DOC NYC Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Mad Hot Ballroom at Its 2025 Festival
Reunion Screenings with Director Marilyn Agrelo, Teaching Artists from Dancing Classrooms, and the Original Cast
DOC NYC, the country’s largest documentary film festival, will honor the 20th anniversary of Mad Hot Ballroom (2005) with two special reunion screenings during its 16th edition this fall. The landmark film, which followed New York City fifth-graders participating in a ballroom dance competition, remains a defining work in arts-education storytelling.
Festival & Screening Information
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In-person festival: November 13-20, 2025, at the IFC Center, SVA Theatre, and Village East by Angelika
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Online festival: November 12–30, 2025
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Mad Hot Ballroom screenings:
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November 15 at 4:00 p.m. – Village East by Angelika
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November 20 at 1:15 p.m. – IFC Center
(Industry attendees and press will receive advance notice if any schedule adjustments occur.)
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Each screening will be followed by a post-show Q&A and an industry networking reception.
This anniversary celebration brings together, for the first time in two decades, director Marilyn Agrelo, students from the original cast—now adults—and the teaching artists of Dancing Classrooms. They will reflect on the film’s legacy, the role of arts education in public schools, and how their lives have evolved since the documentary’s release.
Upon its release in 2005, Mad Hot Ballroom became a cultural milestone, capturing the discipline, joy, and confidence that dance education instills in young people. Its 20th anniversary at DOC NYC offers industry professionals a rare opportunity to revisit the film’s influence, engage with its creators and subjects, and consider the long-term power of documentary storytelling centered on education.
About Mad Hot Ballroom
Directed by Marilyn Agrelo and produced by Amy Sewell, the film follows New York City public-school fifth-graders participating in the Dancing Classrooms ballroom program as they advance toward a citywide competition. Two decades later, its lively and heartfelt portrayal of children, community, and creativity continues to resonate.
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Check out where the two kids, in the poster, are now, circa 2025.
About DOC NYC
DOC NYC is America’s largest documentary film festival, attracting filmmakers, producers, distributors, and members of the press from around the world. The 2025 edition combines theatrical and online programming, emphasizing discovery, networking, and industry engagement.
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