This past summer, while helping my dad and stepmom transition to their new home, my sister and I decided to tackle the clutter in their attic. We unearthed a treasure trove of old notebooks, childhood letters, crumpled school projects, and dusty novels. Buried at the bottom of one box was a VHS tape of Dirty Dancing.
“Check it out, my Dirty Dancing tape!” I shouted, excitement bubbling up.
“Wait, that’s mine,” my sister shot back.
“Come on! I watched it every single day after school. You were just a little kid back then.”
“Yeah, well, you eventually moved on, and I did too.”
After a brief back-and-forth, we reached a truce, and I secretly managed to sneak the tape back home. (What can I say? Big-sister privileges still count!) It’s clear that I’m a devoted fan of this iconic film. Those cutoff jeans, the sultry summer nights spent dancing (let’s be honest, it felt very scandalous for my 11-year-old self), and the unforgettable romance between Baby and Johnny are etched in my memory. With a killer soundtrack to boot, it’s pure cinematic magic, especially for those of us who grew up in the ‘80s.
The recent passing of Patrick Swayze has undoubtedly amplified the nostalgia surrounding the film. Many of us remember him as Johnny—strong, captivating, and now forever missed. So when I caught wind of the upcoming remake, I was initially thrilled. Who wouldn’t want to travel down memory lane? But as I delved into the details, I started feeling… well, a bit ancient.
The Cast
First off, the cast. The only name I recognize is Abigail Breslin, stepping into Jennifer Grey’s shoes as Baby. I vaguely recall her performance in Little Miss Sunshine from the early 2000s, before my hands were full with kids.
The rest of the cast? A mystery to me. Colt Prattes, playing Johnny, certainly looks the part, but it’s tough to picture anyone filling Patrick Swayze’s shoes. No offense to Prattes—a talented Broadway performer—but that’s a monumental task.
There is one familiar face—Debra Messing, known for her role in Will & Grace. But guess who she’s portraying? Baby’s mom. Yep. Before long, I’ll be just like Mrs. Houseman, wondering where my own tween has disappeared to and praying they aren’t out doing something as risqué as dirty dancing.
Air Date and Time
The remake is set to air on ABC, which is a pleasant surprise. I remember when made-for-TV films were all the rage. However, the question looms: when will I even have time to watch it? My schedule revolves around my kids’ bedtime, and while I’m aware of the wonders of DVR, our budget is too tight from the costs of parenting to add any extras to our cable bill.
Oh, and did I mention the movie is supposed to run for three hours? How can any working parent manage that?
Facing Reality
Ultimately, I’ve come to terms with the fact that this remake is likely targeting a younger audience. While I’m excited for the next generation to discover this classic, it does serve as a reminder of my own age. Given that the original Dirty Dancing debuted in 1987, which means we’re approaching three decades since I rushed home from school to watch Johnny effortlessly lift Baby, I can no longer deny it—I am getting old, even if just yesterday I felt like I was still 11.
I’m committed to watching the remake, and I’m eagerly awaiting its release. But first, I’ll be dusting off my old VHS, settling in with my husband after the kids are asleep, and delightfully revisiting my childhood all over again. (And yes, we still have a working VHS player and a collection of tapes because we’re just that vintage. Did I mention that?)
Further Reading
For more engaging reads, check out this post on Modern Family Blog. Also, if you’re interested in at-home insemination kits, Make A Mom has some great options available. And for those navigating the journey to pregnancy, this resource on IVF is invaluable.
In summary, while the new Dirty Dancing may be for a younger crowd, my love for the original film remains. I can’t wait to experience it again, even if it means confronting the reality of time passing.
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