BreakPoint | The New Swing Kids

Mark Gauvreau Judge, writing June 9, 2005, for a Christian website, says very good things about the documentary Mad Hot Ballroom - and the New York City public school program it chronicles. He also thinks most of the movie critics miss the wonderful lessons in the film. You know, little things like "it takes hard work to achieve fulfillment," the importance of manners, dignity, respect, that sort of thing.

Overall, Mad Hot Ballroom is jaw-dropping for Christians, at least in small ways. In once scene, a remarkable teacher named Rodney Rodriguez notices that the boys are filing into class with their shirts untucked.

“You know what?” he says, tugging his own shirt out. “I think I’m gonna teach class like this. I’m going to dance like this. How’s that look?” After several seconds of silence, the kids respond: it looks stupid. “That’s right,” Rodney says. “Now tuck them back in.”

In another scene, a female teacher watches closely while her young charges look for dresses to wear in the final competition. “Forget it,” she tells one who likes a Britney Spears outfit. “You’re not wearing anything that shows your belly button.”

Not only do the teachers instruct students about proper dress, they also give practical advice about failure. One group of students is seen weeping after losing an early round of competition. “Buck up,” a teacher tells them. “It’s part of life.”

Do they still let teachers have this much authority, and wisdom, in public schools?

Hat tip: Townhall.com