Dance with Me (1998)

50% of critics liked it
(42 reviews)
67% of users liked it
(35,688 ratings)

Randa Haines directed this dance drama, focusing on young Cuban Rafael Infante (Latino singer Chayanne) after the death of his mother. Rafael leaves Cuba for Houston, where he meets his father John Burnett (Kris Kristofferson) for the first time. Burnette is unaware that the young man is his son,… More Randa Haines directed this dance drama, focusing on young Cuban Rafael Infante (Latino singer Chayanne) after the death of his mother. Rafael leaves Cuba for Houston, where he meets his father John Burnett (Kris Kristofferson) for the first time. Burnette is unaware that the young man is his son, and Rafael can't figure out how to tell him. Rafael's mother was a singer on cruise ships where Burnett was a dance instructor. Burnett owns the Excelsior Dance Studio, and he gives Rafael a handyman job there, where he meets and falls for the Ruby (Vanessa L. Williams) a beautiful professional dancer. With the Las Vegas World Open Dance competition in a few weeks, dancers work on their routines, and Ruby aims for the Vegas prize. Rafael partners with Patricia (Jane Krakowski) after Burnett loses interest in the competition, and Ruby dances with her brutish ex-boyfriend, the father of her young son. Then it's on to Vegas. This film features great dance numbers and an homage to Gene Kelly beneath a sprinkler system. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 2 hr. 7 min.
Directed By: Randa Haines
Written By: Daryl Matthews, Darryl Matthews
Genres: Drama, Romance, Musical & Performing Arts, Comedy

In Theaters: Aug 21, 1998 Wide
On DVD: Jan 12, 1999
Studio: Sony Pictures

Critic Reviews

Leonard Klady, Variety
The real creative opportunities lie in visual and choreographic options, and Haines doesn't miss a beat in either department.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
Although the movie bubbles occasionally, it never boils.
Jack Mathews, Los Angeles Times
Throughout the film, Haines treats...banal moments as epiphanies, telegraphing every feeling and thought with annoying coyness.
Stephen Holden, New York Times
Although Dance With Me disappoints on almost every level, it still leaves you mildly elated...
Bob Graham, San Francisco Chronicle
Promises to be one of the summer's best date movies.
Paul Tatara, CNN.com
This film's storyline couldn't be more pedestrian if it tried.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
A Cuban searches for his father in Texas.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
For every cliché embraced in its entirety, another is subverted just enough that you're pleasantly surprised.
, Film4
Too insubstantial to rise above being anything other than feel-good fluff...
Maria Garcia, Film Journal International
Sparkles just like an old-fashioned musical--it's beautifully designed and skillfully directed.
Charlotte O'Sullivan, Time Out
The use of Plowright as a middle-aged frump wanting to get in on the sexy action is deeply patronizing.
Robin Clifford, Reeling Reviews
A quality film.
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times
What is it about dance, that most joyous of arts, that inspires so many bad movies?
James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette
When it turns its attention to bodies in motion, writhing across the floor to a salsa beat, the film is a joy to watch. When drama takes center stage, which is all too often, 'Dance' drags its feet.
Jeanne Aufmuth, Palo Alto Weekly
A great big summer cheeseball of a movie that mildly entertains but doesn't stimulate.
Margaret A. McGurk, Cincinnati Enquirer
Competent but predictable soap opera.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
Two hours-plus of melodrama and dancing dancing dancing danczzzz zzzz zzzzzzzz....
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A romantic drama that makes the most of the many fine dance sequences in the storyline.

Read all 18 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Wahida K

Watchable but easily forgetable
Leigh R

I love anything with dancing in it. :)
Dannielle A

Exciting! Shows the devastating effects of premarital sex.
Deb S

A fun film in spite of a drab storyline and most enjoyable because of the dance scenes! The male lead is handsome, likable and gives a reasonable acting performance and there's good support from Kris Kristofferson and Vanessa Williams.
Yinalí R

Classic movie.