LOS ANGELES (Feb. 3, 2005) - New Line Cinema has signed Antonio Banderas to star in the dance drama "Take The Lead." Inspired by the true story of internationally acclaimed ballroom dancer Pierre Dulane, "Take The Lead" will star Banderas as an ex-professional dancer who volunteers to teach dance in the New York City public school system. But when his ballroom methods clash with his students? hip hop instincts, he teams up with them to create a new style of dance and becomes their mentor in the process.

New Line originally acquired the rights to Dulane?s story in 2002. He was also the subject of the hit Slamdance festival documentary "Mad Hot Ballroom" which was recently acquired by Paramount Classics who will distribute it with Nickelodeon.

Based on a Dianne Houston script, "Take The Lead" is being directed by Liz Friedlander and produced by Chris Godsick, Diane Nabatoff and Michelle Grace. The film will shoot in Toronto with an April 25, 2005 production start date planned.

Banderas most recently starred in the animated blockbuster "Shrek 2" and the HBO movie "And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself" for which he earned a Golden Globe nomination. He can next be seen in the upcoming "Legend of Zorro" sequel.

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