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Where Was Movie Dirty Dancing Filmed

So, you're a fan of the classic movie Dirty Dancing, huh? Well, who can blame you? The film's got it all: romance, drama, and some seriously sultry dance moves.

The movie was released in 1987, but its popularity endures to this day, and people still can't get enough of Johnny Castle's (played by Patrick Swayze) dreamy eyes and Frances "Baby" Houseman's (played by Jennifer Grey) charming awkwardness. And let's be real, who didn't want to be a part of the Dirty Dancing crew, dancing the night away at Kellerman's Resort?

Location, Location, Location

The film was primarily shot in North Carolina and Virginia, with some scenes filmed in South Carolina. But, if you're looking for the exact location of the fictional Kellerman's Resort, you'll need to head to Lake Lure, North Carolina. This picturesque town, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, was the perfect backdrop for the movie's iconic scenes.

Interestingly, the lake in Lake Lure was actually used as the location for the film's famous lift scene, where Johnny Castle lifts Baby out of the water. And, fun fact: the lake's water level was lowered to make the scene more dramatic – talk about going the extra mile for a good shot!

A Little Bit of History

The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina, was also used as a filming location, with its stunning views of the surrounding mountains. This historic resort, built in 1913, has hosted many famous guests, including F. Scott Fitzgerald and Calvin Coolidge. Who knew that this elegant inn would one day be associated with the dirty dancing of Johnny and Baby?

The movie's production team chose the High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, North Carolina, as the main filming location for the resort's interior scenes. This charming inn, with its rustic charm and cozy atmosphere, was the perfect setting for the film's memorable moments, from the dirty dancing to the dramatic showdowns.

DIRTY DANCING Filming Locations THEN & NOW Shot For Shot PATRICK SWAYZEDIRTY DANCING Filming Locations THEN & NOW Shot For Shot PATRICK SWAYZE

Virginia Takes Center Stage

The state of Virginia also played a significant role in the filming of Dirty Dancing. The town of Pembroke, Virginia, was used as the location for the film's downtown scenes, with its quaint shops and restaurants serving as the perfect backdrop. And, if you're a true fan, you might be interested to know that the Pembroke Methodist Church was used as the location for the film's wedding scene – who wouldn't want to get married in a picturesque church surrounded by the beautiful Virginia countryside?

In addition to Pembroke, the Mount Vernon estate in Virginia was also used as a filming location. This historic estate, former home of George Washington, was used as the location for the film's picnic scene, where Johnny and Baby share a romantic moment. Talk about a presidential seal of approval for the movie!

Fun Facts and Trivia

Did you know that Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey didn't exactly get along during filming? In fact, they had to work hard to develop their on-screen chemistry – but, boy, did they succeed! The movie's iconic lift scene took 40 takes to get just right, with Swayze and Grey perfecting their dirty dancing moves.

Take a look at historic Dirty Dancing inn as it sells for £8.7millionTake a look at historic Dirty Dancing inn as it sells for £8.7million

The film's soundtrack, featuring hits like (I've Had) The Time of My Life and She's Like the Wind, was a huge success, with the album selling over 10 million copies worldwide. Not bad for a movie that was initially expected to be a low-budget, straight-to-video release!

The Legacy Lives On

Today, fans of Dirty Dancing can visit many of the film's iconic locations, from Lake Lure to the Omni Grove Park Inn. And, if you time your visit right, you might even catch a Dirty Dancing-themed festival or event – complete with dirty dancing lessons and Johnny Castle lookalike contests!

The movie's influence can be seen in many other films and TV shows, from Footloose to Glee. And, let's be real, who can resist the charm of a Dirty Dancing-style romance, complete with dramatic music and sultry dance moves?

In conclusion, the filming locations of Dirty Dancing are a must-visit for any fan of the movie. From the picturesque Lake Lure to the historic Omni Grove Park Inn, each location offers a unique glimpse into the world of Johnny and Baby. So, go ahead, take a trip down memory lane, and experience the magic of Dirty Dancing for yourself. Who knows, you might just find yourself dirty dancing the night away!