Get ready to have the time of your life when you check-in at Kellerman's Mountain Resort for 'Dirty Dancing: The Immersive Cinema Experience'.
The '80s cult favourite jumps from the silver screen into vivid, real life with a cast of over 50 actors and dancers recreating the world of 'Dirty Dancing' in all its glory.
The message coming from choreographer Jarryd Byrne is clear: this is not outdoor cinema, far from it. “This is an experience like Australia has never see, even myself, this is a whole new world,” Jarryd says.
“Choreographing for something on this scale and this type of show is a whole new experience. It hasn't been done here before, so there's nothing to relate it to. It's an outdoor cinema experience that immerses you in the world of 'Dirty Dancing'.”
It's kind of like live-action role-playing (LARPing), where guests mingle and interact with the film's characters in a choose-your-own-adventure style story. “We've got Johnny, we've got Baby, we've got Penny, we've got Kellerman himself, the Schumachers who'll be sneaking around and potentially stealing stuff out of people's bags,” Jarryd says.
“When you walk in there it's going to feel like you're at Kellerman's Mountain Resort, and past that all the things you can see, touch, feel and hear.
“Then walking into the staff quarters, if you're lucky enough to find a staff member to take you in there, you'll be able to see that 'Dirty Dancing' scene unfold and even participate if you desire to.”
With the film set in the Catskills (New York) in 1963, it's highly recommended to come dressed in era-appropriate attire; whether it's a twirly skirt or close-fitting jeans is entirely up to you.
Also in-line with the decade, it will be a technology-free zone – meaning phones are bagged and tagged on entry. Because, you know, the only Insta in 1963 was the Kodak Instamatic camera, which was first produced that same year coincidentally enough.
And of course, it wouldn't be 'Dirty Dancing' without the iconic 'lift' from the film's finale, but you're going to have to work for that prize.
From curious looky-loo or vicarious voyeur, to fully exploring your dark, 'Dirty Dancing' desires, how involved audiences get is up to them. “You don't have to be involved or play a part,” Jarryd says.
“You can take your own time through there or you can get up close and personal and take a class in Johnny's dance studio, if you're lucky enough to get a ticket, and that elusive lift that everyone wants to take part in. That's the thing I can't reveal – when it's going to come – but it's going to be pretty spectacular.”
Finally, the evening is topped off by a screening of the film. “The last thing to finish it all is of course the 'Dirty Dancing' movie, shown on probably the biggest outdoor cinema screen I've ever seen.”
