There’s nothing like a good dance movie –great music, impressive moves, and drama.
I0f you are looking for some inspirational dance movies, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up some of the best dance movies that have stood the test of time. From The Red Shoes –a 1948 classic to Save the Last Dance, a modern day Romeo and Juliet, these movies feature drama, excitement, and of course, lots of great dancing.
So grab some popcorn, kick back, and put one of these classics on. Enjoy!
The Red Shoes (1948)
Based on a fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson, The Red Shoes is a classic drama with a twist. Aspiring ballerina Victoria Page (Moira Shearer) is torn between dance and the man she loves, Julian Craster (Marius Goring). While her instructor urges her to follow ballet, her heart is taking her a different direction. Now it is up to Vicky to make a decision, one that will impact her for the rest of her life.
The Turning Point (1977)
The Turning Point highlights the struggles that professional dancers face. This movie is a story of two women whose lives centered on ballet. While Deedee (Shirley MacLaine) had left her dance career to raise a family, Emma (Anne Bancroft) stayed with the company and became a star. Both women are envious of what the other has. The two are brought together when Deedee’s daughter joins the company. This movie is a poignant reflection on missed chances.
Grease (1978)
Starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, Grease is one of those movies that you can’t help but watch time and time again. With lots of high school drama, songs, and timeless dance scenes, like “Greased Lightning” and “You’re the One I Want,” this classic will have you dancing 70’s style with Danny, Sandy, and the gang all over again.
Footloose (1984)
Footloose has been kept on many best-dance-movie lists for years –mainly of course, because of Kevin Bacon and his infamous ‘angry garage dance.’ After a fatal accident involving five youth –the town decides to ban loud music and dancing. But when teenager and transplant from Boston pushes the line, the results are one of the most memorable dance scenes ever. There’s also a remake of the film that came out in 2011.
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Dirty Dancing, featuring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, is sure to dance its way into your heart. When Baby (Jennifer Grey) and her family arrive at the resort in the Catskills, Baby soon falls for Johnny (Patrick Swayze) –dance instructor at the resort. Despite Baby’s father forbidding her from seeing Johnny, she’s determined to help him perform the final dance of the summer.
Save the Last Dance (2001)
Save the Last Dance featuring Julia Stiles and Sean Patrick Thomas has been called a modern take on Romeo and Juliet. Sara (Julia Stiles) is a talented ballerina, whose life takes an unexpected turn for the worst when her mother dies suddenly. Sara must abandon all that she loves and knows in her small Midwestern town and move to Chicago to live with her father. There she meets Derek (Sean Patrick Thomas) –and an unlikely love story filled with abandoned dreams and passionate dancers unfolds.
So what are you waiting for? Bookmark this list, and pull it out the next time you have a Netflix night. You’ll be entertained –and inspired at the same time. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Serious about dance? Looking to improve your dance skills? Visit Dance Hub to see dance classes and instructors in your area.
Image: Prayitno
