Lights, camera, action, we are taking a trip to Hollywood and reminiscing on our favorite dance scenes. Go grab your comfy clothes and get ready for a movie marathon!
DIRTY DANCING – Final Dance
Patrick Swayze can teach us how to dance any day! If you haven’t seen this magical movie moment, what are you doing? Natalie Salvione, Ballet Arizona’s Development Operations Manager, credited this movie with making her want to learn Latin Ballroom dancing and we have a feeling so will you.
AMERICAN IN PARIS – Final Ballet
This scene alone took one month to film. I am going to pause for a moment to let you think about how crazy that is…
The final ballet is a dreamy sequence where Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron shine, enjoy!
WHITE NIGHTS – Mikhail Baryshnikov & Gregory Hines
Oh just two of the greatest male dancers of the 20th century? Yeah, we have this one on repeat. Watching a ballet dancer and tap dancer come together, shows the unique artistry and athleticism that dancers provide the world.
WEST SIDE STORY – Mambo!
You’re going to want to get up and dance after watching this and we wouldn’t blame you, we’re dancing in our seats typing this! It’s hard to choose just one dance scene from West Side Story but this is a stand-out for sure.
P.S. Steven Spielberg is remaking West Side Story with choreography by Justin Peck coming out December 2020!
TOP HAT – Cheek to Cheek
How do you say no to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers? We dare you! With the glam of old Hollywood, it’s safe to say we’re in heaven when we watch this scene.
A CHORUS LINE – Opening Sequence
We love this scene because it gives a look behind the curtain at the audition process and how competitive the world of dance really is….nerve-wracking to say the least!
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN – Singin’ in the Rain
Gene Kelly at his finest! We love this because it is cinematography at its best and a reminder of elegance and romance during past times. School of Ballet Arizona faculty member, Gillmer Duran says, “This scene physically portraits for me a perfect blend of elation, love, courage, freedom and some really cool dancing. Simply a class act!”
LA LA LAND – Opening Scene
Regardless of how you feel about this movie, you have to admit this opening scene was spectacular and a fun nod to old Hollywood. Can you even imagine what it took to film that on a Los Angeles highway?
CHICAGO – Cell Block Tango
Powerful women? Check. Powerful music? Check. Powerful dancing? Check. This scene literally has it all, so do yourself a favor and just click play.
PULP FICTION – Twist Contest
Not the first dancing scene of John Travolta’s that probably comes to mind but this moment in Quentin Tarantino’s film, Pulp Fiction is memorable. From the bare feet to the quirky moves, what’s not to love.
