‘Oh, come on, ladies. God wouldn't have given you maracas if He didn't want you to shake 'em’ - Penny

In the 80s, this film was on repeat in countless households, wearing out VHS tapes around the world, as Patrick Swayze danced his way into hearts, becoming a household name.

Nearly forty years after its release, people are still quoting it, dancing to it and introducing it to the next generation (who’s see Crazy Stupid Love). Everyone, I mean everyone wishes they could do the lift.

It’s a a romance, yes. It’s also beautifully constructed coming of age story. So... is it simply one of cinema's most loved guilty pleasures?

Or is it something much rarer?

We think Dirty Dancing shares a collection of storytelling ingredients with a handful of other films. It isn't random. Together, they create a rare category of movies that we (rather controversially) call perfect.

Do you agree it's perfect?

After the screening we'll put Dirty Dancing through our Ten Perfect Film Criteria, then open the conversation to the room with a fun, moderated discussion led by local filmmaker (and film buff) Thomas Meadmore.

If you're already mentally preparing your argument... good.

That's exactly the point.

Whether you're simply a movie lover (this event is for everyone, not just people who work in film), a student, editor, producer, writer, director, documentary or fiction filmmaker, we'll all be together simply as film fans, having the same conversation.

And yes... there's free pizza for students, kindly supported by our friends at Pizza Pilgrims next door. Legends.

Does Dirty Dancing pass the Perfect Film Test?

We think so. Come make your case!

Brighton Film Club is proudly supported by

A huge thank you to Fabrica, MetFilm School, Screendog Productions, The Edit Brighton & Brighton Production Hub… Backed Brighton Film Club means we can bring students, emerging talent, working filmmakers and film lovers together in the same room for some film fun! And of course, Pizza Pilgrims for feeding the students ;)

Your support helps us make the nights accessible, affordable and full of good film chat.

Legends. Thank you.