For my very first dance happens. blog post, I discussed an article I had read regarding dance movies. It was a top-ten list of what was supposed to be the best of the dance movie genre, and I had some issues with it.
Now, one year later, another source has developed a comprehensive list of outstanding dance on film. Though not a top-ten list, it truly is a wonderful compilation of titles, with dancers and choreographers who should be watched. I think it is a great reference for anyone who loves dance movies, or who may be looking for performances to share with friends or students. I am proud to say many of these movies make my personal top-ten list as well!
As dance happens. celebrates one year, I think I’ll kick back and celebrate by watching one of these great films!
So Travis sent me this link to Yahoo Movies this morning. It claims to list the “Top Ten Dance Movies”. Check it out:
“And now it’s time for the breakdown…”
For every movie mentioned, I thought of at least one more that was missing or should have been on the list instead of another.
1. Signin’ In the Rain. Yes, yes, and yes. I am sure I will write many a post about this one in the future. But let’s not forget An American in Paris or On the Town.
2. Saturday Night Fever. Makes me think of Stayin’ Alive, the follow-up 80’s jazz fest with the British gal from “General Hospital” and “How Do I Look?” (what a career). And I am also reminded that dear Aussie Olivia Newton John starred oposite Travolta in Grease, which is NOT on the list. It should be, for ChaCha DiGregorio’s sake (FYI: she was the best dancer at Saint Bernadette’s).
3. Dirty Dancing. A great movie with a great cast, but where the heck is Footloose? Everyone dreams of dancing out their frustrations in a barn!
4. Chicago? Really? It was a good movie adaptation, but c’mon, I think we need to acknowledge Cabaret and- wait a minute- there is is… #5…
5. West Side Story. Well deserved.
6. All That Jazz. A great one for the dancer. And so is The Turning Point. And Center Stage. And The Company.
7. That’s Entertainment. A compilation from a million other movies is a great way to sneak in extra credits for those who didn’t make the top ten. Sneaky…
8. White Nights. Again fabulous but reminds me that Tap is not on this list.
9. Moulin Rouge? Really? And not Flashdance which paints a more gritty picture of a chick dancin’ for all the wrong reasons? And what happened to Fame where a real, believeable character is the one who gets taken advantage of her for her innocence and talent? Don’t get me wrong, Baz made a visual masterpiece, but this is a dance movie countdown and we are straying from the point, here.
10. Stomp the Yard. Breakin’ anyone?
So it’s fair to say that there are some films missing from this list, as there are from any list that tries to narrow down a genre so vast to only 10 submissions. I can think of even more movies that I loved (Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!) that wouldn’t even come close to being mentioned. The beauty of this article? That someone is talking about dance movies in mainstream media. I am excited by the new found attention that dance is receiving and I hope it continues. Now I have to grab my 3D glasses and head out to see if there’s another movie I should be adding to the list!
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