Introduction
Released in 1987, Dirty Dancing is a classic romantic drama that has left an indelible mark on popular culture. The movie follows the story of Baby (played by Jennifer Grey) as she learns to dance with her dance instructor, Johnny (played by Patrick Swayze). With its memorable soundtrack, iconic dance moves, and passionate romance, it’s no wonder that the movie continues to be beloved by fans around the world. But where was Dirty Dancing filmed?
A Look at the Filming Locations of Dirty Dancing
The majority of Dirty Dancing was filmed in two locations: Pembroke, North Carolina, and Lake Lure, North Carolina. While the resort depicted in the movie is fictional, the area around it is very real. In order to create the perfect setting for the movie, the filmmakers had to choose a place that could capture the feeling of a summer getaway in the 1960s. After much searching, they settled on Pembroke and Lake Lure.
According to production designer Jon Hutman, “We chose Pembroke because we wanted an area that had a rural feel, but was also close enough to a city that we could find the right kind of people and locations to make the movie work. We were looking for a place that felt like it was out of time, and Pembroke fit the bill perfectly.”
Exploring the Real-Life Places Behind Dirty Dancing
Pembroke is a small town located in Robeson County, North Carolina, about 50 miles south of Raleigh. It is home to a population of just over 3,000 people, most of whom are of Lumbee Indian descent. The town is known for its rural setting, with rolling hills and farmland. It is also home to several historic sites, including the Pembroke Historic District and the Robert E. Lee Memorial Park.
Lake Lure, meanwhile, is a picturesque lake town located about 20 miles northwest of Pembroke. Its clear waters, lush forests, and stunning mountain backdrop make it the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. The area is also home to the famous Chimney Rock State Park, which was featured prominently in the film.
Touring the Mountains and Lakes of Dirty Dancing
One of the most iconic locations from Dirty Dancing is the Mountain Lake Hotel, which was used as the exterior of the fictional Kellerman’s Resort. The hotel is located in Lake Lure, North Carolina, and offers guests stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The hotel is also home to a restaurant, bar, and gift shop.
Also located in Lake Lure is the Lake Lure Beach and Water Park, which was used for some of the outdoor scenes in the movie. The park features a large beach area, picnic tables, and a playground, as well as a swimming pool and water slides.
Chimney Rock State Park is another popular tourist destination in the area. Located just outside of Lake Lure, the park offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Hickory Nut Gorge. The park is also home to a variety of hiking trails and climbing routes, making it the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Uncovering the Rural Setting of Dirty Dancing
In addition to the more scenic locations, the filmmakers also chose to shoot some of the movie’s scenes in the actual town of Pembroke. For example, the town’s general store was used for the scene where Baby and Johnny go shopping for food. Other local businesses featured in the movie include the Pembroke Hardware Store, the Pembroke Pharmacy, and the Pembroke Diner.
According to a recent interview with director Emile Ardolino, “The beauty of Pembroke was that it was a small town, with a strong sense of community. People were friendly and welcoming, and it made the process of shooting the movie that much easier.”
Revisiting the Iconic Locations from Dirty Dancing
In addition to the real-life locations used in the movie, there are also several iconic sets that were constructed specifically for the film. These include the fictional Kellerman’s Resort, the log cabin where Johnny and Baby stay, and the dance studio where they practice their moves.
Kellerman’s Resort is perhaps the most recognizable location from the film. The set was built on a soundstage in Los Angeles, and was designed to look like a typical 1960s resort. The log cabin, meanwhile, was built on the grounds of the real-life Mountain Lake Hotel.
Finally, the dance studio was constructed on the backlot of the MGM studios in Culver City, California. This is where Johnny and Baby practice their iconic routine, and it is one of the most memorable scenes from the movie.
Conclusion
Dirty Dancing is a classic movie that continues to be beloved by fans around the world. Although the resort featured in the movie is fictional, the area around it is very real. From the rural town of Pembroke to the lakes and mountains of North Carolina, the movie’s settings provide a unique glimpse into the past. And while some of the locations have changed since the movie was released, the memories remain the same.
So whether you’re revisiting the iconic locations from the movie, or exploring the real-life places behind the scenes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy when it comes to Dirty Dancing.
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