Dance with Me

Name: Dance with Me
Item: Dance with Me
Rating: 3
Author: Nell Minow

Movie review by

Nell Minow, Common Sense Media

Common Sense says

age 8+

(i)

Upbeat dance-romance is fine for tweens and up.

PG
1998
126 minutes

Save

Rate movie

Watch or buy

Parents say

age 12+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 1 review

Get it now

Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Get it now on

Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...

X of Y

Official trailer

Dance with Me

A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

Educational Value

Kids will learn a little about Cuban culture and ballroom dancing.

Positive Messages

Values team efforts, self-confidence, and honest hard work. Characters are reminded that first impressions aren't always accurate and that strong, talented people often live beneath quiet, unassuming exteriors. The film finds beauty in and stresses the charm and passion of the Latin American culture, specifically Cuban.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Leading characters all have strong values, strive hard to reach their goals, and learn from their mistakes. Concerned, protective parenting is stressed and held in high esteem. Diverse ethnicity is a strong component in the atmosphere of the film, but it is neither commented upon nor used to move the story.

Violence & Scariness

Sexy Stuff

Central story line involves an out-of-wedlock birth and a son meeting his disbelieving father for the first time. While there is no overt sexual activity, there are many scenes of vibrant, sensual ballroom dancing. Costumes are sometimes revealing in keeping with the style of dance competitions. Two people who are falling in love kiss several times, intensifying as the relationship grows.

Language

Occasional swearing: "son-of-a-bitch," "hell," "goddamn," "ass," "a--hole," "s--t," "I'll be damned."

Consumerism

Lone Star Beer, Greyhound Bus, GMC, Coca Cola, Monte Carlo Hotel (Las Vegas), Easy Spirit, Chevrolet

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Moderate social drinking in several restaurant, bar, and nightclub scenes. A beer is consumed on a fishing trip. Someone goes "out for a smoke." Cuban cigars are offered.

Set limits for violence and more with Plus

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Dance with Me is a romance set in the world of ballroom dancing that has strong messages about having dreams and striving to achieve them. The plot depends upon two past incidents in which children were born to unmarried moms, and one father who is unaware that he has a son. Exuberant, sensual dancing and some revealing costumes stay within the boundaries of traditional ballroom competition. In addition, there is some passionate kissing and occasional mild swearing (i.e., "hell," "goddamn," "a--hole").

Wondering if Dance with Me is OK for your kids?

Set preferences and get age-appropriate recommendations with Common Sense Media Plus. Join now

User Reviews

Parents say
Kids say

Adult Written bybralaum May 28, 2013

age 17+

Let's not encourage kids to be overtly sexual!

Report this review

Adult Written bySra. Thompson May 26, 2013

age 14+

Too racy for kids

There is a fair amount of swearing, scantly dressed women in some scenes and a pretty heavy make-out scene where the man is wearing only a towel. I wanted to s... Continue reading

Report this review

Teen, 13 years old Written byLIGHTS07 July 6, 2014

age 12+

too racy

ok so there is TONS of swearing including s**t there is a kissing scene where a man is only wearing a towel and the dance very sexual. i dont know where they go... Continue reading

Report this review

What's the story?

Former Miss America Vanessa Williams and Latin superstar Cheyanne star in DANCE WITH ME, the story of a Cuban man who comes to Texas in search of his father and brings a new spirit to the people who work at a run-down dance studio. Cheyanne plays Rafael, who leaves Puerto Rico after his mother's death to take a handyman job in the dance studio owned by John (Kris Kristofferson). Williams plays Ruby, a dance teacher determined to win the international championship. Rafael's sweet nature endears him to everyone, even Ruby, a single mother whose past has left her reluctant to trust anyone.

Is it any good?

Children may not notice the plot's creakiness, and all audiences will be beguiled by the Latin dancing and the joy it brings to the dancers.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about the importance of dreaming -- and of working hard to achieve your dreams. How does the movie express these messages?

Movie details

In theaters: August 21, 1998
On DVD or streaming: January 12, 1999
Cast: Chayanne, Jane Krakowski, Vanessa Williams
Director: Randa Haines
Studio: Columbia Tristar
Genre: Drama
Topics: Arts and Dance
Run time: 126 minutes
MPAA rating: PG
MPAA explanation: mild language and sensuality
Last updated: September 21, 2019

Our editors recommend

Shall We Dance?

Cute romance that is marred by homophobia.

age 14+

An American in Paris

Unforgettable musical is great for parents and kids alike.

age 8+

High School Musical

A modern-day Grease for tweens.

age 8+

For kids who love dancing

Dance Movies

See all recommended movie lists

Themes & Topics

Browse titles with similar subject matter.

Cartoon picture of ballet slippers and paint brush

Arts and Dance

See all

Or browse by category:

Dance with Me

Common Sense says

Parents say