Top 20 Greatest Dance Scenes in Dance Movies
#20: “El Tango de Roxanne”
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“Moulin Rouge!” (2001) As Christian agonizes over Satine spending the night with the Duke, the Narcoleptic Argentinian, assisted by Nini and the other performers, warn him about the dangers of falling in love with a Courtesan. Using elements of Argentine Tango, the performers tell a story of desire, passion, suspicion, and betrayal, almost foreshadowing the events to come. Mirroring the dinner scene with Satine and the Duke, the intensity and conviction of every move heightens, especially as the music continues to build. The fast cuts between the two eventful scenes adds to the drama and tension, only ending when they reach their climactic crux.
#19: “Cell Block Tango”
“Chicago” (2002) From the first note of “All That Jazz” to the final beat of “Hot Honey Rag”, “Chicago’s” choreography is nothing short of iconic. However, we do have to give a special mention to “Cell Block Tango” for its cinematic value, vigorous choreography, and message of female empowerment. While we’re certainly not condoning murder, we love how each step is a forceful move that ties in perfectly with their storytelling. It’s also a powerful sight to see the ensemble dance together in a celebration of strong and unapologetic women. After watching this we’re sure no man will ever do them wrong again.
#18: “Mein Herr”
“Cabaret” (1972) Although this song was only added for the 1972 movie adaption, it instantly became a classic due to its intricate choreography. Drawing us into the Kit Kat Klub of 1930s Berlin, we watch Sally Bowles and the ensemble perform this compelling number. You’ll be seeing a lot of Bob Fosse creations on our list but this routine in particular really accentuates the isolations that became synonymous with his style. While the movements look quite simple, the detail that goes into even the tiniest flick of a wrist is placed with precision and purpose and the use of chairography and levels is sensational.
#17: “Cheek to Cheek”
“Top Hat” (1935) This song begins with Jerry and Dale in a close hold as he expresses his feelings through song. As they move away from the crowd, the audience is treated to an elegant and graceful dance break that exemplifies everything we love about Hollywood’s golden era movie musical. Fred Astaire and Ginger’s Rogers’ well-established on-screen chemistry, alongside their ability to make every move look effortless, makes this one of their most memorable and beloved dances still to this day. As Jerry attempts to dance his way to Dale’s heart we can’t help but fall for the elegance, romance, and glamour throughout their performance.
#16: “Jumpin’ Jive”
“Stormy Weather” (1943) Starring the Nicholas Brothers, who were known for their incredible style, high energy, and acrobatic choreography, this routine is so effortlessly cool. Appearing from the audience, the pair leap onto the dance floor, using pretty much every surface while performing a perfectly-synchronized tap dance routine. Despite being considered a pioneering movie for African-Americans in 1943, unfortunately, racism overshadowed their undeniable talent. It’s thus all the more important that we celebrate them and their phenomenal skills. It’s no wonder this scene comes toward the end of the movie, as what could possibly follow their epic finale?
#15: “There’ll Be Some Changes Made”
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“All That Jazz” (1979) Inspired by Fosse’s chaotic life and career, this semi-autobiographical musical follows Joe Gideon, whose fast and loose lifestyle finally catches up with him. After ignoring doctors’ advice to slow down, he suffers a heart attack and ends up on life support. He starts directing hallucinatory dream-sequences starring his girlfriend, ex-wife, and daughter, who all scold him for his reckless behavior. Ann Reinking who plays Katie, a thinly-veiled characterization of herself, leads the trio in this number. From the glittery outfits to the strong and well-defined movements, this dance is a tribute to Fosse’s choreography as well as the stars’ talents.
#14: “Time Warp”
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“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975) If our list has you itching to get to your feet, you’re in luck, as this next entry comes with instructions! It’s crazy to think that a song that was written just to fill time during the stage production would eventually become one of the most famous moments of the entire movie. Whether you’re a fan of this cult classic or you think “Frank N. Furter” is just a type of sausage, you absolutely know this one and probably can’t resist joining in. With such simple instructions, even the most uncoordinated dancer will be tempted to get up and do the Time Warp again.
#13: “Fame”
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“Fame” (1980) While our other entries so far have focused on carefully choreographed numbers, this one shows that sometimes it’s just about feeling the music. When Bruno Martelli’s dad proudly plays his song outside the school, all the students start dancing in the street to this catchy rhythm. Interestingly, the famous title song hadn’t actually been written yet at the time of filming, so they were dancing to Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff” instead, due to its similar beat. For this moment the students can forget about the grueling intensity of performing arts school and instead focus on the pure fun that dancing can bring.
#12: “Town Called Malice”
“Billy Elliot” (2000) It’s quite tricky to choose just one standout moment from this gritty and inspiring British flick, but we have to go with Billy’s punchy improvised dance to “Town Called Malice” by The Jam. When his dance teacher, Sandra, visits the Elliot family, Billy is left feeling torn between following his dreams or following the expectations of a northern lad. Dancing his way through the town, Billy dances off the walls as he vents his frustration. Deviating from the graceful ballet and incorporating tap dance, we can almost feel his torment as he expresses himself the best way he knows how.
#11: The Audition Dance
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“A Chorus Line” (1985) We’re whisked behind-the-Broadway-scenes where countless hopeful performers are auditioning for a spot in the chorus line. We’re no professionals, but based on what we see, we would need a bigger stage just to cast all that talent! This scene also provides exposition, introducing us to the principal characters who we’ll get to know better throughout the movie. From their very ‘80s-style outfits to the perfect sharpness and the synchronicity of their movements, this dance is so satisfying to watch. As the final auditionees perform ensemble, it’s hard not to get lost in the moment and forget that this is only just the audition.
