. The three-bedroom cottage rents out to up to 10 guests. The hotel was renovated in 2012 and now hosts a 'Dirty Dancing' themed weekend during the summers. Fans from all over the world visit the lodge, especially on those weekends.
Lake Lure, North Carolina
Many exterior and interior scenes were also shot at Lake Lure, North Carolina. While the iconic lifting scene between Baby and Castle was shot in the lake belonging to the hotel grounds, the other footage around the scene was shot in Lake Lure. It also included the iconic dance on the log scene.
The stone stairs where Baby practiced her steps while carrying a watermelon still stand. However, now it's a part of private property and the white bridge has apparently been removed. Fans can also opt to take guided boat tours with the Lake Lure boat company as they point out many locations where the iconic scenes were filmed.
While in Lake Lure, fans can also visit the Bald Mountain Golf Course at the Rumbling Bald Resort. To brush up your memory, this is the actual location where the interaction between Baby asking her father for money for the abortion of Johnny's dance partner Penny was shot.
Who were the cast members of Dirty Dancing?
Jennifer Grey plays Frances "Baby" Houseman, Patrick Swayze plays Johnny Castle, Max Cantor plays Robbie Gould, Charles Coles plays Tito Suarez, Neal Jones plays Billy Kostecki, Cynthia Rhodes plays Penny Johnson, Jack Weston plays Max Kellerman, Lonny Price plays Neil Kellerman, Jerry Orbach plays Jack Houseman, Jane Brucker plays Lisa Houseman, Kelly Bishop plays Marjorie Houseman, and Miranda Garrison plays Vivian Pressman.
The film also has cameos of Bruce Morrow, director Emilie Ardolino, and Matthew Broderick.
FAQs
Q. When was Dirty Dancing released?
A. Dirty Dancing was directed by Emile Ardolino and it was released on August 21, 1987.
Q. What is the most famous song from Dirty Dancing's soundtrack?
A. The Time Of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes was the most famous song from Dirty Dancing's soundtrack.
Q. Is there a sequel to Dirty Dancing?
A. In May 2022, Dirty Dancing star Jennifer Grey officially declared a sequel of Dirty Dancing is in production and that she would produce and star in it.
Q. Is there a prequel to Dirty Dancing?
A. Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights is the prequel of Dirty Dancing. You can also watch the 2017 Television Film Dirty Dancing to relive the magic of the classic.
