Top 10 Best Period Drama Dance Scenes

You know that enormous novel by Leo Tolstoy that has been looming over fans of literature for over a century? Don’t worry, there are plenty of screen adaptations. The story features a number of romances, however that of Andrei and Natasha is central and most passionate. This is felt in the 2016 miniseries when the two dance a waltz. Natasha anxiously watches as all the young ladies are chosen, and is visibly nervous when Andrei walks over to ask her to dance. The moment is magical, and the two are clearly falling in love during the waltz, as they appear, despite countless other couples, to be the only two on the dance floor.

In the widely popular show “Bridgerton,” Daphne and Simon forge a secret alliance to pretend to be courting each other, as neither is interested in settling down. However, over time, one can see the evolution of their relationship, and the two eventually and inevitably end up falling in love. Actor Rege-Jean Page has said that the dance scenes were like a “gift” for the actors, as they provide a sense of honesty. Where a person can hide emotions in everyday living, dancing gives way to enchanted gazes and a sense of letting go. This is clearly seen in the couple’s dance sequences, as well as some other, fairly obvious symbols of sexual tension such as fireworks. Corny, but we love it.

This one is a little different, although it does feature many a romance fan’s perpetual dream actor, Colin Firth. American Larita marries into a wealthy English family. She doesn’t quite fit in, and has her share of issues particularly with her new husband’s mother and sisters. The family patriarch, however, has grown weary of the estate life, and sets himself apart from his aristocratic family. Complications ensue between Larita and her husband, causing the latter to refuse to dance with her at a party. Enter the father, Jim Whittaker, for a delightful tango, proving that Larita has some form of acceptance in the wealthy, snobbish world.

The film takes place in 1951, when young Irish woman Eilis Lacey makes the trek across the ocean to Brooklyn, New York. She is apprehensive about the life awaiting her in the metropolis, and is unsure about her decision to emigrate. That is, until she meets Tony, and the two share a whirlwind romance. Much like earlier entries in this list, Eilis is spotted by the handsome New Yorker from across a crowded dance hall, and he swoops in as soon as she is available. The two share a couple of dances, and though there doesn’t seem to be any swoonful gazes just yet, we know this is a moment.

Some classics just never get old. In 2015, Disney brought its version of “Cinderella,” to live action with Lily James in the title role and Richard Madden as her prince. We welcomed it with open hearts. The ballroom dance scene is quintessential in the Disney universe, and this one didn’t disappoint. First of all, let’s mention that Cinderella’s outfit is one we all dreamt of as children. As she dances with the prince, the visual effect of that sparkling gown, coupled with the sparkle in the potential lovers’ eyes make for a perfectly magical waltz. Bonus points go to Madden for successfully maneuvering around that enormous skirt, and Lily James, who took an estimated 45 minutes to put it on each time.

Upon meeting Tom Lefroy in “Becoming Jane,” Jane Austen dances with him yet reacts much like her famous character Lizzie Bennett upon meeting Mr. Darcy. She considers him to be an arrogant wretch, and is unimpressed by his cavalier attitude. But, again much like her own protagonists, she eventually falls in love. This first dance, however, is quite impressive in its marriage of choreography and conversation. The two dance in a sort of automatic fashion, as they converse intermittently through the movements. Much like the other stories of this kind, the meeting is all too brief, and the wrong impressions are given. The duo share a far more passionate dance towards the end of the film.

We love a good “two worlds coming together” romance, and Rose and Jack give us one of the best. As a member of the wealthy elite, Rose shouldn’t be going anywhere below the first class decks. Yet after having struck a romantic relationship with Jack, she ventures into his territory and into a lively dance. At first she is hesitant to join, however Jack, with his live for the moment ethos, pulls her into the festivities. Rose gradually becomes more comfortable with her surroundings, and ends up doing a jig and spinning wildly with her lover. It’s a beautiful and light-hearted moment, and honestly, looks like a hell of a good time.

This one is unique among our other entries. The film is aesthetically stylized, taking place entirely in an old theater. Thus the dance scene between Anna and Vronsky is a kind of beautifully surreal performance sequence. Despite knowing that she shouldn’t encourage him, Anna can’t resist Vronksy’s attentions. As the two gracefully dance their way through the crowded ballroom, time stops. The dancers in the foreground freeze, allowing the couple to be the central focus. Mid-dance, the pair is suddenly alone for a few, darkened, intimate moments, only to be gradually rejoined by the reality of shocked onlookers and jealous eyes. It’s a truly beautiful and evocative scene.

What lover of romance doesn’t fondly remember Mr. Darcy? The dreamy, yet serious gentleman has been portrayed by many actors over the years, all of whom did an arguably excellent job at making our hearts flutter. However, we had to select one for this list, so we went with born-to-be-Darcy actor Matthew Macfadyen. The initial meeting of the two is tense, with Darcy offending Lizzie’s pride and Lizzie taking issue with his haughtiness. When the two do eventually share a dance at a later ball it is mostly as a formality. What results is a tense exchange of small talk. The symbolic cut to the two dancing alone reveals that their real feelings might be more complicated though. Mr. Darcy is…everything.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Valentine Wannop & Christopher Tietjens, “Parade’s End” (2012)
Sharing a Silent, Intimate Dance After Some Trying Times

The Queen & Royal Physician, “A Royal Affair” (2012)
Forbidden Love on the Dance Floor

Emma Woodhouse & George Knightley, “Emma” (2009)
Another Classic Jane Austen Moment of Romantic Discovery

Edith Cushing & Sir Thomas Sharpe, “Crimson Peak” (2015)
Edith Is Asked to Dance by a Mysterious, Handsome Gentleman

Ah, the moment when the stuffy patriarch shows his romantic side… In the classic film, governess Maria is outdoors with the children during a fancy party, showing them how to dance. Enter the handsome Captain Von Trapp, swooping in to provide a proper demonstration. The two glide across the garden floor with grace, in one of those classic old-school Hollywood dance numbers. The Captain is clearly far less strait-laced in this scene than usual, as he smiles and enjoys the moment, while Maria seems rather surprised at this change in character. The dance ends with a blushing Maria and a longful gaze, melting our hearts.