It’s summer, 1963 – the American civil rights movement is gaining momentum and change is in the air. For Frances “Baby” Houseman, this is the summer that will change everything.

When her family vacations at Kellerman’s, an opulent resort for the wealthy, Baby meets Johnny Castle, a good-looking, streetwise dance teacher with wild moves. He is unlike any man she has ever known, and she seizes the chance to enter his world by becoming his dance partner.

Kirby Burgess and Kurt Phelan as Baby and Johnny. Photo: Jeff Busby

But love isn’t easy for two kids from opposite sides of the tracks, and when Baby’s father intervenes she must decide whether to follow the rules or forge her own future.

The story of the 1987 film starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey is faithfully replicated in this touring musical, including classic lines such as “I carried a watermelon” and audience favourite “Nobody puts Baby in the corner”.

Kirby Burgess delivers a strong, often humorous, performance as Baby, the naïve yet independent girl who dreams of joining the Peace Corps and saving the world, while Kurt Phelan demonstrates some flash dance moves as Johnny. Maddie Peat is Johnny’s dance partner, Penny; Teagan Wouters is hilarious as Baby’s awkward sister Lisa, and Chris Ostrenski stars as womaniser Robbie.

The cast makes full use of the multi-faceted stage, which includes a rotating centre-piece, a concealable balcony for the orchestra and a real tree branch on which Baby practises her balance. Small and large screens enable special effects to be projected on-stage to create serene country backdrops and the infamous water in which Baby and Johnny practise their lifts.

Excellent costuming brings the ’60s alive, while the orchestra and a handful of cast members create renditions of popular songs including “Do You Love Me” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”.

Set against a backdrop of social upheaval and political change, Dirty Dancing is an old-fashioned love story beautifully re-imagined for the stage.

Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage is at the Adelaide Festival Centre’s Festival Theatre until November 1.