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30 Delightful Dance Scenes
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  3. 30 Delightful Dance Scenes

30 Delightful Dance Scenes

From ''Chicago'' to ''Oklahoma!,'' ''Stormy Weather'' to ''Strictly Ballroom,'' movie choreography that moves us

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Kate Ward
September 29, 2016 at 05:46 PM EDT
<p>This Bob Fosse number manages to be a crowd-pleaser without sacrificing storyline — or sexiness. Murder never looked so good.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoCZEmfnE-M" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
"Cell Block Tango," Chicago (2002)

This Bob Fosse number manages to be a crowd-pleaser without sacrificing storyline — or sexiness. Murder never looked so good.

WATCH IT!

Miramax/Courtesy Everett Collection
<p>How does the student body at the New York High School of Performing Arts spend their lunch break? By spontaneously breaking out into an awesome dance and song number. Thanks, <em>Fame</em>, for making our high school years seem even lamer. Why couldn&#8217;t Irene Cara have been in our class?</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMMHut0t-HU" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
"Hot Lunch" Jam, Fame (1980)

How does the student body at the New York High School of Performing Arts spend their lunch break? By spontaneously breaking out into an awesome dance and song number. Thanks, Fame, for making our high school years seem even lamer. Why couldn’t Irene Cara have been in our class?

WATCH IT!

Courtesy Everett Collection
<p>Okay, so it&#8217;s a little implausible that seven misogynistic backwoodsmen could learn manners and the ins and outs of partner dancing in such a short period of time. But don&#8217;t think too much about it. Lean back, relax, and enjoy this expertly choreographed scene that features not just stellar dance moves, but stellar dance moves <em>involving axes</em>.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yLx-7IyB70" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
Barn-raising dance, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

Okay, so it’s a little implausible that seven misogynistic backwoodsmen could learn manners and the ins and outs of partner dancing in such a short period of time. But don’t think too much about it. Lean back, relax, and enjoy this expertly choreographed scene that features not just stellar dance moves, but stellar dance moves involving axes.

WATCH IT!

Courtesy Everett Collection
<p>You know a dance scene is good when you feel like standing up to boogie along. (Good thing <em>Rocky Horror</em> provides us with an in-depth step-by-step tutorial on exactly how to follow along). Just please leave your gold lamé hot pants at home.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ff0cOPSpVA&amp;feature=fvw" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
"The Time Warp," Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

You know a dance scene is good when you feel like standing up to boogie along. (Good thing Rocky Horror provides us with an in-depth step-by-step tutorial on exactly how to follow along). Just please leave your gold lamé hot pants at home.

WATCH IT!

Jerry Tavin/Everett Collection
<p>Oh, Gene Kelly. You make this so hard for us. There were plenty of fantastic dance numbers to choose from when it came to the &#8217;52 musical: there&#8217;s Kelly&#8217;s classic stroll in the rain, and a lengthy &#8221;Broadway Melody&#8221; sequence greatly enhanced by the mere presence of Cyd Charisse&#8217;s gams. But the technical precision required of Kelly and Donald O&#8217;Connor in this tap-dance duet might trump them all.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9J_djtXNuR8" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
"Moses," Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Oh, Gene Kelly. You make this so hard for us. There were plenty of fantastic dance numbers to choose from when it came to the ’52 musical: there’s Kelly’s classic stroll in the rain, and a lengthy ”Broadway Melody” sequence greatly enhanced by the mere presence of Cyd Charisse’s gams. But the technical precision required of Kelly and Donald O’Connor in this tap-dance duet might trump them all.

WATCH IT!

Courtesy Everett Collection
<p>We&#8217;d be much more willing to hang out with street thugs if they could all relevé like this.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8R9GiLImSw" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
Prologue, West Side Story (1961)

We’d be much more willing to hang out with street thugs if they could all relevé like this.

WATCH IT!

