Dirty Dancing

Concept featured in film: Lift, torque, center of gravity

Location of clip:

VHS: 41:32-42:13

Summary of clip: Baby and Johnny are practicing dance lifts in the lake. After several attempts, the pair finally gets the maneuver right. The clip depicts Baby successfully doing the lift, but then begins to lean forward and lose her balance.

Connection of flick to concept: This concept can be used to introduce the concept of center of gravity and torque.

Suggestions to teachers:

1. Suggested questions for students when viewing the clip:

Ask students if the center of gravity is located in the same place for everybody.
What does the center of gravity depend on?
Have students draw a free-body diagram describing the forces acting on Baby the moment she is balanced and after she loses her balance. What are the differences between the two diagrams?
How does an unbalanced force create torque?
What is the axis of rotation for Baby and Johnny?