Dirty Dancing's choreographer, Lisa Niemi Swayze, revealed that she was moved by the film's script and was eager to see where the sequel was taking place. The film's title was almost changed to "I Was a Teenage Mambo Queen" after authorities at the Canadian border thought it was a porn film. Jennifer Grey, who played Frances "Baby" Houseman in the original film, expressed her excitement about the possibility of reprising her role in the sequel, and was paid $50,000 for the film. Despite initial tension between the two leads, Grey admitted to initially being afraid to partner with Swayza. The iconic lift scene was filmed during the film and was a turning point of bonding.