Courtesy Everett Collection
<p>We didn&#8217;t say the dancers in our favorite dance scenes had to be <em>good</em>. But, c&#8217;mon, like you wouldn&#8217;t be impressed watching the high school underdogs (Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow) deliver this goofily fun pas de trios. Give respect where respect is due: It ain&#8217;t easy to dance in pleather mini-dresses.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPTUpn9ait8" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
"Time After Time," Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997)

We didn’t say the dancers in our favorite dance scenes had to be good. But, c’mon, like you wouldn’t be impressed watching the high school underdogs (Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow) deliver this goofily fun pas de trios. Give respect where respect is due: It ain’t easy to dance in pleather mini-dresses.

WATCH IT!

Buena Vista Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
<p>Cowboys and ballet seem to go together about as well as oil and water. But add a little Agnes de Mille — the legendary choreographer who marked the 15-minute dream ballet — and you&#8217;ve got a sure-fire classic dance scene. Yee-haw!</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wMFXSFKRBU" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
Dream ballet, Oklahoma! (1955)

Cowboys and ballet seem to go together about as well as oil and water. But add a little Agnes de Mille — the legendary choreographer who marked the 15-minute dream ballet — and you’ve got a sure-fire classic dance scene. Yee-haw!

WATCH IT!

<p>Most frat boys spend their free hours perfecting their beer pong aim. The men of Theta Nu Theta spend them perfecting their stepping and krumping. And it&#8217;s a good thing — their nail-biting final dance battle definitely brings the house down.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_yZXpQ2gLw" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
Final battle, Stomp the Yard (2007)

Most frat boys spend their free hours perfecting their beer pong aim. The men of Theta Nu Theta spend them perfecting their stepping and krumping. And it’s a good thing — their nail-biting final dance battle definitely brings the house down.

WATCH IT!

Alfeo Dixon
<p>Bow your hats the gold-plated finale of this Broadway-centric musical. Singular sensation, indeed!</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyZeGOsR9IA" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
"One," A Chorus Line (1985)

Bow your hats the gold-plated finale of this Broadway-centric musical. Singular sensation, indeed!

WATCH IT!

Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
<p>Leslie Caron and Gene Kelly shine in this show-stopping ballet set to George Gershwin&#8217;s &#8221;An American In Paris.&#8221; It&#8217;s a whole 18 minutes long, but worth the attention. Simply, <em>c&#8217;est magnifique</em>.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlvzGT1Ta2w" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
''An American in Paris'' Ballet, An American in Paris

Leslie Caron and Gene Kelly shine in this show-stopping ballet set to George Gershwin’s ”An American In Paris.” It’s a whole 18 minutes long, but worth the attention. Simply, c’est magnifique.

WATCH IT!

Everett Collection
<p><strong><em>TOP HAT</em> (1935)</p>
                                <p>&#8221;Cheek-to-Cheek&#8221;</strong></p>
                                <p>Though nearly every Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers dance scene appears flawless, none quite match the sheer brilliance and romance of &#8221;Cheek-to-Cheek.&#8221; The pair effortlessly glides across the floor, and Rogers manages to make it look easy — even while being eaten by a ton of feathers.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2poNEiVZNXQ" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
''Cheek-to-Cheek,'' Top Hat (1935)

TOP HAT (1935)

”Cheek-to-Cheek”

Though nearly every Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers dance scene appears flawless, none quite match the sheer brilliance and romance of ”Cheek-to-Cheek.” The pair effortlessly glides across the floor, and Rogers manages to make it look easy — even while being eaten by a ton of feathers.

WATCH IT!

Courtesy Everett Collection
<p>Spend a little time studying Fosse&#8217;s patented understated choreography in the Shirley MacLaine movie, and you&#8217;ll understand why the man is one of the most revered choreographers of the 20th century.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG3VfKlfDEk" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
''Big Spender,'' Sweet Charity (1969)

Spend a little time studying Fosse’s patented understated choreography in the Shirley MacLaine movie, and you’ll understand why the man is one of the most revered choreographers of the 20th century.

