Exploring the Filming Locations of the Iconic Movie ‘Dirty Dancing’

Introduction

The iconic 1987 film Dirty Dancing is one of the most beloved movies of all time. Written by Eleanor Bergstein and directed by Emile Ardolino, the film follows the story of Frances “Baby” Houseman and her summer romance with dance instructor Johnny Castle at a resort in the Catskills. The film was a massive success, grossing over $214 million worldwide and winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song. It has become a beloved classic, with many fans returning to the film year after year. But where was Dirty Dancing filmed?

A Look Back at the Iconic Filming Locations of Dirty Dancing

The majority of Dirty Dancing was filmed in two locations: Mountain Lake and Kellerman’s Resort. Mountain Lake was used for the exterior shots of the film, while Kellerman’s Resort was used for the interior shots. Both locations were integral to the film, as they provided the backdrop for the romance between Baby and Johnny.

Mountain Lake

Mountain Lake is located in southwestern Virginia and was used for the exterior shots of the film. According to the Virginia Film Office, the lake was chosen for its “rugged beauty,” which was essential to the look and feel of the film. Mountain Lake provided the perfect backdrop for the romantic scenes between Baby and Johnny, including their iconic final dance sequence.

Kellerman’s Resort

Kellerman’s Resort was used for the interior shots of the film. The resort was built specifically for the film and was designed to be a replica of a typical Catskill Mountains resort. The resort was constructed in Pembroke, North Carolina on a plot of land that was originally intended to be used as a golf course. However, the production team decided to use the land to create a replica of a Catskill resort, complete with a pool, tennis court, and many other features.

Exploring the Real-Life Places that Inspired the Classic Film

While the majority of the film was shot in Virginia and North Carolina, the inspiration for the film came from other real-life places. The original script was written by Eleanor Bergstein, who had spent her childhood summers in the Catskill Mountains. Her experiences in the Catskills served as the basis for the script, and she drew on her memories of the area to create the world of Dirty Dancing.

Pembroke, North Carolina

The town of Pembroke, North Carolina was the primary filming location for the film. Pembroke is a small town located in Robeson County, and it was chosen for its rural setting and proximity to the mountains. The production crew was able to find the perfect combination of natural beauty and accessibility in Pembroke, making it the ideal place to shoot the film.

Lake Lure

The town of Lake Lure, North Carolina also served as an inspiration for the film. Lake Lure is located about 20 miles from Pembroke, and it provided the scenic backdrop for many of the scenes in Dirty Dancing. Bergstein drew on her memories of Lake Lure to create the fictional Kellerman’s Resort, and many of the iconic scenes in the film were shot on the lake.

From Mountain Lake to Kellerman’s Resort: Touring the Locations of Dirty Dancing

The filming locations of Dirty Dancing are now open to the public, and they offer a wide range of activities for visitors. Hiking trails, horseback riding, and water activities are all available at the various sites, allowing visitors to explore the area and experience the beauty of the mountains.

Hiking Trails

Mountain Lake and Lake Lure both offer a variety of hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the area and get a glimpse of the scenery that inspired the film. The trails vary in difficulty, so hikers of all levels can find a trail that suits their abilities.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is another popular activity in the area, and there are several stables that offer guided tours of the area. Horseback riding is a great way to take in the scenery of the mountains, and it can be an especially enjoyable activity for families.

Water Activities

Water activities are also available in the area, including kayaking, canoeing, and boating. Visitors can explore the lakes and rivers of the region, and they can even take a boat tour of the lake where the famous final dance sequence was filmed.

Revisiting the Scenic Sites Seen in Dirty Dancing

In addition to the outdoor activities, visitors can also visit some of the iconic sites seen in the film. There are several locations that were featured in the film, including The Lodge on Lake Lure, the Boathouse, and Cataloochee Ranch. These sites offer visitors a chance to revisit some of the most memorable moments from the film.

The Lodge on Lake Lure

The Lodge on Lake Lure was used as the exterior of Kellerman’s Resort in the film. The lodge is still open to the public, and visitors can stay in the same rooms that were used in the film. The lodge also offers a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, and boating.

The Boathouse

The Boathouse was used for the scene in which Baby and Johnny take a boat ride together. The boathouse is still in operation, and visitors can take a boat tour of the lake. The tour includes a stop at the site of the famous dance sequence, giving fans of the film a chance to relive the moment.

Cataloochee Ranch

Cataloochee Ranch was used as the location for the ranch where Baby and her family stayed during their summer vacation. The ranch is now a working guest ranch, and visitors can stay in the same cabins that were used in the film. The ranch also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, fishing, and hiking.

How Dirty Dancing Brought the Mountains of North Carolina to Life

The filming locations of Dirty Dancing brought the beauty of the North Carolina mountains to life. The film’s dance sequences, music, and costumes all contributed to the atmosphere of the film, creating a world that audiences could easily escape into.

Dance Sequences

The dance sequences in the film are some of the most iconic moments in movie history. The choreography was created by Kenny Ortega, who worked closely with the cast to ensure that the dances were believable and authentic. The dance sequences were filmed on location in the North Carolina mountains, adding to the realism of the film.

Music and Costumes

The music and costumes in Dirty Dancing were also integral to the film’s success. The soundtrack was composed by John Morris and included some of the most recognizable songs from the film, such as “Hungry Eyes” and “Do You Love Me?” The costumes were designed by Judy Dearing, and they perfectly captured the style of the 1960s.

The Magic Behind the Scenes: A Guide to Where Dirty Dancing Was Filmed

The filming locations of Dirty Dancing have become iconic, and they continue to draw visitors from all over the world. In addition to the locations mentioned above, there are several other sites that were used during the filming of the movie. These include the Catawba Falls, the Pisgah National Forest, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Filming Locations

The filming locations of Dirty Dancing were carefully chosen to capture the beauty of the North Carolina mountains. The production team chose these locations for their rugged beauty, and they were able to bring the story of Baby and Johnny to life using the stunning scenery of the area.

Production Details

The production of Dirty Dancing was a massive undertaking, and it took over three months to complete. The filming began in April 1986 and finished in July 1986. Over 600 crew members worked on the film, and they were able to bring the script to life in the beautiful locations of Virginia and North Carolina.

Conclusion

The filming locations of Dirty Dancing remain some of the most iconic locations in movie history. The production team was able to capture the beauty of the North Carolina mountains, and the film’s dance sequences, music, and costumes all added to the atmosphere of the film. For fans of the film, exploring the filming locations of Dirty Dancing is a must-do experience.

Summary

This article explored the iconic filming locations of the classic movie Dirty Dancing. The majority of the film was shot in two locations: Mountain Lake in Virginia and Kellerman’s Resort in North Carolina. The film was inspired by the real-life places of the Catskill Mountains, and the production team was able to capture the beauty of the North Carolina mountains in the film. Visitors to the area can explore the sites of the film and experience the magic of Dirty Dancing firsthand.

Impact of Dirty Dancing

Since its release in 1987, Dirty Dancing has become a beloved classic. The film’s iconic locations, dance sequences, music, and costumes have made it a timeless classic, and it continues to draw viewers from all over the world. The film’s impact can be felt in today’s culture, and it stands as a testament to the power of cinema.