Summer of '63

I was not in existence until Fall of '71 but Summer of '63 was the setting of the 1980's movie-turned-musical, Dirty Dancing.

I saw the musical today at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood, California. It was my first time in that venue and the interior looked palatial! The ambiance was amazing and I immediately imagined living in old Hollywood of the early 20th century.

I sat high up at the mezzanine level but it was still a good view of the performance. I was amused by the costumes and admired the impressive stage set. The music was familiar from the movie and the dance scenes were inspiring. I felt nostalgic about those days when I took dance classes, and remembered the exhilaration of letting go to the rhythm and spirit of music and motion.

Dirty Dancing wasn't just about dancing. It was also a social commentary of that era through the lives of summer vacationers. I did not pay much attention to it when I saw the movie back when I was in high school and subsequent viewings. It was interesting to learn how intersecting lives in the most unlikely circumstances could have deep implications and personal transformations.

The characters of Baby (Frances) and Johnny had the time of their lives in that summer of '63 along with those who surrounded them. Beyond the movie or the musical, I believe that somehow, some way, everyone owns a summer to remember, to live by and to look forward to.