WATCH IT!

Everett Collection
<p>The Nicholas Brothers are proof that everything is better in pairs. In the 1943 film, the duo perform an intricate tap number that even includes <em>leapfrog splits</em>. And when Fred Astaire likes it — he famously called it the best tap dancing ever caught on film — you know it&#8217;s good.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBb9hTyLjfM" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
Nicholas Brothers, Stormy Weather (1943)

The Nicholas Brothers are proof that everything is better in pairs. In the 1943 film, the duo perform an intricate tap number that even includes leapfrog splits. And when Fred Astaire likes it — he famously called it the best tap dancing ever caught on film — you know it’s good.

WATCH IT!

John D. Kisch/Separate Cinema Archive/Getty Images
<p>How do you celebrate your sweetheart&#8217;s (Olivia Newton John) transformation from a nice girl to a promiscuous, chain-smoking girl? With a catchy dance number, of course! (Watch out for flying cars, though!)</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyUWkQj0Q_U" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
"You're the One that I Want," Grease (1978)

How do you celebrate your sweetheart’s (Olivia Newton John) transformation from a nice girl to a promiscuous, chain-smoking girl? With a catchy dance number, of course! (Watch out for flying cars, though!)

WATCH IT!

Everett Collection
<p>Let&#8217;s get real here: There&#8217;s no way a routine like this would grant you entry into an ABT-esque ballet company. But the breakdance/ballet number certainly has us cheering like maniacs.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_P5OWJImHo" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
The Audition, Flashdance (1983)

Let’s get real here: There’s no way a routine like this would grant you entry into an ABT-esque ballet company. But the breakdance/ballet number certainly has us cheering like maniacs.

WATCH IT!

Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
<p>There are several things wrong with the epic finale of <em>Center Stage</em>. (See: the nanosecond-long costume changes; the bizarre ballet-sex scene that doesn&#8217;t appear to take place on or off-stage.) But once you suspend your disbelief a little, you&#8217;ll find you&#8217;re watching probably one of the most fun ballet performances ever. It might just inspire you to buy tickets to <em>Swan Lake</em>. Just take note: that one won&#8217;t involve a motorcycle. Hard to believe, we know.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo3_U4jquTk" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
Cooper's Dance, Center Stage (2000)

There are several things wrong with the epic finale of Center Stage. (See: the nanosecond-long costume changes; the bizarre ballet-sex scene that doesn’t appear to take place on or off-stage.) But once you suspend your disbelief a little, you’ll find you’re watching probably one of the most fun ballet performances ever. It might just inspire you to buy tickets to Swan Lake. Just take note: that one won’t involve a motorcycle. Hard to believe, we know.

WATCH IT!

Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
<p>Do we really need to explain why? Because Baby and Johnny&#8217;s hip-swiveling routine made us wish we could pull off the infamous lift. Just as long as Johnny is there to catch us.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpmILPAcRQo" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
Finale, Dirty Dancing (1987)

Do we really need to explain why? Because Baby and Johnny’s hip-swiveling routine made us wish we could pull off the infamous lift. Just as long as Johnny is there to catch us.

WATCH IT!

Everett Collection
<p>No doubt Tony Manero&#8217;s a man&#8217;s man. A young John Travolta has the ladies entranced with his disco moves in this famous clip from the &#8217;70s movie. Of course, those tight bell-bottoms didn&#8217;t hurt his cause either.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mepFmJNqsus" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
Tony's Solo, Saturday Night Fever (1977)

No doubt Tony Manero’s a man’s man. A young John Travolta has the ladies entranced with his disco moves in this famous clip from the ’70s movie. Of course, those tight bell-bottoms didn’t hurt his cause either.

WATCH IT!

