Film critic David Edelstein reviews Mad Hot Ballroom, a new documentary about 11-year-old kids who compete in a New York City ballroom dance competition.
Combine an intelligent interviewer with a roster of guests that, according to the Chicago Tribune, would be prized by any talk-show host, and you're bound to get an interesting conversation. Fresh Air interviews, though, are in a category by themselves, distinguished by the unique approach of host and executive producer Terry Gross. "A remarkable blend of empathy and warmth, genuine curiosity and sharp intelligence," says the San Francisco Chronicle.
Inside: Emerald Isle After Dark at Paradise Tango, Western Fanfare at Doris Duke Theatre, Watercolor in Līhuʻe, cycling kkills in Kaimukī, swing dance in Hilo, Hawaiian Soul at The MACC, and a taiko celebration at Moanalua High School. This week, we hear from Kyla Herrmann, HPR's On-Air Campaign & Community Events Producer.
Retired Maj. Gen. Suzanne Vares Lum, head of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, talks about the purpose of the center and the state of affairs in the Middle East.