Top 10 Dance Numbers in 2010s Movies

In 2008, a film adaptation of the jukebox musical was released starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, and Amanda Seyfried among others. It received its own sequel a decade later with much of the same cast returning, along with a few fresh faces. The newer movie follows the tradition of the first by concluding with a surreal group number. The colorful characters dance alongside their past and future selves, and each move is filled with joy and energy. The song itself references the scene from the first film in which Donna and the Dynamos perform at Sophie’s bachelorette party. This version takes things up a notch though, with pyrotechnics, incredible costumes, lively choreography, and Cher. It’s hard not to get up and dance with them!

The Barden Bellas have strict traditions when they’re first introduced. Those largely dictate what they sing and how they dance. However, their best performance is one that embraces the current members’ different skills. Having made it to the competition finals, the girls deliver a set with moves that are fun and fresh. The choreography is less stuffy than what the a capella choir used before, and they all look more free, which in turns makes the routine more captivating. Beca’s accompanying arrangement is a mashup featuring a song made famous by the ‘80s classic “The Breakfast Club”. She briefly references the film with a power pose, symbolizing a cohesive group made up of unique individuals.

When Moose shows up late to a competition and causes an accident in the process, he brings this number to another level. Arriving hot on his bike, the talented college student inadvertently floods the dance floor. At first, it seems like the unexpected water will put a damper on the event, pun intended. However, even as their competitors struggle, the House of Pirates embrace the challenge. Moose leads the group in a break-dancing inspired routine with moves that take advantage of the elemental situation. Full of jumping and splashing, the choreography is elevated by the environment. Madcon’s “Beggin'” acts as the perfect accompaniment for the inventive performance.

Christina Aguilera plays a vocally gifted waitress looking for her big break in this underrated movie musical. Her character, Ali, finds work at a struggling venue in L.A. and upgrades their standard lip-syncing setlist by singing live. In the final number, all the dancers come together for a routine that’s energetic and fun. Ali and others perform on top of and around oversized letters spelling out the word “Burlesque.” Meanwhile, Julianne Hough and Kristen Bell’s characters dance on table tops in the audience. From the stage to the bar, choreography fills the lounge. Moving in unison, the performers use dance to bring the film to a wonderful close.

While this children’s film is full of fantastic song and dance, this duet with Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s characters is on another level. It's reminiscent of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”, one of cinema’s most iconic scenes. Having jumped into another world, the pair give a surreal performance at the Royal Doulton Music Hall. Magic is afoot, transforming Mary Poppins’s costume and bringing the set to life. Animated animals accompany the live-action dancers in wowing the audience. The choreography itself is nostalgic, making use of hats and canes as props. With this dance number, the modern film embodies the whimsical spirit of its predecessor, which is no small feat.

Villain Phoenix Buchanan gets a happy ending when he realizes all he needs is a captive audience. As the credits roll, it shows the convicted thief leading his fellow inmates in a large tap number. The group performs a song from Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway musical “Follies” with umbrellas as props to suit the theme. The sounds of the dancers’ shoes are reminiscent of raindrops on a tin roof. Hugh Grant is delightful as the washed-up West End star in the critically acclaimed sequel. His dancing is icing on top of an already incredible cake, and we can’t get enough of it.

Natalie Portman’s character Nina Sayers goes out with a bang during the finale of “Swan Lake.” The Russian ballet has served as inspiration for many films, and director Darren Aronofsky’s interpretation required the leads to train for six months. In the final sequence, Portman’s face and movements express Nina’s turbulent range of emotions. At the same time, she embodies Odette, the White Swan. The camera spins around the principal alongside the corps dancers, giving the dance number an appropriately disorienting yet graceful feel. It builds to a climactic end for the show and the film.

You can’t talk about dance in modern film without mentioning Channing Tatum. From “Step Up” to “Magic Mike”, his skills in contemporary genres are well documented. However, this playful number shows the performer has a knack for tap as well. His character Burt Gurney leads a group of men in a routine fit for the 1940s and ‘50s. The choreography takes the sailors on top of tables and stools. Tatum himself also glides on the ladder and slides down the bar, with little regard for the glassware. Everyone, excluding the bartender and one unlucky fellow, pair up for a swing-inspired finale. This number has fancy footwork and physical comedy, what else could you want?

While many know him as the fierce superhero Wolverine, Hugh Jackman got his start on stage. The actor’s theater experience made him the perfect choice for the role of P. T. Barnum in Michael Gracey’s directorial debut. This scene shows the circus founder gathering with his recruits after a tragic event. Together, the colorful cast of characters adopt a fresh perspective and regain hope. They perform fun and free-spirited choreography with acrobatic influences. From flipping to crawling to jumping, the routine has it all. Most importantly, it transports us into the characters’ world, and makes us feel alongside them.

Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling more than prove their dancing capabilities throughout the modern movie musical. In fact, they do so on more than one occasion. However, the film’s best group routine happens to be one that doesn’t include the romantic leads. In the opening number, drivers, caught in a traffic jam, leave their vehicles to dance among the parked cars. The electric choreography is a collection of different styles, reflecting the diverse group of people that call Los Angeles home and flawlessly spotlighting their desire to succeed. Thanks to just a few cleverly hidden cuts, we feel like we’re watching one long shot, which makes the routine all the more memorable. It’s completely unique and also perfectly embodies the spirit of L.A.