<p>Mob thug Vincent Vega (John Travolta) enjoys a night on the town — complete with this contest-winning, drug-induced twist — with his menacing boss&#8217; wife, Mia (Uma Thurman). If only lodging a giant needle in her heart didn&#8217;t prove to be such a killjoy.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWr_eSfTtIw" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
Jack Rabbit Slim's dance contest, Pulp Fiction (1994)

Mob thug Vincent Vega (John Travolta) enjoys a night on the town — complete with this contest-winning, drug-induced twist — with his menacing boss’ wife, Mia (Uma Thurman). If only lodging a giant needle in her heart didn’t prove to be such a killjoy.

WATCH IT!

Miramax Films/Courtesy Everett Collection
<p>Forget Pedro. We&#8217;d vote for Napoleon (Jon Heder) for president of his high school — heck, maybe even the U.S. — after watching his kick-ass dance moves. (But then again, based on his inability to even feed a llama properly, maybe not).</p>
pinterest
Canned Heat, Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

Forget Pedro. We’d vote for Napoleon (Jon Heder) for president of his high school — heck, maybe even the U.S. — after watching his kick-ass dance moves. (But then again, based on his inability to even feed a llama properly, maybe not).

<p>If only all teenagers could deal with angst like Billy Elliot (Jamie Bell). Tired of dealing with his father, brother, and life in general, Billy decides to take his anger out on the UK streets, where he performs one mean, emotion-laden dance number. And how can we not give props to a boy that can turn a loo into his own personal stage?</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jens3h3eXH0" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
The Angry Dance, Billy Elliot (2000)

If only all teenagers could deal with angst like Billy Elliot (Jamie Bell). Tired of dealing with his father, brother, and life in general, Billy decides to take his anger out on the UK streets, where he performs one mean, emotion-laden dance number. And how can we not give props to a boy that can turn a loo into his own personal stage?

WATCH IT!

<p>Duckie (Jon Cryer) serenades Andie (Molly Ringwald) with this passionate, memorable lip-sync to Otis Redding&#8217;s &#8221;Try a Little Tenderness,&#8221; that comes complete with hip thrusts and some <em>Flashdance</em>-esque footwork. Remind us why he didn&#8217;t get the girl?</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z727wXHEJMg" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
''Try a Little Tenderness,'' Pretty in Pink

Duckie (Jon Cryer) serenades Andie (Molly Ringwald) with this passionate, memorable lip-sync to Otis Redding’s ”Try a Little Tenderness,” that comes complete with hip thrusts and some Flashdance-esque footwork. Remind us why he didn’t get the girl?

WATCH IT!

Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
<p>When Scott and Fran (Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice) finally perform their Paso Doble, it&#8217;s so moving it brings the audience to tears — even when their music cuts out, leaving them to glide only to rhythmic clapping. Thanks to director Baz Luhrmann&#8217;s attention to technique and obvious love for the art, we&#8217;re in tears too.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eRSGCIse7M" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
The Paso Doble, Strictly Ballroom (1992)

When Scott and Fran (Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice) finally perform their Paso Doble, it’s so moving it brings the audience to tears — even when their music cuts out, leaving them to glide only to rhythmic clapping. Thanks to director Baz Luhrmann’s attention to technique and obvious love for the art, we’re in tears too.

WATCH IT!

Everett Collection
<p>Talk about underdogs. Six out-of-work, out-of-shape, and out-of-luck blue-collar Brits finally make good when they perform an impressively agile striptease in front of a packed house. Our only complaint? Moviegoers only got to see the full monty from the backside. —<em>Dawnie Walton</em></p>
                                <p> </p>
pinterest
The Full Monty (1997)

Talk about underdogs. Six out-of-work, out-of-shape, and out-of-luck blue-collar Brits finally make good when they perform an impressively agile striptease in front of a packed house. Our only complaint? Moviegoers only got to see the full monty from the backside. —Dawnie Walton

 

Everett Collection
<p>We would forfeit the competition after watching the Lil&#8217; Saints perform their final Big Bounce battle. Walking handstands and levitation? How could we serve up anything better than that?</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svsLt5QcuQY" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
Big Bounce Finale, You Got Served

We would forfeit the competition after watching the Lil’ Saints perform their final Big Bounce battle. Walking handstands and levitation? How could we serve up anything better than that?

