Review of Take the Lead

TAKE THE LEAD - STORY: A dance instructor seeks to give disadvantaged youth a chance at a better, less troubled life by teaching them the discipline and social skills involved in ballroom dancing.

TAKE THE LEAD - MESSAGE: Teaching the arts bring out the best in us.

TAKE THE LEAD - WIN: Communication and setting a good example were used to persuade different behavior, not force. The idea that people can change for the better is supported (instead of the false idea that being a loser is genetic.) The other idea that is supported is the fact that if you do what helps a person, they will be helped and will rise to the occasion -- the trick is being smart about getting in touch with the person, caring and seeing what will really help them.

TAKE THE LEAD - LOSE: I believe the detention kids would have been in worse shape to start with. Challenging and dancing are more positive traits, not expected of truly troubled children.

TAKE THE LEAD - EFFECT ON ME: I came out of the theatre dancing, happy, uplifted. I had a renewed faith that the arts are important for children and adults.