America’s passion for all things Dirty Dancing comes full circle on February 1st at 9:00 PM ET/PT with the premiere of FOX‘s celebrity dance competition, The Real Dirty Dancing, filmed at the resort where it all began 35 years ago – Mountain Lake Lodge (Book your trip via Expedia). The lodge is located in the center of a 2,600-acre nature preserve and bird sanctuary in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
The award-winning lodge — known as Kellerman’s Mountain House in the classic movie — is the ideal place “to have the time of your life” as it mixes modern amenities and a variety of accommodations with numerous outdoor activities, nostalgia, and reminders of the cult classic.
“We are elated for a national audience to discover that Mountain Lake Lodge is a real destination steeped in history and offers today’s guests a special experience, whether they are Dirty Dancing aficionados, hikers or mountain bikers, or just want to relax and get away,” said Heidi Stone, President and CEO of the lodge.
“FOX and the producers of the series — Eureka Productions and Lionsgate Television — were all a pleasure to work with and have created a truly outstanding and unique reality show that is fun, sentimental and heartwarming.”
Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation, commented, “‘The Real Dirty Dancing’ provides a special opportunity to bring audiences back to where the magic all began 35 years ago.
“Viewers will be delighted to see familiar scenes and backdrops at this iconic Virginia property while they watch their favorite stars relive some of the most memorable moments from the film.”
Highlights of resort venues used for The Real Dirty Dancing scenes inspired by the movie and its beloved characters include Stone Lodge, the cast’s central gathering place with a great stone hearth and magnificent mountain views.
There’s also the adjoining Harvest Restaurant and Patio, where main characters “Johnny” and “Baby” saw each other for the first time; The Gazebo for salsa lessons; and Baby’s Cabin, the fictional Houseman family home.
The Real Dirty Dancing viewers can actually transport themselves back to Kellerman’s with the lodge’s popular themed “Dirty Dancing Weekends.” Guests are immersed in activities inspired by the movie, from dance lessons and guided tours of film locations to parties, lawn games, scavenger hunts, and screenings of the original film.
In addition, throughout 2022, “Kellerman’s Film Package” celebrates Dirty Dancing with any two-night stay. It includes a welcome cocktail in a souvenir Kellerman’s glass, screening of the movie, themed scavenger hunt, $200 dining credit, and exclusive gift bag complete with a Kellerman’s beach towel.
The March 4 to 6 Film Package also offers a complimentary “Paint and Sip” activity. For information on general reservations, visit Expedia.com.
“‘Dirty Dancing’ is such an important part of Virginia’s cinematic history, and we can’t wait for folks to rediscover the timeless allure that Virginia and Mountain Lake Lodge hold with ‘The Real Dirty Dancing,'” said Andy Edmunds, Director of the Virginia Film Office.
Hosted by Stephen “tWitch” Boss, The Real Dirty Dancing features celebrities reliving the classic film’s most memorable dance moments in the hope of becoming the next “Baby” and “Johnny.” The special event series is set to air on Tuesdays, on Feb. 1, Feb. 8, Feb. 15, and Feb. 22 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
The series follows eight celebrities — Brie Bella, Corbin Bleu, Tyler Cameron, Cat Cora, Howie Dorough, Antonio Gates, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, and Loni Love — as they fully immerse themselves in the ultimate Dirty Dancing experience.
The stars will partner up and learn iconic dance routines from the Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze-led movie and recreate classic scenes — including the legendary lift that cemented the film’s spot in cinematic history.
Throughout the event special, Dirty Dancing’s memorable music and unforgettable fashion will transport viewers right back to that magical summer in 1963. The competition will also feature special guest judges who will help decide which celebrity couples will make it through and which couple will be “put in a corner.”
In the end, one man and one woman will be crowned the winning “Baby” and “Johnny,” becoming The Real Dirty Dancing champions.
After their linear telecasts, all episodes of The Real Dirty Dancing will be available on FOX’s free streaming platform, Tubi.
Mirko Parlevliet has been reporting on the entertainment industry since 1998 and founded Vital Thrills to cover the latest streaming, movie, TV, and game news.