Dance enthusiasts have been treated to a smorgasbord of jazz-hands filled entertainment in recent years. When once they were mocked for their taste in the more upbeat of film genres they are now catered to like never before.
The onslaught of dance films include
Step Up, Save the Last Dance, How She Move, You Got Served, Step up 2: The Streets, Coyote Ugly, Honey, High School Musical and
Make it Happen to name a few. Together with
So You Think You Can Dance it’s safe to say that twinkling your toes has never been more popular.
The recent surge in popularity of dance movies made us ponder upon the great examples that have come before. From the early days of movies there are certain staples of dance films that must not be ignored for a film to succeed. Imagine
Footloose without the angry montage, or
Dirty Dancing without the suspiciously well choreographed final dance scene. Part of the charm of these films is the possibility that somewhere out there exists a universe where dancing seems to be the cause and solution to all of life's problems. What a life that would be.
We have compiled our top ten greatest dance movies of all time. Warning after watching all these clips you will be tempted to cut loose, footloose and kick off your Sunday shoes. You have been warned.
1. Dirty Dancing Thanks primarily to Patrick Swayze the film set a new standard for the genre. Somehow Swayze made dancing seem both romantic and rebellious. Combine all of this with a killer soundtrack and you have the makings of a classic.
2. Singin’ in the Rain The film by which all dance films are and will be judged.
3. Save the Last Dance Of all the recent films released this is truly the more entertaining of the bunch.
4. Flashdance The story of a welder by day dancer by night has inspired many a child of the '80s to take up dancing. Great soundtrack and memorable use of a bucket make this a classic in the genre.
5. West Side Story Dance fighting is perhaps this film's greatest contribution to modern cinema.
6. All That Jazz The man responsible for Jazz Hands, Bob Fosse directs this outstanding and beautifully acted film.
7. Stomp the Yard Chris Brown stars in this excellent hip-hop influenced flick with an amazing array of dance moves that makes even the reluctant members of the audience want to get up and dance.
8. Footloose Say what you say about Mr. Bacon but the guy took on the establishment in a pair of extremely tight pants and changed society for the better through the power of dance. What did you do today?
9. Strictly Ballroom Before losing the plot Luhrmann was actually a talented visual artist. The simple yet touching story of the ugly duckling makes this a worthy entry into the list.
10. Saturday Night Fever The film that singlehandedly made wide lapels and disco dancing the coolest thing on earth. John Travolta is still captivating as Tony Manero and the film is sure to get even those allergic to dancing tapping their toes.
** EDITOR'S NOTE **As someone who is an enthusiastic fan of dance movies, I have a couple of personal favourites to add.
GreaseThings I Learned from Movies #198: Dress cheap and boys will like you.
ChicagoRenee Zellweger looks like a foot, but this deserves a notable mention, as Catherine Zeta Jones put the mad dancing skillz she learned on Broadway to good use.
Moulin RougeThis can-can-can make it into my top ten dance movie list. Partly because the choreography is actually quite wonderful, and partly because they managed to weave some old-school Nirvana into the mix.
Centre StageThis deserves an honourable mention, because it is so WONDERFULLY cheesy. No one has ever made me cringe like that male lead with his foppish hair and terrible dialogue.