Top 10 Swing Dance Scenes in Movies

This scene from “Love N’ Dancing” shows viewers the fun of swinging. Rocking out to a great tune, the characters provide a great example of the high energy that goes into the dance. In the movie, the male lead, who is deaf, is visiting a middle school to discuss disability awareness, and he decides to make things interesting with a routine. And he definitely demonstrates the expertise – and passion – needed to pull off such complex moves. He and his partner soon have the audience on their feet, clapping along as he lifts, spins, twirls and dips her with classic maneuvers.

“A League of Their Own” is a baseball movie, but our heroines have skills on the field and the dance floor. During a night out, they treat viewers to a routine in a more casual, carefree setting, which adds an interesting dynamic to the affair. While these dancers don’t perform all the more high-octane tricks, their energetic moves leave nothing to be desired. Watching everyone having so much fun inspires us to wanna get off the couch and join in. After all, one doesn’t have to be a professional acrobat to take part in swing. As long as you’re having fun and don’t mind a little dizziness, it’s something that everyone can learn.

Our first black and white pick proves you don’t need color to be enthralled by swing – its liveliness and a stellar tune is enough. Full formal wear won’t stop these party-goers from performing aerials and tricks to big band music. Even the conductor – the famous Cab Calloway – is caught up in the fun, singing with his baton and hair flying. Pianist Dorothy Donegan also kills it on the piano, showing just how speedy and active the music needs to be. What we love most here, however, is watching these folks cut loose - literally dancing in the street! They execute some beautiful flips and spins, and make us want to join them.

It’s the Jitterbug contest finals in “Twice Blessed,” and everyone is bringing their A-game. Even the leads get in on the stunts, with the men twisting and dipping alongside the women. There’s a lot going on here, with more couples than we can count giving it their all. But that’s what makes it so exciting to watch. No matter where you look, there’s a stunt or fancy maneuver on display that’ll leave you impressed. And it’s not just about the tricks, either. This scene also earns its spot by showing off the complex footwork required, as well as the strength and balance that goes into executing an effective swing routine.

The much beloved actor Brendan Fraser graces the dance floor in this scene, and the result is delightful. After being underground for decades, Fraser’s character Adam emerges in 1999, but gets to do a little metaphorical time traveling to the era of swing. He shows off his skills with not one, but two partners. It’s a great display of the showmanship and charisma that goes into the dance, as the star enchants the crowd with his arm work and charming smile. With dips and a candlestick, this routine sticks the landing and then some. Honestly, is there anything Brendan Fraser can’t do?!

From two follows to two leads, we’re coming in hot with Jean Veloz (fellows) putting her impressive abilities on display while dancing with two gentlemen. In this scene, we see plenty of excellent footwork as she’s passed between her two partners. Her swivels and hip movement steal the show on their own, making the extra tricks we’re treated to feel like a bonus. We notably get to see another example of the candlestick move, which is far from easy to pull off. On top of that, the star keeps her upper body fully engaged while bopping to the music. Put simply, it’s a great show from great dancers.

This performance contains the perfect combination of mid-air moves and precise, intricate foot movements. The dancers appear to keep their balance through pure velocity alone as they spin and kick, holding on to each other to stay upright. As professional performers, they keep us enthralled with their commitment and dexterity. Their goofy, over-the-top entry and exit are the cherry on top of this swingin’ sundae, while their talent and hardwork shine through stellar over-the-back aerials. While “Let’s Make Music” wasn’t necessarily everyone’s favorite film at the time, we can’t imagine this dance scene had anything to do with the criticism.

The performers in this scene from “A Day at the Races” tackle the elaborate tenets of swing dancing with absolute ease, both on the floor and in the air. They’re known as Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers, a group of swing dancers who toured the world entertaining everyone with their amazing showings. Luckily for us, they also performed in movies like this one. They became renowned for their exceptional talent and exploits, which are clearly on display throughout this lindy hop segment. The speed and acrobatics alone are jaw-dropping, and don’t even get us started on that three-person trick!

“Swing Kids” takes viewers into the secret world of Germany’s youth in the late 1930s, exploring the swing movement that was born. The party is well underway in this scene, and we’re even treated to a jam circle where couples get the chance to show everyone what they’ve got to offer. For the most part though, the segment is about the crowd and the joyful madness they’re caught up in. It really captures the fun of the swing. Like many things popularized by young people, it was once considered rebellious and lesser-than. For dance though, it was revolutionary.

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

"Bounce Me Brother, with a Solid Four", “Buck Privates” (1941)
Those Swivels Are Mesmerizing

"Go Daddy-O", “Swingers” (1996)
For the Expert Spins & Romance

An Entertaining Lindy Hop, “Groovie Movie” (1944)
Because of the Comedy

Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers are back, but given how insanely gifted they are, are you even surprised to see them here? These amazing performers go full-throttle in 1941’s “Hellzapoppin”. Each couple takes a turn on the floor, dancing as fast as they can while tackling some of the most impressive steps and aerials ever captured on film. Perhaps the most mind-blowingly formidable part of all – besides the unbeatable technique – is how effortless they make it look. After all, anyone who’s ever tried their hand at such a routine knows firsthand just how difficult it is! The acrobatics and training we see here are proof that Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers rank high among the greatest swingers of all time.