Top 10 Dance Movies of the 2000s
Script written by Tal Fox
#10: “Hairspray” (2007)
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We say “Good Morning Baltimore!” to Tracy Turnblad, who becomes an overnight sensation when she breaks the mold to join “The Nicest Kids in Town”. While in detention, she befriends a group of black students due to their mutual love of dance and learns about the harsh realities of segregation. As Tracy listens and learns from her new friends, she vows to join the battle for equality, even using her fame to overthrow the status quo and bring integration to “The Corny Collins Show”. The finale is one epic dance celebration as everyone shares a glimmer of hope for the future.
#9: “Honey” (2003)
Aspiring hip hop choreographer and dance teacher, Honey lands the opportunity of a lifetime when bigshot director, Michael Ellis casts her as backup dancer in a music video. She is quickly promoted to choreographer for this and the future videos of various hip hop artists - but at what cost? Jessica Alba, who plays the titular role, took beginner’s ballet and jazz as well as hip-hop to get into character. But choreographer Laurieann Gibson wanted her to also understand that dance is about passion and not just about the choreography. Honey’s love of dance radiates with every step and likely inspired a generation of young dancers to follow their dreams too.
#8: “Happy Feet” (2006)
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It is impossible to see a penguin and not smile, especially when that penguin is dancing. This star-studded, Oscar winning animation follows a waddle of Emperor penguins who sing to attract their mate. However, our protagonist, Mumble cannot hold a tune for all the fish in the world - but he is practically the penguin equivalent of Fred Astaire when it comes to his titular limbs. Using real dancers, who underwent “Penguin School” training, the animators of this musical comedy captured their movements using motion sensor suits and headgear. The soundtrack for the movie is so epic that with every tune, you just can’t help but get your “Happy Feet” on.
#7: “Stomp the Yard” (2007)
After gifted street dancer DJ’s brother is murdered in a fight, DJ is sent away to Georgia where he is expected to keep his head down and get through college. However, he soon finds himself embroiled in a battle between two fraternities, who want him to use his gifts to help them win a step dancing competition. During the tournament, the reported 2000 extras had no idea that they were being filmed for a movie, so all the reactions are genuine. The choreography is so spectacular that we imagine if we were in the crowd we would get lost in the moment too.
#6: “Shall We Dance?” (2004)
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Richard Gere plays John, a bored lawyer stuck in a rut who decides to enroll in ballroom dance classes after spotting the dance teacher, Pauline, played by Jennifer Lopez. Both John and Pauline rediscover their zest for life during these dance classes thanks to the exciting choreography and their budding friendship. As any dancer would tell you, dance is so much more than just steps. The message of expression, passion and self-healing is strong throughout the movie. But what makes this film so memorable is the stunning journey the audience is taken on through the exhilarating world of ballroom dancing.
#5: “Save the Last Dance” (2001)
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After her mother dies in a car crash, a guilt-ridden Sara abandons her dreams of studying ballet at Juilliard and moves in with her estranged father in Chicago’s south side. At her new inner-city school, she befriends Chenille, played by Kerry Washington, who introduces her to the world of hip hop and her brother, Derek. Derek and Sara soon get together as he helps her adapt to the hip hop rhythm while encouraging her not to give up on her dreams. Her second Juilliard audition is breathtaking as she transcends the barriers separating ballet and hip hop - and of course, she absolutely nails it.
#4: “Chicago” (2002)
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While on death row, famous performer Velma Kelly and aspiring superstar Roxie Hart battle for publicity, fame and the undivided attention of their sleazy lawyer, Billy Flynn. Roxie finds comfort in imagining her life as a performance allowing for some spectacular routines. In fact, the film’s choreography, which was clearly influenced by Bob Fosse’s unique jazz style is nothing short of perfection, from “All That Jazz” to the “Hot Honey Rag” and, of course, “Cell Block Tango”. Even Richard Gere learned to tap dance for this role to get in on some of that dance action. If you want “Razzle Dazzle,” this is the movie for you.
#3: “Center Stage” (2000)
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Like “FAME”, this movie centers around a group of aspiring dancers as they navigate the dance industry while also tackling personal obstacles. Joining the professional dancers that make up most of the film’s principal cast are Olympic gold medalist, Ilia Kulik and Zoë Saldana, making her screen debut. You cannot talk about “Center Stage” without mentioning that phenomenal final performance or the iconic routine Jody learns during her drop-in jazz class at the Broadway Dance Studio. While the acting performances weren’t highly praised, there’s no denying the unbelievable dance talent showcased in the film - so if you’re looking to be wowed by some beautiful moves by some beautiful people, then this teen drama will certainly do the job.
#2: “Billy Elliot” (2000)
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Billy lives in the North East of England during a time of political and social unrest. As his family falls apart, he finds solace in ballet, but this is not considered “proper” for a northern lad. However, when Mrs. Wilkinson spots his raw talent, she is determined to see through his full potential as she revives her own passion for teaching dance. The story teaches us that we should always strive to be ourselves, even if it doesn’t conform to expectation. This tale is gritty but has a lot of heart and evidently, gorgeous choreography that ties it all together.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights” (2004)
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“How She Move” (2007)
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“Take the Lead” (2006)
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“Moulin Rouge!” (2001)
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“You Got Served” (2004)
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#1: “Step Up” (2006)
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You might know it as the greatest dance flick of the decade or the film where we watched a real-life romance blossom on-screen. Either way, “Step Up” was pretty much a staple in any noughties DVD collection - as was its sequel, “Step Up 2: The Streets”. In the first flick, it’s while doing community service that Tyler meets promising dancer Nora and the pair becomes unlikely dance partners. They learn to put their differences aside to produce some dance routines that we are still in awe of today. Though Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan’s off-screen love story didn’t end up with a happily ever after, thanks to its storyline, the actors’ chemistry and the dance choreography, this is one dance movie we would happily watch on repeat.