#10: “Rich Man’s Frug”
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“Sweet Charity” (1969) “The Frug” took America by storm in the 1960s, so it only made sense that it would feature in the most exclusive club in New York. Fosse’s signature style is very prominent in this scene through its punchy isolations, abstract movements, and unusual poses. The performance, led by dancer Suzanne Charny, is split into three variations called, “The Aloof”, “The Heavyweight” and “The Big Finish”, all of which bring a new aesthetic to the dance genre. The innovation behind the choreography secured its position in dance movie history, and even influenced Beyonce’s “Get Me Bodied” music video in 2007.
#9: Alex’s Audition
“Flashdance” (1983) While “Flashdance” has multiple memorable dance moments, nothing cemented itself in popular culture as much as Alex’s audition. Based on a real story, Alex is a welder-slash-stripper who dreams of becoming a ballerina. She leaves everything on the dance floor as she combines the elegance of ballet with more modern and jazzy steps, as well as impressive leaps. Although Jennifer Beals had multiple body doubles, this doesn’t take away from how sensational this routine is. It might not have been the audition the panel expected but, it certainly wasn’t one they were going to forget.
#8: “You’re the One That I Want”
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“Grease” (1978) The final scene of “Grease” celebrates friendship as the two gangs close the door on high school and put all past feuds behind them. While “We Go Together” ends the flick on a party high, we’re already on our feet as soon as Danny spots Sandy in those famous tight leather pants. Using the school carnival as their backdrop, Sandy and Danny shimmy and groove their way through the rides, coming down the stairs with iconic moves. It’s cheesy, entertaining, and energetic... who knew that sending off high school could be this much fun?
#7: The Barn Dance
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“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” (1954) If you want almost seven minutes of dance heaven, this is the movie for you. As the brothers head into town to take their newly learned etiquette skills for a test drive, they find themselves in a dance-off for the attention of the town’s women. They dance their boots off, pulling out every trick and flip to steal the show and the affections of their dance partners. There is so much intricate choreography that it took the dancers three weeks to nail this routine. The movie’s choreographer, Michael Kidd was known for his challenging and acrobatic choreography, and the payoff is evident.
#6: “Step in Time”
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“Mary Poppins” (1964) Although this “call and response” song incorporates instructions into its lyrics, we think we’ll leave this one to the pros. Dick Van Dyke, as Bert, leads the Chimney Sweeps across the rooftops of London in an incredibly athletic routine, choreographed by Michael Kidd. This ambitious dance sees the chimney sweeps leap around the rooftops and dance with props, as well as performing the highly-animated choreography. This is one of the most entertaining scenes in the entire movie, and even Mary Poppins breaks her stern exterior to enjoy the show... before showing them all how it’s done, of course.
#5: The Final Dance
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“Footloose” (1984) In a town where dancing is banned, what better way to let off some steam than to, well, dance! While of course, Ren’s acrobatic freestyling in the warehouse is certainly a key moment, it comes in a close second to the final scene. With the ban finally lifted, the teens cut loose to Kenny Loggins’ title track. Sure, none of the principal cast are fully trained dancers, but that doesn’t lessen the effect of this iconic scene. Granted, Kevin Bacon has since claimed in an interview that he sometimes pays wedding DJs not to play the song, worrying that people might expect him to bust a move.
#4: “You Should Be Dancing”
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“Saturday Night Fever” (1977) Before donning a “T-Birds” leather jacket, John Travolta was getting his disco on in his first major film role, as Tony Manero in “Saturday Night Fever”. With pulsating help from the Bee Gees and a song that basically calls you to the dance floor, Travolta puts a spotlight on the disco genre as he clears the floor to strut his stuff. Pulling out all the archetypal steps with some impressive splits and spins, it’s no wonder that this scene is such a crowd-pleaser. The movie had a huge influence on the late-’70s popular culture and helped bring disco into the mainstream.
#3: “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”
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“Dirty Dancing” (1987) We have just two words for you, “The Lift”. Whenever people think about this dance number, they go straight to this famous moment, but that doesn’t mean that the whole dance itself doesn’t deserve some love, too. As we hit the climax of the movie, all the work that Johnny and Baby have put in throughout the summer finally gets its spotlight and Baby shows off her recently found confidence. It’s such an engaging routine and clearly, everyone wants a piece of the action, so it’s not long until they’re all on their feet too. Oh, and have we mentioned that lift?
#2: “Dance at the Gym”
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“West Side Story” (1961) From the first finger-snap of the “Prologue” to the high-energy of “America” it’s almost impossible to choose just one stand-out moment. However, we have to give the edge to “Dance at the Gym” for its beautiful storytelling. While the purpose of the dance is ostensibly to bring an end to the gangs’ rivalry, the dance-off becomes a stand-in for violence, under the watchful eyes of the authorities. While each side tries to out-dance the other, we get a brief interlude as Tony and Maria first meet. The choreography is truly inspired, as dance serves to separate and unite the two sides simultaneously. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Mandy” / “White Christmas” (1954) Now That’s How You Do Christmas “Prove Me Wrong” / “White Nights” (1985) We Love Seeing These Two Dance Icons Together The Final Dance / “Strictly Ballroom” (1992) Sometimes You Just Gotta Break the Rules
#1: “Singin’ in the Rain”
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“Singin’ in the Rain” (1952) Not only is the title number of this iconic movie one of its most famous scenes, but it’s also likely what springs to mind when you think of the great Gene Kelly. After a kiss from Kathy, Don is so elated that even a little — or a lot of — rain can’t dampen his spirits. Jumping on lamposts, splashing in puddles, and swinging his umbrella, this dance evokes so much joy. Approximately a year after choreographing the amazing ballet sequence in “An American in Paris,” Kelly was handed a script that simply read, “Don dances in the wet street”... six words that led to the creation of a classic.
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