‘Dirty Dancing’ better than I remembered

Tonight I hit the theater to catch a special viewing of the timeless classic Dirty Dancing in honor of the film’s 20th anniversary.  As one friend described it, the experience was more intense that I remembered it.

To be honest I can’t remember the first time I saw Dirty Dancing.  I know I was a wide-eyed teen, but I can’t actually remember the theater experience.  But the movie has still become one of my favorites. 

For years I’ve seen it in my living room on VHS, DVD or cable television.  But those viewings were subject to the interruptions of life.  Tonight, I got to lose myself in the movie again.

On the big screen Patrick Swayze was sexier than ever.  Jennifer Grey reminded me of my once youthful figure (before children, even before the freshman 15).  The dance scenes were so hot you could almost feel the steam come off the screen.  And the music still rocked.  You could hear the theater full of people sing along.  We all knew every word.  And when Johnny showed up at the end and said “Nobody puts Baby in a corner,” the theater exploded with cheers. 

I’d love to say that it was like watching it for the first time again.  But lost was my teenage innocence.  Like Baby, I’ve grown up.  The blossoming romance was still beautiful to watch.  The dancing still made me want to get up and dance.  But I’ve already found my “Johnny.”  He’s the one who stayed at home tonight with the kids so I could have this little fling with my youth.  And he’s the one that makes me want to be a better person.

Thanks Dirty Dancing for the memories.