Take The Lead, 2006

Additional Captures

Directed by: Liz Friedlander

Written by Dianne Houston

Co-Stars: Alfre Woodard, Rob Brown, Dante Basco, Laura Benanti, Lauren Collins, Yaya DaCosta

Release Date: April 7, 2006 (USA)

Filming Location: Toronto, Canada

Inspired by a true story, Antonio stars as internationally acclaimed ballroom dancer Pierre Dulane in the family drama "Take the Lead".
After seeing one of the high school students vandalize a car, Pierre approaches the principal (Woodard) at the high school with an unconventional plan to teach the students ballroom dance. After some convincing, she agrees and introduces him to his ‘students’, all who have been assigned to detention for the remainder of the school term. But when his classic methods clash with his students' hip hop instincts, he teams up with them to create a new style of dance and becomes their mentor in the process.
The film touches briefly on the home lives of the students, giving the viewer some insight into the struggles of these inner city school kids and how unimaginable it is to them that they are being shoved headfirst into the world of ballroom dance and its music. With some creativity on their part and Pierre’s firm desire to teach the kids respect and dignity through dance, the two styles are combined culminating in their participation in the citywide dance competition. The action at the end of the movie is brilliant and kept entire audiences in their seats while the credits rolled. A cameo appearance by the real Pierre Dulane added to the fun as he took to the floor to hip hop with the dancers.
Quick-paced and laced with catchy music from both genres, you can’t help watch this movie without a tune in your head and tapping your toes at the end. The kids are fun to watch, Antonio is simply stunning, believable as Pierre and shows he has all the moves. Although his dancing is at a minimum, the tango he does with one of his dance students will set hearts racing!
A quote from Antonio regarding Pierre Dulane: "In the beginning, Pierre had a lot of trouble getting into the schools because nobody believed that ballroom dancing would do anything for kids. They felt it is not going to stop aggressiveness, or anything like that. But it does, because it gives you a set of rules that you can follow that have to do with real life. Pierre said to me, 'I wasn't trying to make these kids professional dancers.' What he was trying to give them is what comes with ballroom dancing."
Filming this movie has also inspired Antonio to continue his dance instructions with wife, Melanie: "We are going to go to his academy on 31st Street and start learning ballroom dancing," Antonio shares. "It is very cool because it is another way to share things with your wife. And at the same time we are going to look fantastic when we go to all those parties and, when some beautiful swing or foxtrot music plays, and show off."