LOVE IS IN THE AIR

STRICTLY BALLROOM is probably one of my favorite movies of all time.  Now you're probably asking yourself, why is this little known Australian film about a ballroom dance competition your favorite movie Gerry?  Well I saw this movie with my good friend Scott right after I learned that I had been fired from my "big job" at Universal Studios Florida.  My relationship had ended for good as well a few weeks before.  Scott said, "hey do you want to go and see this movie over at the Enzian Theater.  We can sit there and have a drink and eat lunch."  (I was still drinking then.)  So I said "hell yes."
(Scott will probably have the clearer version of what happened but for the sake of the story, we'll go with this version.  LOL)

We watched this film and it's message rang loud and clear.
"A life lived in fear, is a life half lived."

My whole life was falling apart and this little film from Australia gave me the one thing I was lacking.
Courage.

Courage to change.  

My relationship had ended only weeks before with my partner of 3 years.  I had re-auditioned for my performing job at Universal after 3 years of working lots of shows full time and getting great reviews.
Universal fired me for being on the side of Actor's Equity in the fight to unionize Universal Studio's actors.

This film showed me that when you don't conform to all the rules, there are consequences but there is also FREEDOM.  Do you tow the company line at the expense of others and then constantly watch your back for the ax that will chop off your head?  Or do you stand up for what you feel is right and chose to face your foes and remain standing tall and proud.

I admit that I didn't handle myself very well during most of the Actor's Equity battle but when it was all over and I felt defeated and humiliated personally and professionally, this little film changed my life.  I am always amazed at the power of cinema.

That afternoon I knew my friend Scott and I would be okay.  Regardless of where our lives would take us.  I knew we were being taken care of by something greater than ourselves.  Scott moved back to DC and worked like crazy in theatre and in front of the camera.  A few months later I made my move to Los Angeles with the help of my good friend Glenda.  (Yes, she's a good witch!)

STRICTLY BALLROOM:  Not such a simple little ballroom competition story.

Baz Luhrmann directed this film.  It is the first in the series of his "Red Curtain" films.
The second film is ROMEO + JULIET and then the magnificent MOULIN ROUGE!

This film's sound track features not only John Paul Young's disco hit "Love Is In The Air," but also Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time," and the wonderful Doris Day's "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps."

Truly a gem.  If you can find it.  Rent it.
Watch it and be inspired to know that love IS in the air, everywhere you look around.


LOVE IS IN THE AIR (John Paul Young)
Love is in the air
Everywhere I look around
Love is in the air
Every sight and every sound
And I don't know if I'm being foolish
Don't know if I'm being wise
But it's something that I must believe in
And it's there when I look in your eyes
Love is in the air
In the whisper of the trees
Love is in the air
In the thunder of the sea
And I don't know if I'm just dreaming
Don't know if I feel sane
But it's something that I must believe in
And it's there when you call out my name
(Chorus)
Love is in the air
Love is in the air
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Love is in the air
In the rising of the sun
Love is in the air
When the day is nearly done
And I don't know if you're an illusion
Don't know if I see it true
But you're something that I must believe in
And you're there when I reach out for you
Love is in the air
Every sight and every sound
And I don't know if I'm being foolish
Don't know if I'm being wise
But it's something that I must believe in
And it's there when I look in your eyes
(Repeat Chorus 4X)