Top 10 Iconic Dance Routines From 2000s Musicals

#10: Whats Up Duloc?

Shrek the Musical (2008)

This dance number introduces Farquaad, the Lord of Duloc, famous for his ruthless quest for power and incredibly short stature. We have to give a special nod to the costume department here, because their work adapting Farquaads look to the stage is easily one of the most memorable elements of this musical. Farquaads stage costume combines traditional stage acting with puppetry as the Farquaad actor dances on his knees and controls his fake legs. This simple but effective visual trick is on full display in Whats Up Duloc? and makes even the over-the-top doll ensemble look normal next to Farquaad. Hilariously clever, this number captures the spirit of the original scene while being wholly unique to the musical.

#9: I Dont Dance

High School Musical 2 (2007)

Kenny Ortegas illustrious career includes choreography credits on films like Dirty Dancing and Newsies, but to the children of the early 2000s his most notable work was directing and choreographing the High School Musical film series. His bright, energetic choreography style is showcased perfectly in the ironically named I Dont Dance from the second film. Ortega manages to incorporate hip-hop, swing, and salsa styles of dance into one big baseball-themed number, and it totally works. The song gives Chad and Ryan, two supporting characters from the first movie, the chance to take center stage and lets the talents of Lucas Grabeel and Corbin Bleu truly shine.

#8: The Club

In The Heights (2008)

Lin-Manuel Mirandas first Broadway show before his international smash hit Hamilton was In The Heights, a love letter to the Latin American community in New York City that Miranda was raised in. Considering dance is a major part of Latino culture, it was inevitable that this musical would showcase this cultural element in a prominent way. The penultimate song of Act 1, The Club is a high energy number that ramps up the action in a palpable way. Rising tensions and heightened jealousy are all telegraphed through dance, eventually climaxing in a sudden blackout and the ensuing chaos. Both a cultural spotlight and a thrilling scene, The Club hurtles the plot into Act 2 with great finesse.

#7: Step In Time

Mary Poppins (2006)

The 2006 Broadway adaptation of this classic film was tasked with reimagining the iconic songs of Mary Poppins for a new generation in an entirely new medium. Step In Time and its dancing chimney sweeps were already quite theatrical in the film, but the stage musical turned the energy up even further. This number has more dancers, more acrobatics, and even upside-down tap dancing. The dancers may be totally covered in soot, but their spectacular dance moves make them shine regardless. Of course the original Dick Van Dyke version will always reign supreme, but this adaptation is brilliant in its own right.

#6: Dancing Queen

Mamma Mia! (2008)

This jukebox musical instilled a deep love of ABBA into a new generation while simultaneously making everyone want to book a flight to Greece. The plot is as convoluted as any Shakespearean comedy, the songs are energetic and perfectly positioned, and everyone just looks like theyre having so much fun! Of course, the fun peaks with none other than Dancing Queen, where Donnas best friends and former bandmates convince her that shes still just as exciting and talented as she was in her youth. Mamma Mia! has definitely played a major role in the enduring popularity of this song, and it was one of the few songs from the original to be reprised in the sequel.

#5: You Cant Stop the Beat

Hairspray (2002)

This musical deftly tackles difficult social issues with a fun, upbeat energy and a soundtrack that you cant help but dance to. The finale You Cant Stop the Beat characterizes the ongoing struggle for progress and equal rights as an unstoppable force that lives on in all those willing to fight for whats right. Finally, everyone gets to dance together, unsegregated and joyful. A message so upbeat deserves a song to match, and some Hairspray cast members lovingly refer to the song You Cant Stop to Breathe to reflect the demanding nature of the choreography and music. The result is a labor of love that ends this positive musical on a much deserved high note.

#4: Whipped Into Shape

Legally Blonde (2007)

Certain famous dance numbers in Broadway musicals can be performed by talented dancers in a way that makes them look effortlessly easy. This is not one of those songs. This Act II opener introduces Brooke Wyndham and her fitness empire as she demonstrates a workout routine from jail, having been accused of murdering her husband. The result is cardio insanity, with Brooke belting out notes that should be impossible to hit while jump roping. Since the musical opened in 2007, this choreography has become legendary. Playing Wyndham in Legally Blonde is an even more demanding role than Elle Woods, just for this singularly impossible song and its accompanying dance. The choreography may change but its always a challenge!

#3: Electricity

Billy Elliot the Musical (2008)

Based on the British film, Billy Elliot follows a working class boy with a passion for ballet, and his struggle to convince his father to let him pursue his dream. Electricity is Billys declaration of what ballet means to him, expressed of course through dance. While many beloved Broadway dance numbers are famous for their big ensembles of coordinated dancers, this song is uniquely performed solo. Therefore, a lot of pressure is on the young performer playing Billy as every eye in the audience watches him portray Billys talent and passion. It would be a difficult song for any dancer to pull off, let alone one so young.

#2: El Tango de Roxanne

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

This 2001 jukebox musical is full of classic pop songs brilliantly reimagined to fit the 1899 cabaret the film is set in. Nicole Kidmans rendition of Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend captures the glitz and glamor of the Moulin Rouge, but this spot in our ranking has to go to the tango rendition of The Polices Roxanne. This cover fuses the 70s hit with Mariano Mores Tanguera, creating a sultry, dramatic rendition of Roxanne that expresses Christians complicated feelings for Satine. The accompanying dance is just as intense, emotional, and electrifying as this reinvigorated tango cover; an unforgettably modern take on two twentieth century songs.

#1: Cell Block Tango

Chicago (2002)

This 2002 movie based on Bob Fosses 1975 musical was the film that made Hollywood take musicals seriously again. The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and brought Fosses signature choreography to a new generation of fans. Cell Block Tango is by far the most memorable number in the film, telling the individual stories of six murderous women and what drove them to commit their crimes. The brutal tales are contrasted by their glamorized dance retellings, an homage to Fosses original choreography updated for the screen. The film revitalized audiences interest in the musical, which is currently the longest running musical on Broadway.

Did we miss any iconic 2000s dance numbers? Let us know in the comments!