Strictly Ballroom (PG) PRESENTED IN 35MM FILM

Strictly Ballroom (PG, 1992) Presented in 35mm Film by The Revival House Perth in partnership with RAC

In the insular world of Australian ballroom dancing, young champion Scott Hastings (Paul Mercurio) commits the ultimate sin: he wants to dance his own steps. When Scott defies the all-powerful Dance Federation by improvising at the Pan-Pacific Grand Prix Championships, his partner dumps him, and no one else will dance with a rebel. Enter Fran (Tara Morice), a beginner from the studio's back room who convinces Scott to give her a chance. As they secretly rehearse for the upcoming Pan-Pacifics, Scott's overbearing mother Shirley (Pat Thomson) and studio owner Les Kendall (Peter Whitford) scheme to keep Scott dancing conventionally. With guidance from Fran's Spanish father Rico (Antonio Vargas) and grandmother Ya Ya (Armonia Benedito), who teach Scott the passionate foundations of real dancing, the pair develop a routine that threatens the establishment. But the Federation will do anything to maintain control—including revealing devastating secrets about Scott's own family history.

Director Baz Luhrmann's 1992 debut explodes with the visual excess and theatrical energy that would define his career. What could have been a simple underdog story becomes a vibrant celebration of individuality, passion, and cultural authenticity. Paul Mercurio, a professional dancer, brings genuine skill to the choreography, while Tara Morice makes Fran's transformation from ugly duckling to confident performer utterly convincing. The supporting cast creates a gallery of gloriously theatrical characters, from Bill Hunter's paternalistic Barry Fife to Gia Carides as Scott's scheming former partner. The film's deliberately artificial aesthetic—bright colors, theatrical staging, operatic emotions—serves the story's themes about performance versus authenticity. The climactic dance sequence, set to a Spanish paso doble, delivers genuine emotional catharsis while the film celebrates the revolutionary act of being yourself.

Original format and audio experience of this film faithfully reproduced by The Revival House. Presented in 35mm film unless noted otherwise.

When: Saturday, June 6th at 7:00PM
Where: The Revival House at the Como Theatre
Rating: PG (Low level coarse language)

Luhrmann's dazzling debut celebrates passion over convention - experience this Australian classic's theatrical excess in 35mm film.

Presented by: The Revival House Perth and RAC