Top 10 Dance Battle Scenes in Movies
#10: Freestyle Battle “House Party” (1990)
Nothing encapsulates the spirit of being young, amiable and free quite like Kid n’ Play’s fun-loving dance-off with friends Sydney and Sharane. Boasting an all-black cast and full to the brim with ‘90s now-nostalgia, including an exaggerated high top, vibrant lycra bodysuits and old-school hip hop, along with plenty of sass and attitude to boot, this engaging, immersive and lighthearted scene shows just how much fun these teens are having together. Featuring iconic moves like the rap duo’s trademark funky charleston and kickstep, watching the pairs school each other on the dance floor can bring a smile to anyone's face.
#9: Scott & Fran vs. the Establishment “Strictly Ballroom” (1992)
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In Baz Luhrmann’s vibrant debut feature film, we see ballroom champion Scott Hastings defy the rules, to the horror of his family, friends and the Australian dancing federation, by choosing to use his own improvised steps instead of the “strictly ballroom” moves that could win him the title at the Pan-Pacific Grand Prix. Accompanied by his new dance partner Fran, a disregarded beginner who undergoes a Disney princess-level transformation, the final scene shows the two coming together to perform a fiery and passionate Paso Doble. When the plug is pulled on their music, the audience shows their support by clapping out the rhythm, with the pair finally able to finish their routine and show the dancing establishment they just don’t give a damn.
#8: Hand Jive “Grease” (1978)
Though a gym full of white ‘50s teens bopping around to a string of rock-and-roll classics hardly seems like the place for a dance battle to occur, that's exactly what ensues. When the Rydell High dance is being broadcast on live TV, the students partake in a pairs Hand Jive competition that turns into a chaotic spectacle of jumping and flipping, along with the prerequisite hand moves and claps. As Danny and Sandy jive through the madness, seemingly poised to win, forceful Cha-Cha Digregorio swoops in, ultimately claiming the prize with Danny, as Sandy leaves heartbroken. Although we feel bad for poor Sandra Dee, there is no denying the electric chemistry the two winners share on that dance floor.
#7: Roxy Battle “Beat Street” (1984)
A touchstone of early 80’s hip hop culture, “Beat Street” has one of the best breakdancing scenes in film history. Set in the movie's infamous Roxy nightclub, we see The Beat Street Breakers battle it out in a good old-fashioned break-off against rival crew The Bronx Rockers. The audience is soon privy to some of the most skilled breaking they will probably ever see, complete with windmills, headspins and some crazy double-jointed action. Both crews were portrayed by pioneering b-boy groups, The New York City Breakers and The Rock Steady Crew, which only adds to the scene’s authenticity, skill and wow-factor.
#6: MSA vs. 410 “Step Up 2: The Streets” (2008)
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It’s in this equally successful sequel to “Step Up” that audiences were first introduced to the water-soaked dance-off, a novelty act that would become a recurring tool in the franchise’s dance competition repertoire. When street dancer Andie, along with her crew of misfit classmates from the elite Maryland School of the Arts (MSA), go head to head with her old gang 410 in the underground competition “The Streets,” the performance is nothing short of a spectacle. Set in a parking lot during a torrential downpour, the water is seamlessly integrated into the routine, adding visual flair along with the already incredible choreography, and the scene features a variety of hip hop and breakdancing moves as well as a great soundtrack.
#5: Barn Raising “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” (1954)
This next choice may not seem like the edgiest dance-off on this list, but trust us when we say it’s an oldie but a goodie. Inspired by Steven Vincent Benét’s short story “The Sobbin’ Women”, which in turn was adapted from a classical Plutarch tale, this more light-hearted rendition has us meet the seven Pontipee brothers, wild backwoodsmen set on finding wives. The battle ignites when the siblings have their sights set on girls who are already spoken for, during a barn-raising. A lively dance-off with the ladies and their suitors ensues, where ultimately, the boys come out on top. Choreographed by the legendary Micheal Kidd, this scene explodes with a mix of insane acrobatics, athleticism and overall creative genius.
#4: Club Scene “White Chicks” (2004)
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As the old saying goes, it ain't over till the two undercover black agents disguised as white women start to breakdance. Probably one of the most quoted and adored Wayans comedies ever, “White Chicks” definitely does the dance-battle right. When Karen, Lisa and Tori get served at a nightclub by their snarky rivals the Vandergeld sisters, African-American FBI agents Marcus and Kevin Copeland, fronting as white heiresses Brittany and Tiffany Wilson, quickly retaliate by “kickin it old-school”. They manage to wow the crowd and completely obliterate their opponents with their insane breaking moves, while also maintaining their cover and not raising suspicions. Definitely a triple T-K-A moment.
#3: Final Battle “Stomp the Yard” (2007)
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As much as rival fraternities competing against each other seems old hat — especially when, surprise surprise, the underdog comes out on top — we're willing to overlook all of that when it comes to this beloved 2007 dance drama that revolves around stepping. The final battle finds the protagonist DJ competing in a national stepping championship, with his fraternity Theta Nu Theta, against rivals Mu Gamma Xi. Both teams display impressive stepping and krumping abilities, even though the Gammas show their true colours by performing stolen Theta moves; but DJ ultimately wins the competition, performing his deceased little brother's signature trick. A triumphant ending to a triumphant scene that will go down in dance movie history.
#2: The Battle of Gwai “Step Up 3D” (2010)
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Performing mesmerizing flips and twists on a water-filled dance-floor is a dream most of us can admit will probably never come in our lives. But it does here. As the House of Pirates battle it out with the impressive House of Gwai for a shot at the World Jams title, we catch a glimpse of the franchise's second use of water in a routine. When Pirate crew member Moose arrives late to the show, he accidentally sets off a water pipe, soaking the entire dance surface. This ends up working in their favor, however, as their opponents seem unable to properly perform on a wet surface, ultimately making the Pirates the victors. Boasting stunning visuals and amazing choreography, this scene surpasses its predecessor, if only by the tiniest bit. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Britney’s Fembot Powers Are No Match for Austin’s Gyrating Charm “Austin Powers in Goldmember” (2002) One of the Most Iconic Hip Hop Movies of the Early Aughts “You Got Served” (2004) “Breakin’” (1984) Features Real-Life Breakdancing Legends and the Freshest Old-School Moves ]These Three Characters Use Their Love Triangle to Perform a Fierce Tango “Take the Lead” (2006) These Ladies Still Have Moves, On and Off the Dance Floor “Girls Trip” (2017)
#1: Opening Rumble “West Side Story” (1961)
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Never has there been a more iconic nor more graceful gang rivalry in the history of cinema. This 1961 film adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway production kicks off with a turf war between rivals the Jets, a white gang, and the Sharks, a crew of Puerto Rican immigrants. Brilliantly choreographed by the late Jerome Robbins, every movement in the scene is rife with tension and aggression, yet still retains effortless finesse and poise, as well technique that only truly skilled dancers can boast. Filled with rhythmic finger snapping, exaggerated extensions, synchronization bordering on perfection, and very little dialogue throughout, it’s easy to see how this scene is dance-fighting gold. Although a close second would definitely be the movie's boisterous and electrifying mambo number!
