Top 10 Best Slow Dance Scenes in Movies

The heart of this family film is the relationship that develops between the ghost, Casper, and the teenaged girl, Kat. They are two lonely young people who desperately need a friend, and indeed, the pair soon become close. The ghost even sacrifices his chance at a new life in order to save Kat’s father. As she sits alone at her own Halloween party, he rescues her from solitude once again. He’s granted a brief amount of time in human form and chooses to spend it dancing with her. As they move together, we can’t help but feel touched not only by their dancing, but by their bond. The bittersweet moment ends with a kiss, as Casper returns to his ghostly form.

This quirky fantasy film features the love-sick Tristan on a mission to bring a fallen star back to his spoiled crush. Instead of a gassy celestial body, he’s stunned to discover that the star is a spirited woman, Yvaine, with little patience for fools. As Yvaine and Tristan travel together, they learn to trust each other. While sailing with sky pirates, the ship’s captain teaches Yvaine to dance. When Tristan cuts in, it becomes obvious that something romantic has developed between them. With each step, we feel their connection. Stars glow when their hearts are full, and in this sweet moment, Yvaine is incandescent.

The gym dance in Steven Spielberg’s remake of this classic musical beautifully sums up the rivalry between the Jets and Sharks. The tension is high as the two gangs demonstrate their anger and rivalry through dance. This aggression sets up the blissfully romantic moment between Tony and Maria behind the bleachers. Separated from the rivalry of their friends and family, they first express their interest without saying a word. Their choreography is equal parts flirty fun and sizzling, filled with off-the-charts chemistry. It’s the spark that lights an inferno of tragedy, but we can’t help but love its sweet warmth.

What makes this version of Cinderella’s ball stand out is the joy infused into every moment. From the moment she steps into the ballroom, the protagonist’s delight shines on her face. She’s clearly there to find Kit, and he’s obviously just as happy to see her. They’re so focused on each other, that they’ve started dancing before she even notices how the crowd is fixated on them. Unlike many ballroom scenes, these dance partners smile and laugh as they spin around the floor. Cinderella’s twirling blue dress is amazing, but the true magic comes from how much these two enjoy just being close to each other.

One of the highlights of this “Peter Pan” story is the innocent romance between Peter and Wendy. The flying boy brings the Darling girl to a forest full of magical moonlight to see fairies dance at night time. He clearly enjoys seeing her delight in the fairies’ graceful movements. It’s a sweet gesture from the often self-centered leader of the Lost Boys. In a moment that is surprisingly adult for a boy who refuses to grow up, Peter then silently invites Wendy to dance. Their happiness is made clear as they soar into the sky. When they twirl with golden fairies, it's like an illustration right out of a story book.

The changing relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy can easily be seen by the difference in their interactions at two balls. In the first, her negative opinion of him is formed when she hears him make an unflattering comment about her. Despite his initial impression, Darcy becomes more interested in Elizabeth when her strong, playful personality shines at further meetings. When he asks her to dance at the next ball, she seems to startle herself by accepting. Their beautiful routine begins with their usual verbal sparring, though their bodies tell a different story. Soon, they briefly forget to move, stand close, and say what they’re really thinking. The final moments of silent dancing are full of tension, as both are shaken by their attraction.

Captain von Trapp and Maria’s romantic Ländler is a classic example of two characters realizing their romantic feelings during a dance. Much of the musical movie shows off boisterous numbers full of singing and energetic choreography. That makes this quiet dance infinitely more intimate. This turning point in the relationship between employer and governess begins as a fun demonstration of a folk dance for the children. However, the physical closeness many of the steps require ends up being key, as it reveals deeper feelings. Gorgeously executed, the number takes our breath away. And the pause where both characters are clearly taken aback by what’s just unfolded is truly one of the most romantic moments in film history.

The ballroom scene in Disney’s animated “Beauty and the Beast'' is one of the most memorable in the film. Belle and Beast’s dance to the title number is nothing short of show-stopping for many reasons. For one thing, the segment itself contains a brilliant combination of hand-drawn and CGI animation, further enhanced by Angela Lansbury’s classic singing voice. As if that wasn’t enough, their routine itself symbolizes their growth both as individuals and as a duo. With all this and more, we as audience members feel like we’ve entered into the ballroom. This in turn allows us to experience its depth and the power of movement as the two characters express their feelings in marvelous fashion without speaking.

When Robert first meets Giselle, he has no idea what to make of this devotee of true love. As she sings suggestions for how to romance his girlfriend, he refuses to participate in the number, declaring that he doesn’t dance or sing. Eventually though, this once skeptical attorney finds himself at a ball. However, instead of sweeping his girlfriend off her feet, he only has eyes for the princess-to-be. When he and Giselle dance, her influence — and their connection — is made evident, and the way they move is awe-inspiring. Although he doesn’t fully embrace his feelings until later, his singing to her on the dance floor as they glide gracefully shows us exactly what’s in his heart.

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

Friends Holding Off Despair, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1” (2010)
Harry & Hermione Have a Little Fun in a Dark Moment

A Revealing Dance, “Anastasia” (1997)
Romance Blooms as These Two Move

A Dangerous Tango, “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005)
Chemistry & Weapons Are in High Supply

Dancing in the Street, “The Notebook” (2004)
Romantic, Dangerous & Unforgettable

A Lovely Ball Dance, “Shakespeare in Love” (1998)
The Connection Between Viola & Shakespeare Is Undeniable

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers partnered for ten films, and their enjoyment of each other is evident whenever they take to the dance floor. The romantic routine in this comedy has us in heaven. Due to a series of mistakes, Rogers’ character, Dale Tremont, doesn’t believe she and Astaire’s Jerry Travers can be together. Her reluctance to fall for him is clear in her body language at the beginning of this dance. Soon, the swoon-worthy choreography performed by these two legends tells the story of her change of heart. By the end, Dale and Jerry are clearly connected more than cheek to cheek. Luckily, the obstacles keeping them apart are eventually removed, and they ultimately dance into their happily ever after.