WATCH IT!

Everett Collection
<p>Hit it! Young Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) and his monster (Peter Boyle) deliver some pretty impressive dance moves, especially considering that Frankenstein&#8217;s creation is, you know, half-dead and everything.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VH2nQHPs4aA" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
''Puttin' on the Ritz,'' Young Frankenstein

Hit it! Young Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) and his monster (Peter Boyle) deliver some pretty impressive dance moves, especially considering that Frankenstein’s creation is, you know, half-dead and everything.

WATCH IT!

Everett Collection
<p>Because this classic scene will inspire home alone teens to slide in their skivvies for decades to come.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2UVsyVLLcE" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
Ray-Bans and underpants, Risky Business (1983)

Because this classic scene will inspire home alone teens to slide in their skivvies for decades to come.

WATCH IT!

Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection
<p>We&#8217;d be remiss to write a gallery about best dance scenes and not include the King of Pop. Unfortunately, the best dancing in <em>The Wiz</em> occurs when poor Michael Jackson is strung up on a post as the Scarecrow. Luckily, the dancing crows still managed to win us over.</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4th7d_you-cant-win-michael-jackson-the-wi_music" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
''You Can't Win,'' The Wiz (1978)

We’d be remiss to write a gallery about best dance scenes and not include the King of Pop. Unfortunately, the best dancing in The Wiz occurs when poor Michael Jackson is strung up on a post as the Scarecrow. Luckily, the dancing crows still managed to win us over.

WATCH IT!

Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images
<p>Gene Kelly famously took the stage with Jerry the Mouse — and later with Stewie Griffin — during this 1945 film. Sure, the scene is pure cheese (heh), but where would MC Scat Cat be without it?</p>
                                <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP0kQFvj9rs" target="_new">WATCH IT!</a></p>
pinterest
Gene and Jerry, Anchors Aweigh (1945)

Gene Kelly famously took the stage with Jerry the Mouse — and later with Stewie Griffin — during this 1945 film. Sure, the scene is pure cheese (heh), but where would MC Scat Cat be without it?

WATCH IT!

Courtesy Everett Collection
1 of 31

Advertisement
1 of 30 Miramax/Courtesy Everett Collection

"Cell Block Tango," Chicago (2002)

This Bob Fosse number manages to be a crowd-pleaser without sacrificing storyline — or sexiness. Murder never looked so good.

WATCH IT!

Advertisement
2 of 30 Courtesy Everett Collection

"Hot Lunch" Jam, Fame (1980)

How does the student body at the New York High School of Performing Arts spend their lunch break? By spontaneously breaking out into an awesome dance and song number. Thanks, Fame, for making our high school years seem even lamer. Why couldn’t Irene Cara have been in our class?

WATCH IT!

3 of 30 Courtesy Everett Collection

Barn-raising dance, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

Okay, so it’s a little implausible that seven misogynistic backwoodsmen could learn manners and the ins and outs of partner dancing in such a short period of time. But don’t think too much about it. Lean back, relax, and enjoy this expertly choreographed scene that features not just stellar dance moves, but stellar dance moves involving axes.

WATCH IT!

Advertisement
4 of 30 Jerry Tavin/Everett Collection

"The Time Warp," Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

You know a dance scene is good when you feel like standing up to boogie along. (Good thing Rocky Horror provides us with an in-depth step-by-step tutorial on exactly how to follow along). Just please leave your gold lamé hot pants at home.

WATCH IT!

Advertisement
5 of 30 Courtesy Everett Collection

"Moses," Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Oh, Gene Kelly. You make this so hard for us. There were plenty of fantastic dance numbers to choose from when it came to the ’52 musical: there’s Kelly’s classic stroll in the rain, and a lengthy ”Broadway Melody” sequence greatly enhanced by the mere presence of Cyd Charisse’s gams. But the technical precision required of Kelly and Donald O’Connor in this tap-dance duet might trump them all.

