Teacher and Inspiration for the Films "Mad Hot Ballroom" and "Take the Lead" (Spring 2006)

Program Title: Take the Lead in Life

Pierre Dulaine, director of the American Ballroom Theater’s (ABrT) dance program featured in the hit documentary, Mad Hot Ballroom and inspiration for the Antonio Banderas film, Take the Lead, is a passionate man. He took his ability in ballroom dance and built a career upon it; then he took the dancing out of the studio and into the streets with his community outreach program “Dancing Classrooms.” Now in more than sixty NYC schools, “Dancing Classrooms” helps over 7,500 elementary school children gain social awareness, confidence, and self esteem—crucial life skills as they move into young adulthood. At the podium, Dulaine leads the audience into the light with life changing advice, insight from his inspiring career and his unique, successful take on mentoring and community involvement.

Hailed "dancer and teacher extraordinaire" by the New York Times, Pierre is the co-artistic director and founder of the ABrT. He and his partner Yvonne Marceau starred in Tommy Tune’s Broadway’s hit musical, Grand Hotel. Dulaine began his career in England, won a number of titles there, and moved to the U.S. in 1971. Since 1976 he and Marceau have performed throughout the world and have won numerous awards and accolades, including the British Exhibition Championships; Dance Magazine’s award for excellence; the National Dance Council of America award; and the Dance Educators of America Award. A faculty member of the School of American Ballet since 1986, Dulaine joined the faculty of the Juilliard School in 1992.