The minds behind ''Mad Hot Ballroom''

This sure-footed doc showcases a friendly war on the dance floor — but the battle of the sexes often takes center stage.

How did the kids change during filming?

AMY SEWELL, WRITER-PRODUCER They maybe weren’t so hip to dance with each other and they rose above it. When the Tribeca team went to the quarterfinals, two students escorted each other the whole way. He held her umbrella through the rain.

MARILYN AGRELO, DIRECTOR-PRODUCER They seemed much more confident and proud, and willing to strut their stuff.

You aren’t a fan of ”feel-good” films?

MA I never would have embarked on a project that was family fare. But this was a New York story of hope and finding your dream. This material, which wasn’t as dark and controversial as I would have thought, was compelling because it was so fascinating, so funny, so moving.

Did dancing help you understand the opposite sex?

JATNNA TORIBIO, 12 Boys may seem like, ”Girls, unh,” but when you get to know them, they turn into gentlemen.

EMMA BIEGACKI, 12 It gives you a different perspective on what boys are like, aside from the fact that they want to get anything they can from you.

CYRUS HERNSTADT, 11 No. I didn’t really take part in those discussions. They didn’t seem very sophisticated.