WATCH IT!

Advertisement
6 of 30 Courtesy Everett Collection

Prologue, West Side Story (1961)

We’d be much more willing to hang out with street thugs if they could all relevé like this.

WATCH IT!

Advertisement
7 of 30 Buena Vista Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

"Time After Time," Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997)

We didn’t say the dancers in our favorite dance scenes had to be good. But, c’mon, like you wouldn’t be impressed watching the high school underdogs (Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow) deliver this goofily fun pas de trios. Give respect where respect is due: It ain’t easy to dance in pleather mini-dresses.

WATCH IT!

Advertisement
8 of 30

Dream ballet, Oklahoma! (1955)

Cowboys and ballet seem to go together about as well as oil and water. But add a little Agnes de Mille — the legendary choreographer who marked the 15-minute dream ballet — and you’ve got a sure-fire classic dance scene. Yee-haw!

WATCH IT!

Advertisement
9 of 30 Alfeo Dixon

Final battle, Stomp the Yard (2007)

Most frat boys spend their free hours perfecting their beer pong aim. The men of Theta Nu Theta spend them perfecting their stepping and krumping. And it’s a good thing — their nail-biting final dance battle definitely brings the house down.

WATCH IT!

Advertisement
10 of 30 Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

"One," A Chorus Line (1985)

Bow your hats the gold-plated finale of this Broadway-centric musical. Singular sensation, indeed!

WATCH IT!

Advertisement
11 of 30 Everett Collection

''An American in Paris'' Ballet, An American in Paris

Leslie Caron and Gene Kelly shine in this show-stopping ballet set to George Gershwin’s ”An American In Paris.” It’s a whole 18 minutes long, but worth the attention. Simply, c’est magnifique.

WATCH IT!

Advertisement
12 of 30 Courtesy Everett Collection

''Cheek-to-Cheek,'' Top Hat (1935)

TOP HAT (1935)

”Cheek-to-Cheek”

Though nearly every Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers dance scene appears flawless, none quite match the sheer brilliance and romance of ”Cheek-to-Cheek.” The pair effortlessly glides across the floor, and Rogers manages to make it look easy — even while being eaten by a ton of feathers.

WATCH IT!

Advertisement
13 of 30 Everett Collection

''Big Spender,'' Sweet Charity (1969)

Spend a little time studying Fosse’s patented understated choreography in the Shirley MacLaine movie, and you’ll understand why the man is one of the most revered choreographers of the 20th century.

WATCH IT!

Advertisement
14 of 30 John D. Kisch/Separate Cinema Archive/Getty Images

Nicholas Brothers, Stormy Weather (1943)

The Nicholas Brothers are proof that everything is better in pairs. In the 1943 film, the duo perform an intricate tap number that even includes leapfrog splits. And when Fred Astaire likes it — he famously called it the best tap dancing ever caught on film — you know it’s good.

WATCH IT!

Advertisement
15 of 30 Everett Collection

"You're the One that I Want," Grease (1978)

How do you celebrate your sweetheart’s (Olivia Newton John) transformation from a nice girl to a promiscuous, chain-smoking girl? With a catchy dance number, of course! (Watch out for flying cars, though!)

WATCH IT!

Advertisement
16 of 30 Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection

The Audition, Flashdance (1983)

Let’s get real here: There’s no way a routine like this would grant you entry into an ABT-esque ballet company. But the breakdance/ballet number certainly has us cheering like maniacs.

WATCH IT!

Advertisement
17 of 30 Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

Cooper's Dance, Center Stage (2000)

There are several things wrong with the epic finale of Center Stage. (See: the nanosecond-long costume changes; the bizarre ballet-sex scene that doesn’t appear to take place on or off-stage.) But once you suspend your disbelief a little, you’ll find you’re watching probably one of the most fun ballet performances ever. It might just inspire you to buy tickets to Swan Lake. Just take note: that one won’t involve a motorcycle. Hard to believe, we know.

