Deleted scene from Dirty Dancing confirms what we all suspected
The Hidden Magic of Dirty Dancing: What We Know About Deleted Scenes
Every scene, every move, every song in Dirty Dancing is etched into fans’ memories. Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey brought such electricity to the screen that their chemistry made the film timeless. No wonder it remains a modern classic.
But here’s something you may not know: beyond the theatrical cut, there are a handful of deleted and alternate scenes that add new layers to the story. Some have surfaced on anniversary DVDs and online, offering fans a rare glimpse of what might have been.
The Famous Lift Was Never Rehearsed
The iconic lift at the end is one of the most unforgettable moments in film history. What may surprise fans is that Jennifer Grey has said she never rehearsed it beforehand. In fact, the day they filmed it was the first and only time she performed it.
“I only did it on the day I shot it,” Grey revealed in an interview. “Never rehearsed it, never done it since.” She has also admitted she was too scared to try it outside of that moment — which makes the scene even more special.
Deleted and Extended Scenes Exist
Some deleted footage is included in special editions, such as the 25th Anniversary Edition DVD. These clips reveal alternate moments between Johnny and Baby, including extra rehearsal sequences and small interactions that didn’t make the final cut.
Fans have also circulated clips online, such as scenes of Johnny teaching Baby new steps. While popular on YouTube, not all of these are confirmed to be official studio releases. Some may be rehearsal footage or unfinished sequences, rather than polished deleted scenes.
Why Scenes Get Cut
Like many films, Dirty Dancing had to trim material during editing. Scenes are often cut for pacing, budget, or story focus. Director Emile Ardolino and choreographer Kenny Ortega focused on keeping the film’s rhythm tight while highlighting the most powerful character moments — such as the now-iconic “Love Is Strange” rehearsal scene.
The Heart of the Film
In reflecting on Dirty Dancing, Patrick Swayze once explained why the story has lasted so long:
“It’s got so much heart, to me. It’s not about the sensuality; it’s really about people trying to find themselves — this young dance instructor feeling like he’s nothing but a product, and this young girl trying to find out who she is in a society of restrictions when she has such an amazing take on things.”
A Legacy That Endures
Whether through unforgettable moments like the big lift or through glimpses of deleted footage, the film’s magic continues to inspire. The chemistry between Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey made the story feel authentic, and their performances have secured
Here’s to the enduring magic of Dirty Dancing — and to Patrick Swayze, whose talent, grace, and passion left an indelible mark on cinema.
Tom Homan Criticizes Gavin Newsom for Refusing Cooperation with ICE and DHS
In a scathing critique, Tom Homan, the former Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), took aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom after the governor refused to direct his state authorities to collaborate with ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Homan, known for his outspoken views on immigration and border security, did not hold back in his condemnation of Newsom’s refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement agencies, accusing him of embarrassing the position he holds.
The remarks came as part of Homan’s broader criticism of Newsom’s policies surrounding immigration and law enforcement, particularly his stance against working with federal immigration authorities.
According to Homan, the governor’s actions are not only a disservice to the people of California but also a direct threat to public safety, especially considering the high number of criminal immigrants ICE and DHS have apprehended in the state.
Homan’s criticism was sharp, calling Newsom an “embarrassment” to the office he holds. Speaking directly to Newsom’s refusal to cooperate with ICE, Homan stated, "If he had an ounce of integrity, he would be calling President Trump and thanking him for making LA safer."
The implication of this statement is clear: Homan believes that the policies under the Trump administration, which focused heavily on enforcing immigration laws and removing criminal immigrants from the streets, have contributed significantly to public safety in California.
Homan’s comments went further, as he pointed out that Newsom should be thankful for the efforts of ICE, who have arrested thousands of criminal individuals in California, many of whom he claims were public safety threats.
“He’d be calling the head of ICE and thanking them for the thousands of criminals, public safety threats they’ve taken off the streets of California,” Homan said, emphasizing the role that ICE has played in addressing criminal activity linked to illegal immigration.
According to Homan, Newsom’s refusal to work with federal authorities and acknowledge the impact of their actions could be seen as a lack of leadership and responsibility.
"If the data proves it, anybody can look at the data who we’ve arrested in California, he ought to be thanking us," Homan stated.
For Homan, the data is clear: federal immigration enforcement is a key player in reducing crime and protecting communities in California, and Newsom’s rejection of this cooperation could jeopardize the safety of residents in the state.
The former ICE director also noted that Newsom should be holding himself accountable to the people of California by prioritizing their safety over political allegiances.
Homan’s words were a direct challenge to the governor’s approach, suggesting that by refusing to engage with federal authorities, Newsom was putting his own political agenda ahead of the safety and well-being of his constituents.
In his statement, Homan did not shy away from drawing a comparison between the approach of the Trump administration and Newsom’s stance on immigration.
He referred to the policies under President Trump, which focused on stricter immigration enforcement and the removal of criminal immigrants, as essential in making cities like Los Angeles safer.
Homan’s point was that Newsom’s refusal to cooperate with ICE and DHS undermines the effectiveness of these policies and, by extension, puts the safety of California residents at risk.
Furthermore, Homan singled out South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, a Republican, who has been a staunch supporter of federal immigration enforcement.
“He’d be calling Secretary Noem, thanking her,” Homan said, referencing Noem’s support for the Trump administration’s immigration policies and her ongoing advocacy for stronger border enforcement.
Homan’s inclusion of Noem in his remarks highlighted the contrast between the leadership styles of Newsom and other Republican governors, who he argues are more aligned with the priorities of federal immigration enforcement.
At the heart of the dispute between Homan and Newsom lies the broader debate over the role of state and local governments in federal immigration enforcement.
California, under Newsom’s leadership, has been a major proponent of sanctuary policies, which limit local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
These policies are designed to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation and provide them with certain protections under state law.
Critics of sanctuary policies, like Homan, argue that these measures embolden criminals and undermine public safety by preventing federal agencies like ICE from doing their job.
Homan and others contend that when local governments refuse to cooperate with ICE, they essentially allow dangerous criminals to remain in communities, potentially putting law-abiding citizens at risk.
On the other side of the debate, supporters of sanctuary policies argue that they are essential for building trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement.
By limiting cooperation with ICE, they believe that immigrants, especially those who are undocumented, will be more likely to report crimes, cooperate with law enforcement, and seek assistance without the fear of deportation.
These advocates emphasize the importance of treating immigrants fairly and humanely, regardless of their legal status, and argue that working with ICE creates fear and distrust within immigrant communities.
Newsom’s stance has garnered both support and criticism. Many of his Democratic supporters applaud his commitment to protecting immigrant rights, viewing sanctuary policies as a vital safeguard for vulnerable communities.
However, critics, including Homan, argue that Newsom’s approach is misguided and dangerous, as it limits the ability of federal immigration authorities to remove criminal immigrants from the streets and prevent further harm to the public.
While Newsom has not directly responded to Homan’s latest remarks, the former ICE director’s comments seem to indicate a growing frustration with the governor’s refusal to work with federal authorities.
Homan, who has long been a vocal advocate for tougher immigration enforcement, made it clear that he would continue to hold Newsom and other politicians who oppose federal immigration policies accountable for the consequences of their decisions.
“We’re gonna be in LA today, we’re gonna be in LA tomorrow, we’re gonna be in every California city. We’ll be in San Diego, I was in San Diego,” Homan said, signaling his intent to continue raising awareness about the impact of sanctuary policies and the importance of federal cooperation with local law enforcement.
