Top 10 Non-Romantic Dance Duets In Movie Musicals
#10: “Everything Old Is New Again”
“All That Jazz” (1979)
This semi-autobiographical musical, inspired by Fosse’s crazy life and career, follows live-fast-die-young choreographer, Joe Gideon. In this scene, Joe beams with pride as he watches his girlfriend, Katie, and daughter, Michelle dance to “Everything Old Is New Again” by Peter Allen. Katie, played by the late, great Ann Reinking, taught Michelle the moves that her boyfriend once taught her, and this performance pays homage to him. Fosse’s choreography is very recognizable throughout the dance, in their steps, isolations, and shaping. This song marks a period of change and the creation of a legacy. It’s also the only time we see Joe truly happy.
#9: The Lindy Hop
“Hellzapoppin’” (1941)
Before hitting the silver screen, this surrealist musical was the longest-running Broadway show of its day. Choreographed by Frankie Manning and featuring Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers, this five-minute high-energy number is utterly mindblowing. The speed, athleticism, and stamina required to pull off such a performance is nothing short of astounding. Not to mention their breathtaking ability to perform one aerial move after another while keeping in time with the music. This scene comes as an interlude to the main plot of the movie since segregation laws at the time prohibited interracial casting. Nevertheless, it’s this scene and these unbelievably talented dancers that have withstood the test of time.
#8: “Fit as a Fiddle”
“Singin’ in the Rain” (1952)
There are so many amazing dance moments in this movie, that some might inevitably get overlooked. So, we’re going to give this number the appreciation it deserves. We’re taken back to Don and Cosmo’s Vaudeville days, to see them dancing in matching suits and mixing tap dance with fiddle playing. As we can only expect from this dynamic duo, the choreography is highly inventive, very ambitious, and rather demanding, yet, they make it look so effortless. Clearly, the booing crowd at the end wouldn’t know a great performance if it, well, if it did exactly what we just saw. They simply don’t make ‘em like this anymore.
#7: “Prove Me Wrong”
“White Nights” (1985)
This dance drama made waves in the movie world thanks to famed classical dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov and celebrated tap dancer Gregory Hines. Together, they combine their respective artistic backgrounds to collaborate on this epic number. It’s not often that you see classical and tap dance combined in this way, but with two icons at the helm, it’s invigorating and utterly astonishing. Their characters overcome the friction of their opposing backgrounds to prove that dance can unite people from all walks of life. This routine is particularly remarkable. You’ll want to watch it twice just so you can give each performer your undivided attention.
#6: “Alley Dance”
“My Sister Eileen” (1955)
The dance-off between Frank Lippencott and Chick Clark is arguably the most famed number from this movie, and with good reason. It features acclaimed performers, Tommy Rall, and Bob Fosse- who also choreographed the piece- trying to outdance one another. The more competitive they get, the more exciting and energized the choreography becomes. Yet, watching them dance in perfect unison is equally mesmerizing. It’s almost impossible to tell who'll come out on top, although we wouldn’t like anyone’s chances against the legendary Fosse. Unlike most of our other entries, this scene has no dialogue. But who needs words when you can just let your moves do the talking?
#5: “Who’s Got The Pain”
“Damn Yankees” (1958)
In this baseball-themed musical, Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon lead the celebrations following the Washington Senators’ sudden streak of luck. Every second of their joyful Vaudevillian number is enthralling. With so much talent on stage, it’s hard to know where to look first. Of course, the dance is quintessentially Fosse with the use of the hats covering their faces, the stiff delivery of Latin hips, and plenty of intricate isolations. Perhaps the best part though is that you can tell how much they’re enjoying themselves. This scene has to be one of the most underrated dance duets in movie musical history.
#4: “Hot Honey Rag”
“Chicago” (2002)
It’s no easy task to reimagine the great Bob Fosse’s choreography. But thanks in part to Rob Marshall’s efforts, “Chicago” became the first movie musical since 1968 to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. They say save the best till last, and arguably that’s exactly what they’ve done here. Roxie and Velma realize that their best shot at getting their names up in lights is to team up. Their big comeback brings all the glitz and glamor of the jazz era and earns them the affirmation from a loving audience that they so desire. The number ends with a well-deserved standing ovation.
#3: “Begin the Beguine”
“Broadway Melody of 1940” (1940)
With two tap-dancing superstars at the helm, you probably couldn’t find a more iconic tap routine in movie history. Yet almost unbelievably, this was the only occasion where Eleanor Powell and Fred Astaire performed together. It’s even wilder considering that Powell’s talents were often said to easily rival Astaire’s. This was the final installment in MGM’s “Broadway Melodies” series and this number was the perfect send-off. The choreography is heavily inspired by Flamenco, and was performed on a set that cost the studio a whopping $120,000. Lit up by the starpower of this legendary pair, the dance brought the episode and series to a close, and boy, did they go out on a high.
#2: “Moses Supposes”
“Singin’ in the Rain” (1952)
The movie takes place during a time of transition in Hollywood. With “talkies” becoming all the rage, silent movie stars were sent to diction lessons. During one of these classes, Don and Cosmo prove that they’re still those fun-loving guys from back in their Vaudeville days. Turning the tables on Don’s humorless teacher, the pair proceed to sing, dance, and make a good-spirited mockery of the whole ordeal. It’s a comical and fun performance, highlighting Kelly and O’Connor’s amazing chemistry. Also, the creative ways they use their space is simply unrivaled. This phenomenal two-man dance sequence never fails to put a smile on our faces.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Brush Up Your Shakespeare,” “Kiss Me, Kate” (1953)
The Gangsters Tap Dance Their Way to a Lady’s Heart through the Bard’s Works
“The Worry Song,” “Anchors Aweigh” (1945)
Kelly Dances with One of His Most Famous Animated Partners
“A Cover is Not the Book,” “Mary Poppins Returns” (2018)
Emily Blunt & Lin-Manuel Miranda Bring Joy through This Fun Dance-Hall Number
“The Other Side,” “The Greatest Showman” (2017)
Making a Deal Has Never Looked This Cool
“The Tango Maureen,” “Rent” (2005)
As the Saying Going, It Takes Two to Tango
#1: “Jumpin’ Jive”
“Stormy Weather” (1943)
Starring the Nicholas Brothers, this routine has often been hailed as one of the best film dances of all time. After appearing suddenly from the audience, the brothers perform their signature “flash dancing” style which combines the artistry of dance with daring acrobatics. The number is in a league of its own with its challenging and energetic choreography, not to mention the impressive splits down the stairs. Supposedly it was all shot in one take too. Apparently, Fred Astaire once told the brothers that “Jumpin’ Jive” was “the greatest movie musical number he had ever seen.” It’s a virtuosic masterpiece that never fails to blow us away.