WATCH IT!

Advertisement
18 of 30 Everett Collection

Finale, Dirty Dancing (1987)

Do we really need to explain why? Because Baby and Johnny’s hip-swiveling routine made us wish we could pull off the infamous lift. Just as long as Johnny is there to catch us.

WATCH IT!

Advertisement
19 of 30

Tony's Solo, Saturday Night Fever (1977)

No doubt Tony Manero’s a man’s man. A young John Travolta has the ladies entranced with his disco moves in this famous clip from the ’70s movie. Of course, those tight bell-bottoms didn’t hurt his cause either.

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20 of 30 Miramax Films/Courtesy Everett Collection

Jack Rabbit Slim's dance contest, Pulp Fiction (1994)

Mob thug Vincent Vega (John Travolta) enjoys a night on the town — complete with this contest-winning, drug-induced twist — with his menacing boss’ wife, Mia (Uma Thurman). If only lodging a giant needle in her heart didn’t prove to be such a killjoy.

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21 of 30

Canned Heat, Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

Forget Pedro. We’d vote for Napoleon (Jon Heder) for president of his high school — heck, maybe even the U.S. — after watching his kick-ass dance moves. (But then again, based on his inability to even feed a llama properly, maybe not).

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22 of 30

The Angry Dance, Billy Elliot (2000)

If only all teenagers could deal with angst like Billy Elliot (Jamie Bell). Tired of dealing with his father, brother, and life in general, Billy decides to take his anger out on the UK streets, where he performs one mean, emotion-laden dance number. And how can we not give props to a boy that can turn a loo into his own personal stage?

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23 of 30 Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection

''Try a Little Tenderness,'' Pretty in Pink

Duckie (Jon Cryer) serenades Andie (Molly Ringwald) with this passionate, memorable lip-sync to Otis Redding’s ”Try a Little Tenderness,” that comes complete with hip thrusts and some Flashdance-esque footwork. Remind us why he didn’t get the girl?

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24 of 30 Everett Collection

The Paso Doble, Strictly Ballroom (1992)

When Scott and Fran (Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice) finally perform their Paso Doble, it’s so moving it brings the audience to tears — even when their music cuts out, leaving them to glide only to rhythmic clapping. Thanks to director Baz Luhrmann’s attention to technique and obvious love for the art, we’re in tears too.

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25 of 30 Everett Collection

The Full Monty (1997)

Talk about underdogs. Six out-of-work, out-of-shape, and out-of-luck blue-collar Brits finally make good when they perform an impressively agile striptease in front of a packed house. Our only complaint? Moviegoers only got to see the full monty from the backside. —Dawnie Walton

 

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26 of 30 Everett Collection

Big Bounce Finale, You Got Served

We would forfeit the competition after watching the Lil’ Saints perform their final Big Bounce battle. Walking handstands and levitation? How could we serve up anything better than that?

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27 of 30 Everett Collection

''Puttin' on the Ritz,'' Young Frankenstein

Hit it! Young Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) and his monster (Peter Boyle) deliver some pretty impressive dance moves, especially considering that Frankenstein’s creation is, you know, half-dead and everything.

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28 of 30 Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection

Ray-Bans and underpants, Risky Business (1983)

Because this classic scene will inspire home alone teens to slide in their skivvies for decades to come.

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29 of 30 Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images

''You Can't Win,'' The Wiz (1978)

We’d be remiss to write a gallery about best dance scenes and not include the King of Pop. Unfortunately, the best dancing in The Wiz occurs when poor Michael Jackson is strung up on a post as the Scarecrow. Luckily, the dancing crows still managed to win us over.

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30 of 30 Courtesy Everett Collection

Gene and Jerry, Anchors Aweigh (1945)

Gene Kelly famously took the stage with Jerry the Mouse — and later with Stewie Griffin — during this 1945 film. Sure, the scene is pure cheese (heh), but where would MC Scat Cat be without it?

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