Dance with Me

Movie review by Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Dance with Me Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Upbeat dance-romance is fine for tweens and up.

PG 1998 126 minutes
Rate movie

Parents say

age 12+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 1 review

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

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

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

Stands out for and .

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").

Community Reviews

bralaum
bralaum Adult
May 28, 2013
age 17+

Let's not encourage kids to be overtly sexual!

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
Sra. Thompson
Sra. Thompson Adult
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 show it to my 7th and 8th grade students after we did a unit on Latin dance, but I think it is too much for them.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 3 parent reviews

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

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love dancing

Themes & Topics

Browse titles with similar subject matter.

  • Cartoon picture of ballet slippers and paint brush
    Arts and Dance
    See all

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate