As ‘Dirty Dancing’ Tours, Screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein Shares Iconic Stories

Few films are as cherished as Dirty Dancing. Released in the summer of 1987, it stands as one of cinema’s great success stories. Despite being shot on a modest budget and often misunderstood by the film industry during its production, this ’60s-set coming-of-age romance, starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, became a monumental box office hit. Today, it remains a favorite among viewers of all generations.

Dirty Dancing is making a grand return to theaters, accompanied by live performances of its iconic soundtrack. Starting in January 2025, Dirty Dancing in Concert will tour over 50 cities across North America. This production offers a blend of a movie screening with live-to-film performances of the soundtrack by a full band and vocalists, capped off with an afterparty. It promises a uniquely immersive experience for fans.

In anticipation of Dirty Dancing in Concert, Eleanor Bergstein, the film’s screenwriter, and co-producer, spoke about her personal connection to the story, the challenges of making the film, the unforgettable cast and soundtrack, and more.

Growing up, Bergstein’s father was a doctor, and they visited the Catskills when she was around 12 or 13. Much like the character "Baby," Bergstein loved to dance and was affectionately called Baby until she was 21. While the story isn’t an exact recounting of her life, elements of her personal experiences are scattered throughout the film. She conducted research in the Catskills, interviewing several dance instructors to authentically capture the essence of 1963, adding a blend of factual and imaginative elements.

The film’s success resonated deeply with many women who had their own Catskill memories and crushes. Bergstein often had to clarify that the story wasn’t based on anyone they might have known, as much as it mirrored the general sentiment of that era.

Music plays a vital role in Dirty Dancing, and it will be a highlight in the upcoming concert tour. Bergstein meticulously matched every line of dialogue with specific lyrics, often using lesser-known tracks from her treasured collection of 45s. Despite initial rejections from studios, who deemed the script and its soundtrack too dated and juvenile, the film’s eventual soundtrack became a beloved hallmark. The insistence on using nostalgic tracks was a deliberate choice, ensuring an authentic emotional connection.

Getting Dirty Dancing to the screen presented numerous challenges. Bergstein insisted on detailed dance descriptions and wrote with a novelist’s precision, fearing her vision might be lost through the multiple production layers. Topics like illegal abortion and civil rights were integral to the script, reflecting the socio-political climate of 1963. Critics initially dismissed these elements, not recognizing their future relevance and importance.

Bergstein fought against studio pressures to sanitize the film, maintaining its political and social undercurrents. Over the years, these elements have gained recognition, underscoring the film’s layered narrative beyond its romantic and nostalgic exterior.

The casting process for Dirty Dancing was rigorous. Jennifer Grey won the part with her spirited authenticity, embodying the essence of a young girl determined to carve her path through willpower and intelligence. Casting Johnny was more complex. Bergstein sought someone with enigmatic, hooded eyes, eventually discovering Patrick Swayze, whose unlisted dance talent and intense presence made him the perfect fit.

Swayze and Grey’s chemistry, despite a rocky past working together on Red Dawn, was undeniable. Swayze’s performance, combining formidable dance skills with profound acting ability, was pivotal. His dedication and genuine nature left a lasting impact on everyone involved.

Adaptations and spinoffs of the film, like the concert tour format, aim to deepen the audience’s connection to Dirty Dancing. Bergstein noted that fans naturally want to sing along, creating a communal experience. This concert tour caters to that desire, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the music and story collectively.

Decades later, the enduring popularity of Dirty Dancing brings immense joy to its creators. Despite initial skepticism and countless obstacles, the film’s continued success is a testament to the passion and dedication poured into its making. The camaraderie and shared disbelief among the original team, including close friends like Cynthia Rhodes, highlight the film’s lasting legacy and the blessing it represents to all involved.

Source: Woman’s World