how old is baby in dirty dancing

The baby in Dirty Dancing, whose real name is Frances "Baby" Houseman, is 17 years old during the events of the movie. This is based on clues in the film, including Baby's narration referencing the summer of 1963, and the character's plan to attend college that fall. Johnny Castle, the male lead, is about 25 years old, making their age difference around 8 years. Baby being 17 also explains her father's protective and confrontational attitude in the movie, as she is a minor.