Press Room
More than 30 years after its premiere in 1987, Dirty Dancing is still moving audiences.
On Tuesday, September 14th at 6:00 pm the Center for Jewish History will live stream an interview with Eleanor Bergstein, the teenage mambo queen whose family summers at Grossinger’s inspired her screenplay for Dirty Dancing.
Bergstein will share stories from her life and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the creation of the film and stage musical, as well as insights into Dirty Dancing’s enduring popularity.
"A film about a Jewish family in the Catskills, at one point expected to go straight to video, Dirty Dancing defied all expectations. This is a unique opportunity to learn about this beloved classic from its creator," said Lauren Gilbert, senior manager for public services.
Dirty Dancing was set in a Catskills resort during the summer of 1963. It was the first film to sell more than a million copies on home video and the source of two multi-platinum albums.
This program is funded, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.