About the film
The Forbidden Dance (also known by its full promotional title The Forbidden Dance is Lambada) is a 1990 American drama film starring former Miss USA Laura Harring in her first major acting role. It was produced by Menahem Golan's 21st Century Film Corporation as a quick attempt to capitalize on the brief but intense Lambada dance craze that had swept parts of the U.S. following the release of the song "Lambada" by the French-Brazilian pop group Kaoma.
The story follows Nisa, a princess of an indigenous Brazilian tribe, who travels to Los Angeles in a desperate attempt to stop a powerful corporation from destroying her homeland's rainforest. Bringing the Lambada dance with her as a symbol of her culture, Nisa becomes involved with Jason, a young American dancer. Together they try to raise awareness about the destruction of the rainforest through their dance, culminating in a high-stakes Lambada competition.
The Forbidden Dance was released on the exact same day—March 16, 1990—as a rival Lambada-themed film simply titled Lambada, produced by Golan's former partner and cousin, Yoram Globus, through Cannon Films. The simultaneous releases sparked interest in their behind-the-scenes rivalry, but neither film was well-received critically or commercially. Nevertheless, The Forbidden Dance gained a cult following over time thanks to its over-the-top plot, early 90s aesthetic, and frequent television airings.