Disappointing Dad and Dirty Dancing

It’s about dancing, sure, but Sarah and Alex unpack Dirty Dancing’s dad themes and there is plenty to sort through.

What happens when you disappoint your father by putting his own ethical code into action? A young woman gets radicalized and dance becomes a metaphor for sex and revolution. Dirty Dancing is, of course, the 1987 Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze oft-maligned “chick flick” that is about dancing, yes, but also lefty politics, reproductive rights, and—if you’re Sarah—imagining Jerry Orbach’s nipples.

We are lucky to be joined in this conversation by our friend the wonderful Candace Opper.

Original music by Carolyn Kendrick, who also produced the episode. Additional beats provided by Funky Fresh Lesh.