Strictly Ballroom
(1992, Australian, 94 minutes)

The film Strictly Ballroom is a modern parable of shifting paradigms, personal vision, and continuous improvement. The movie has romance, music, dancing, and comedy blended together to tell the story of a young Australian ballroom dancer, Scott Hastings, and his assault on the established paradigm of what constitutes quality performance.

Partnering with Fran, an "ugly-duckling" beginner, Scott moves the entire discipline of competitive dancing to a whole new level. The fun begins in seeing how the old-guard of ballroom dance reacts to Scott's new steps that challenge the existing paradigm. Although all the characters share a similar mission, it is remarkable to see the different visions that the various characters have for their lives.

Systems and processes come into play in the methods and practices of the elaborate competitive dance structure shown in the film. Continuous improvement is well-illustrated. The key to Scott's ultimate success comes from outside the world of ballroom dance -- through the common folk dance of Fran's family. Even the concept of delighting the customer is challenged in the film.

Strictly Ballroom is an entertaining and endearing movie. It is well worth the effort to rent it and to watch it.

Discussion Guide for Strictly Ballroom

The following questions are intended to deepen your understanding of key concepts of systems thinking.

Paradigms

What is the paradigm shift in the film? What are the reactions of the various characters to the shift in paradigm? What impact does the new paradigm have on the existing paradigm?

Mission & Vision

What is the mission of Kendall's dance studio? What is Scott Hastings' vision? What is Fran's vision? What is the vision of Scott's mother? Scott's father? Len Kendall? the president of the rules committee?

Continuous Improvement

Scott Hastings is a "professional" dancer who discovers a new level of dancing when Fran's father and grandmother "teach him to dance." In what ways do Scott and Fran commit themselves to continuous improvement?

Three Kinds of Knowledge

Identify the three kinds of knowledge for Scott Hastings:
  Spiritual/mystical
  Professional/technical
  Improvement/systems

Systems & Processes

What is the existing system for excellence in ballroom dancing? How does this system perpetuate mediocrity? How does it limit creativity? How does it define ballroom dancing? What effect does Scott Hastings have on the system of competitive ballroom dancing?

Quality

How do the different characters (Scott, Fran, Scott's mother, Scott's father, Fran's father, the president of the dance federation, others) define quality in Strictly Ballroom? How does Scott and Fran's performance affect the standards of quality for ballroom dance competition?

Dan R. Dick is a former staff member of the General Board of Discipleship.

(originally posted February 21, 2000)

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