Dance in film

Contents

1 Purpose of the list 2 Movies with plot based on dance 3 Movies with memorable dance scenes 4 TV shows

Purpose of the list

This article lists movies featuring recognizable dance forms, demonstrating them, shedding light on their origin, or being the base of a plot.

This article is not about Dance film or Dance for camera which are separate genres. It is also not about Musical films, although they often contain significant amount of dancing. However they are a specific form of art in itself, therefore their listings generally pertain to the articles specifically related to the topic of musicals. This by no means prevent musicals from including here, but they are required to meet the outlined criteria. Fred Astaire's and Gene Kelly's filmographies may significantly contribute to these lists.

In addition, while fight scenes are actually complex dances as well, the genre where this scene is at its most sophisticated in the martial arts film.

Movies with plot based on dance

• Assassination Tango (2002), starring Robert Duvall, Rubén Blades and Kathy Baker, directed by Robert Duvall
• Dance with Me (1998), starring Vanessa Williams and Chayanne - plot based on Latin dancing.
• Dirty Dancing (1987) - plot based on club/performance partner dancing
• The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle - documentary-style biopic about early ballroom dance stars Vernon and Irene Castle.
• Shall We Dance? (1937) a Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers musical with lots of dance, including ballet, the most memorable being dance on roller skates.
• The Red Shoes (1948) Film classic with dance editing far ahead of its time. Directed by Michael Powell, starring Moira Shearer. Intricately weaving backstage life with the thrill of performance, this film centers on the dilemma of a young ballerina torn between the composer who loves her and the impresario determined to fashion her into a great dancer. 134 min, and based on the fairytale.
• Shall We Dance? ((Japanese version: Dansu wo shimashô ka: 1996, USA: 1997) - plot based on ballroom dance in Japan
• Shall We Dance? (2004) - remake of the Japanese movie starring Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere
• Strictly Ballroom - plot based on competitive ballroom dance.
• Dancers - movie starring Mikhail Baryshnikov, about a ballet company.
• White Nights - movie starring Mikhail Baryshnikov about a Russian dancer who wants to defect
• Save the Last Dance (2000) - movie starring Julia Stiles as a girl who wants to study as a professional dancer.
• Center Stage (2000) - movie about the students of the American Ballet Academy. Surprisingly true to life although poor script.
• Bring it On (2000) - movie starring Kirsten Dunst about cheerleading.
• Tango (1998), starring Cecilia Narova and Mía Maestro, directed by Carlos Saura. Director, Carlos Saura. Popular dancers and folk groups demonstrate what is considered to be the national dance of Spain, the Flamenco. Over 300 dancers participate as they are photographed by the master cinematographer, Vittorio Storaro. Performers: Paco de Lucia, Manolo Sanlucar, Enrique Morente, Joaquin Cortes, Jose Menese, Lole y Manuel, Mario Maya, Jose Merce, Matilde Coral, Carmen Linares, Merche Esmeralda, Chocolate, Manuela Carrasco, Farruco, Fernanda de Utrera, La Paquera de Jerez, Manzanita, Ketama, Agujeta, Manuel Moneo, Paco Toronjo, Maria Pages, Aurora Vargas, Remedios Amaya, Juana la del Revuelo, La Macanita, Chano Lobato, Rancapino, Tomatito, Potito, Duquende, Belen Maya, El Grilo. Here is an exciting video clip of this movie online (http://www.argentine-tango.com/tango-movie-tango-by-carlos-saura.htm).
• The Tango Bar (1998), starring Raúl Juliá
• The Tango Lesson (1997), starring Sally Potter and Pablo Verón, directed by Sally Potter
• Singin' in the Rain starring Gene Kelly
• Saturday Night Fever starring John Travolta, featuring a disco dancing competition.

Movies with memorable dance scenes

• Assassination Tango
• Flying Down to Rio - Carioca dance and more
• Never on Sunday - scenes of Greek line dancing.
• Scent of a Woman - Al Pacino as blind Colonel dances Argentine Tango.
• The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921), Rudolph Valentino dancing Tango
• The Sound of Music - has a scene of Ländler danced; however choreographed in an American ballroom way, rather than in an authentic Austrian folk way.
• Zorba the Greek - the origin of Sirtaki.
• Addams Family Values (1993) featuring Raúl Juliá in a stunning scene of Tango.

TV shows

• Strictly Come Dancing
• Come Dancing
• 30 Seconds to Fame, features dancing among other "talent search" episodes