Dirty Dancing

The 2017 event by ABC, Dirty Dancing, is a unique, television special rendition of the acclaimed 1987 classic film which starred Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. Like its inspiration, the ABC 2017 Dirty Dancing revolves around dance, music, and the heart throbbing relationship between its two leading characters.

The plot travels back to the summer of 1963, when the innocent and privileged Frances 'Baby' Houseman, portrayed by Abigail Breslin, along with her family, vacations at an upscale resort 'Kellerman's' in New York’s Catskill Mountains. Amid the breezy tranquility and mundane activities, the young Baby stumbles across a world she had never explored before – the resort’s staff quarters. Here is when the story starts knitting the essence of romance, dance, and emotional transformation, which underlines the entire series.

In this hidden corner of the resort, Baby is pulled into an ardent, rhythic world filled with music, dance, and the resort's dance instructor Johnny Castle, played by Colt Prattes. Johnny, who is from the blue-collar world, is everything that Baby has never known - handsome, charismatic, skilled, and with a mystique that Baby finds irresistible. This newfound fascination with Johnny and his universe, sparks Baby’s urge to learn dance, thus developing the crux of the series- their fervent dance lessons.

Dirty Dancing, true to its name, showcases electrifying, passionate dance sequences, perfectly choreographed, encapsulating the audience's attention from beginning to end. Johnny and Baby's chemistry is evocative, and the music, an element of prominence within the series, sets a nostalgic tone, features the original songs from the movie, and some additional ones, thereby engrossing viewers with its vibrant, retro ambiance.

Abigail Breslin, already known as an Oscar nominee brings depth to her character, Baby, showing her transformation from a naïve young girl into an empowered woman, unafraid to challenge societal conventions. Colt Prattes portrays the enigmatic Johnny Castle with an irresistible charm, displaying his dancing capabilities and emotional range adeptly.

Additionally, the series also features renowned actors like Debra Messing and Bruce Greenwood playing Baby's parents, Marjorie, and Dr. Jake Houseman. Their characters also go through significant changes over the course of the series, adding a significant layer of depth to the story. Emmy-award winner Nicole Scherzinger also stars as Penny Rivera, Johnny's dance partner, whose predicament plays a key role in the narrative.

The series was directed by Wayne Blair, known for his work in films such as 'The Sapphires', and 'Cleverman', successfully carrying forward the original's legacy while also adding distinctive shades of its own. Jessica Sharzer, known for her brilliant writing in 'American Horror Story', is the writer of this series who marvelously recreated the iconic story to the modern audience yet retained its charm.

ABC’s Dirty Dancing acts not just as an ode to the original film but ingrains its unique elements too. It amplifies the essence of the original movie yet sets its rhythm. The exquisite, period-accurate costumes by the Emmy-winning costume designers add to the aesthetic refinement of the series. The cinematography, set designs, and locations convincingly capture the era it is set in, further enveloping viewers into the 60s world.

Overall, ABC's Dirty Dancing is more than just a dance drama. It's a trip down memory lane for those who loved the original film. For new audience, it opens up a time capsule, allowing them to witness a world set in the 60s, complete with its culture, music, and societal nuances. It shifts between being a coming-of-age story, a socially conscious narrative, and a tale of immense personal growth, all encapsulated within spectacular dance sequences and mesmerizing music. Whether you’re a fan of dance, music, romance, or all of the above, ABC’s 2017 Dirty Dancing is worth the watch!