Introduction
Dirty Dancing is one of the most iconic movies of all time. The 1987 film starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey has become a timeless classic, with its catchy soundtrack, unforgettable dance moves, and romantic story. But what many fans may not know is that much of the movie was filmed on location in several real-life places. In this article, we’ll explore the real-life filming locations of Dirty Dancing and how these places became the setting for the classic movie.
Exploring the Real-Life Filming Locations of Dirty Dancing
The movie was primarily shot in various locations in the United States, including Virginia and New York. A look back at where the iconic movie was shot reveals that much of the filming took place in the mountain resort town of Mountain Lake, Virginia. This small town served as the inspiration for the fictional Kellerman’s mountain resort, which was the main setting for the movie.
Revisiting the Mountain Lake Resort in Virginia that Inspired Dirty Dancing
The Mountain Lake Resort in Virginia is the real-life location that inspired the fictional Kellerman’s resort in the movie. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the resort was once a popular vacation destination for families in the 1940s and 1950s. The resort closed in 1982 and was purchased by the local government in 1989, who then leased it to the production company that created Dirty Dancing. Much of the movie was filmed on location at the resort, including the dance scenes and the lake scene.
“When we arrived at Mountain Lake, I was struck by how beautiful it was,” said actress Jennifer Grey. “It was the perfect place for us to shoot the movie. We were able to capture the beauty and charm of the area and make it part of the story.”
How the Catskills Became the Setting for the Classic Movie
The Catskills region of New York was another important filming location for Dirty Dancing. The region was a popular tourist destination in the 1960s and 1970s, and it was the setting for much of the outdoor scenes in the movie. The crew filmed in several locations in the area, including the Nevele Grand Hotel, which was used for the opening scene, and the nearby town of Ellenville.
In addition to outdoor scenes, the production team also filmed some indoor scenes in the Catskills. One of the most memorable indoor scenes was when Baby and Johnny practice dancing in the staff quarters. This scene was actually filmed in a building near the Nevele Grand Hotel.
Touring the Sites from Dirty Dancing and Beyond
Today, many of the sites from Dirty Dancing are still open to visitors. Fans can take a tour of the Mountain Lake Resort, which has been restored to its former glory. Visitors can also tour the grounds of the Nevele Grand Hotel and explore the town of Ellenville.
For those interested in learning more about the filming of Dirty Dancing, there are several companies that offer guided tours of the movie’s locations. These tours provide an in-depth look at the places where the movie was filmed, as well as background information about the cast and crew.
The Magical Journey of Dirty Dancing: On Location
From the mountains of Virginia to the Catskills of New York, Dirty Dancing has left an indelible mark on the places it was filmed. For those who want to relive the magic of the movie, visiting the real-life locations is the best way to do it. Whether you’re taking a guided tour or simply exploring on your own, the journey to the sites of Dirty Dancing will be one you’ll never forget.
Conclusion
Dirty Dancing is a classic movie that continues to captivate audiences around the world. Its real-life filming locations, from the Mountain Lake Resort in Virginia to the Catskills of New York, provide insight into how the movie was made and bring the movie to life. For fans of the movie, touring the sites from Dirty Dancing and beyond is the best way to experience the magic of the classic movie.
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