Top 10 Dance Scenes in Dance Movies

Whether you can bust a move or not, you’ve probably copied the moves from a movie before! Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 dance scenes in dance movies.

For this list, we’ve picked the most fun and memorable dances we could think of that occur in movies that feature multiple dance scenes. But, that means picks like “Shake a Tail Feather” from The Blues Brothers do not count.

In what is perhaps one of the most fun dance numbers on film, Dick Van Dyke leads his fellow chimney sweeps in an inspired song-and-dance number across the rooftops of London. Shouting out various instructional phrases like “kick your knees up,” “flap like a birdie” and “link your elbows,” Burt leads his buddies in a rousing choreographed dance. ‘Course, then Mary Poppins joins in herself and shows the boys how it’s done.

Never has there been a better dancing duo than Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The couple dances to “Cheek to Cheek,” and as they move Fred gently sings in Ginger’s ear, making it one of the most romantic movie moments as well. With chemistry they’d already cultivated in a few onscreen matchups previous to this classic, the pair moves to another setting and even adds in some fun tap steps—but every move seems effortless. Yes, even the iconic climax.

Dancing and gangs don’t sound like they go together but this movie proves they do. And it does so through many extravagant numbers featuring all manner of styles: whether it’s a mambo dancehall duel, or a rooftop rant about Puerto Rico versus America, these people know how to dance. Perhaps most iconic is the opening sequence, where the Sharks face off against the Jets in the streets of Manhattan, establishing the story from the get-go with snappy moves and ballet steps. You can’t beat dance-fighting.

“The Time Warp” is the best kind of dance there is: instructional! It’s a simple dance even those with two left feet can perform, which explains its staying power. The film is the longest running theatrical release ever; given its popularity as a midnight show and a cult classic, and this song and scene are perhaps its most famous. Sung and danced by a variety of Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s friendliest freaks, it puts the Electric Slide to shame—and really tires a group out.

In a film known for its wet stripper moves and maniacal dances, it’s tough to pick a fave dance scene. But the one that’s gone down as a pop culture staple is the final audition. With the movie’s theme song providing the soundtrack, the welder-by-day stripper-by-night makes use of all her dancing background, complete with gravity-defying leaps and breakdancing moves. Sure, Jennifer Beals had several body doubles, including one dude, performing the sequence for her, but that doesn’t lessen the effect of this iconic scene.

In a magical land where every student in school knows the hand jive, this set of star-crossed lovers really came together when they reunited in epic dance at the school carnival. Sandy returns as a bad girl in black leather pants, shedding her good girl image to Danny’s delight—and of course this prompts a song and dance for the ages. As the two croon, “You’re the One That I Want,” they use the rides and games as a backdrop for their hand jiving, shimmying, and shaking, and sendup the school year in style.

Disco may be dead but the dancing from this movie lives on. The film responsible for bringing the disco craze out of the underground clubs and into the homes of millions, Saturday Night Fever is full of iconic music and moments. And everything from our favorite dance screams to be remembered—from the dance floor lights to the smooth Bee Gees tune to John Travolta’s bright white suit. And let’s not forget the moves! We still haven’t seen a disco slow dance better than this one.

The movie may focus on a town with no dancing but that doesn’t stop the teens in this movie from expressing themselves on the dance floor. There are some key dance moments in the film, including Kevin Bacon’s routine of gymnastics and freestyle dancing in the warehouse. But they do it best at the big dance at the movie’s end, in which everyone breaks free to Kenny Loggins’ theme.

Set to the movie’s anthem, “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” there is nothing that screams feel-good better than this dance scene. In the climax moment of the film, bad boy Johnny comes to get his girl, and Baby proves that she’s a woman in front of the entire country club set. Their dirty dancing is fun and gets others going but when Johnny dramatically lifts Baby over his head, their dance affirms its place as a timeless classic.

Before we choreograph our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

• Moulin Rouge! (2001)
• Chicago (2002)
• Cabaret (1972)
• Step Up 2: The Streets (2008)

Known for his athletic build and dancer’s grace, any movie featuring Gene Kelly dancing was sure to be a success. And, while this classic musical comedy has more than its fair share of song-and-dance routines, there’s one standout scene. Never has Kelly done it better than his iconic routine in the rain. Every move looks easy as he dances down the street, using the city landscape as his stage. Legend has it he filmed this scene while sick with a fever; which makes it that much more impressive.

Do you agree with our list? Which dance sequence was your favorite? For more show-stopping top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.