Dirty Dancing

A retro, music-filled classic about teen romances and strict attitudes to sex starring the late Patrick Swayze in his breakthrough role as dance instructor Johnny Castle.

A cultural phenomenon, Dirty Dancing made Patrick Swayze a sex symbol and a sensual focus for the female gaze. As the camera ogles his graceful physicality, the story itself offers a counter-narrative to traditional ideas about women and sex, including its pro-choice messaging. Jennifer Grey’s Baby is a plucky, desirous feminist hero who offers ‘everywoman’ identification for her audience.