In the documentary "Mad Hot Ballroom," New York fifth-graders get their groove on as they samba, tango and swing dance for a spot in the American Ballroom Theatre tournament finals.

Filmmakers Marilyn Agrelo and Amy Sewell talk to participants from three schools. All have precious charm, and more than a few have New York's trademark sass, as they are driven to rise above the students from 59 other schools competing.

The movie moves through the children's practices to the teachers' difficult deliberations in choosing their competing teams to picking some kickin' outfits that will really stand out.

Even though the film is focused on the dancing contest, the producers also gather some wonderful comments from the youngsters on everything from school to boy-girl relations. The insights of these youth are refreshing — and often laugh-out-loud funny.

Unfortunately, instead of going in depth with a few children to see their true motivation in dancing, the movie spreads itself thin.

The journey with the kids from two of the schools ends quickly as they are eliminated. It's difficult to connect with these children, simply because there are so many young dancers.

Thankfully, one of the schools does make a bid for first place, and though the audience is left wanting to know the kids a little better, it becomes easy to root for them.

Also prominently featured in the film are the teachers, whose passion for their students' growth goes far beyond classroom education.

Then there is the dancing. These fifth-graders really know their stuff, and it's fun to watch them give off attitude as they sway their hips to the rockin’ beats.

After the preview screening, audience members were grabbing their significant others and trying to meringue.

"Mad Hot Ballroom" just may start a dancing revolution.