Flashdance- One of the classic 80's dance movies, this tale tells the story of Alex, a young blue collar worker who dances at night and dreams of being accepted to a classical dance conservatory. She faces ups and downs, has a crisis of confidence, falls in love and eventually gets up the courage to follow her dreams and audition for a spot at the Pittsburgh Conservatory of Dance and Repertory. Critics may have panned it, but audiences couldn't get enough of her fast skills and hot leg warmers.
Dirty Dancing
- Nobody puts Baby in a corner! As far as dance movies
go, this one is a classic. The super intelligent and serious, though utterly naive, Baby is exposed to the wild and sensual ways of professional, seasonal dancer Johnny. Fireworks, abortion and a sweaty, shirtless Patrick Swayze make this a must watch.Footloose- If you grew up in the 80's, and saw any of the dance movies, this was probably it. The film tells the story of a sheltered town where dancing is absolutely taboo, but the kids just have to move their feet. A movie that sent Kevin Bacon skyrocketing to fame, this movie will have you jumping to your feet to break loose with your own dance moves.
Saturday Night Fever- John Travolta
never looked so good. The best of the disco-themed dance movies, Saturday Night Fever exposed the risque night life that was the disco scene. The movie not only provides some awesome dance scenes, but in the R-rated version, provides an excellent examination of what drugs and alcohol can do to mess up someone's life. Watching with the kids? Look for the PG version.Save the Last Dance- In an effort to bring dance movies to their former glory, MTV produced Save the Last Dance with Julia Stiles. The story follows a classically trained ballerina who is thrust into a far more urban living situation, and learns that dance doesn't have to be formal all the time, finding love along the way (of course).
Center Stage- Ok, this movie is awful. The acting is terrible, and the story is weak. However, the graceful ballet, energizing hip hop and soulful jazz routines performed by the dancers making an effort at acting are enough to make you beg for more.
Step Up- The latest of the dance movies, this film takes a look at the underground break dancing scene. Channing Tatum stars as the break dancing hoodlum who, when forced to do community service at an arts school, pairs with a classically trained ballerina to blend the styles of dance into something that is impossible to look away from.
