Societal

Dirty Dancing symbolizes the transition from childhood to womanhood. In the beginning of the film, Baby is portrayed as a nearly perfect daughter, planning to join the peace corps. She then is invited to a party, and to get there she needs to cross a bridge. This bridge symbolizes her crossing over into a different type of world. On one side of the bridge she eats quiet, classy dinners with her family and attends dance classes. However, the other side of the bridge is more like a club scene, something that Baby is not used to. Her parents are very traditional, and would like to see her date someone that has the same values as they do. Johnny, Baby's dance instructor, and the one she falls in love with doesn't really have the same values as Baby's parents (Dirty Dancing). In the end they learn to accept Johnny for who he is. Dirty Dancing is particularly an American icon because it signifies the changes made in life, and the different stages that we go through. It also shows that you can go outside of the box a little, and that you don't have to stick to what you know.