Choreographers Break Down a Mary Poppins Dance Scene | Movies in Motion | Vanity Fair

On this episode of "Movies in Motion," professional dancers and choreographers Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Grant analyze what makes Dick Van Dyke's chimney sweep rooftop dance scene so iconic, 55 years after its release.
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Choreographers Break Down a Mary Poppins Dance Scene | Movies in Motion | Vanity Fair

[@amazingsupergirl7125]

In the movie they don’t look choreographed. They just look like they all randomly broke into song and dance but happen to know the same moves. Also, they’re lanky and floppy like a puppet on strings dancing. They make it look easy. Pretty amazing!

[@jennhoff03]

Figure skating is like that. When you watched the Olympics, most of them have great routines. But the top 4 or 5 make it look easy, like they just happened to do a jump or spin. It's really a pleasure to watch!

[@cathyrowe9216]

My favorite part of the movie.

[@serinad9434]

Yes, it's exactly this that the presenters are missing - they're both just a bit too stiff (which is understandable if they've not had that huge amount of rehearsal that you would need to get it into muscle memory - you can practically see them thinking constantly). It's a tough dance to do in general, to be fair, but they just don't yet have that relaxed, casually-looking, confident strut that the dancers in the film have.

[@chrispbacon5313]

These guys haven't had the benefit of months and months of rehearsals!!👀 Unlike the dancers in Mary Poppins.

[@yasmincarey76]

That's how it's supposed to look. They did a great job at it! Looks like fun!

[@klositol]

The dancers in the movie make the movements and the steps so enjoyable and smooth it's like they're floating, it looks majestic. Totally magical

[@FebruaryGloom]

Iwantyoursecret As a person who works with dancers a lot, I’ve observed that truly great dancers all seem to have this ability to look weightless and gravity defying. Even while my dance teacher was eight months pregnant, she was still the fastest and most graceful out of all of us, looking like she was floating. It really is just magical!

[@JeanetteQuist]

they make it look soo easy

[@tanya5322]

Emily Luffman when I signed my daughter up for dance lessons nearly 25 years ago, I was caught a bit off guard when the instructor/studio owner told me that she had been teaching dance for 30 years. I wasn’t even thirty years old yet. My grandson’s first dance recital was also my youngest daughter’s last recital. Miss Jane is still dancing. Maybe not as aggressively as twenty years ago, but still looks effortless.

[@SasuNaruL0vR80]

it was so ahead of its time

[@popcornsunshine6376]

Did you notice that the lady's feet were in ballet positions the entire video. Also this video gave me so much more respect for mary poppins.

[@Stephen_Lafferty]

Great to see the enthusiastic expert analysis! I love the respect given to this classic dance sequence by the choreographers - more episodes, please!

[@parkjiminismylight6441]

The fact that she stands like a ballerina when talking while he moves like street dance is in his blood when he talks to speaks volumes of who they are 💜

[@Cappuccino_327]

Park Jimin is my light army

[@parkjiminismylight6441]

@@Cappuccino_327 For ever 💜

[@MrParkerman6]

No

[@lohphat]

Your brooms are not weighted correctly. Not any broom will do. The brooms are actually kinda weighty -- not light at all. They actually provide some counterweight for the tricks and turns. They have to be able to be tossed to another dancer and they have to have enough mass to not let the wide bristles catch the air and slow down in a far toss. I was a sweep in the xmas parade at Disneyland 30y ago and the props were similar to that in the movie. Many Disneyland parade elements were fabricated at the Burbank studios so they had reference to the original film designs. They also need to be strong enough to not snap in two when "the butterfly" trick is done where you place two brooms together (opposing brush-ends held in both arms between you) and then lift your partner as they do a tour jete; we used to see who could get their partner highest in the air.

[@roddyjen]

lohphat - What a cool tidbit! Thanks for sharing!

[@ElizaHamilton1780]

lohphat I was wondering about that-that if part of the issue with copying the choreography with the brooms was that they didn’t have the right brooms.

[@karlmortoniv2951]

Oooh, thanks for that! I wondered about that in a comment elsewhere in here. I might or might not have damaged a hanging lamp trying it out, actually.

[@nikkigrossman4244]

As a dancer I loved this!! I also like that you left in the moments where they ran out of breath or had to look at the video again to get it right. Realistic and makes me feel better about myself. ;) Love Lauren and Christopher!

[@jimhuntley8245]

My name is Jimmy Huntley and I was one of the chimney sweeps. It was so much fun to see your Video. Thank you. I think you did a great job. What memories!!

[@tracybosworth1033]

Wow!! What an amazing performance by all! Must have been an awesome experience!

[@vasthymompoint1739]

THATS SO COOL!!! Weird Question, were there any crazy injuries??

[@MMM-rt8xo]

I already knew the dance but seeing them break it down gives me more appreciation

[@linkfan160]

This is my favourite scene in the movie. So interesting to watch how they broke it down. It really shows you just how complicated this whole dance really was. Love it.

[@fugithegreat]

I love that moment when they walk out all wobbly on the railing like they are all going to fall off, and then all together just launch into the most fearless high kicks.

[@wynnneal4505]

The dancers made it seemed so light, springy and fun, like they danced by lifting instead of landing. These two are adorable and detailed in their breakdown.

[@zenderlee]

Did "Knees Up Mother Brown" many times in my youth, growing up around Londeners and Cockneys; it wasn't a party without it, lol!

[@katiekawaii]

That's awesome :)

[@ImBarelyMe]

I’m British myself and I love that Mary poppins is not just stuck in my country instead it’s loved worldwide

[@anna_maer]

I was like: "why this video has so little views!?" And then I looked at the description and saw that it was published just today))

[@RJ-mw2gw]

I think you both lost ten pounds during this video! Well done, and a joy to watch!

[@notcarlie1710]

I think I lost ten pounds just watching it

[@RJ-mw2gw]

Not Carlie Lololololol 😂

[@mimigaudet7484]

YES! More choreography videos please!! Maybe some Fred Astaire next?

[@steaktacobeats783]

Went to a Mary Poppins themed restaurant last night. Super cauliflower cheese but the lobster was atrocious.

[@marcus4403]

Oof...one syllable too many.

[@Inkthroat]

Super cauliflower but the lobster was atrocious 🤔

[@karenfromfinasse8430]

... If you brush teeth well enough you'll prevent halitosis

[@eavening4149]

@@Inkthroat, Super cauliflower cheese but lobster was atrocious. (I would take out the 'the' instead)

[@rainydaylady6596]

Lol I love it. 😀

[@sergiodelrioreyes8026]

The moves where on point, but you missed the “permanent sociopathic smile” part

[@Kaytecando]

It is she biz! Who ever daw a frowning dancer exvept in a tragic ballet or Japanese kabuki?

[@moniquita720]

That must have been so hard!

[@scutter4208]

Never even given choreography a single thought up until now. Amazing. Respect!

[@Kaytecando]

Wow, wow, wow!!! The breakdown of this is absolutely spot on. It shows what dancers go thorough and the talent and imagination of choreographers. It is also so easy to see how you could be injured! Thanks for this eye-opening upload, Vanity Fair!

[@AStageForTheKingdom]

This is awesome! So glad to finally see this number get the appreciation it deserves. I often see people talking about how the Broadway version is so much better and more difficult and impressive and whatnot, and it's like people totally understand what they're seeing when they watch the original number. This video really helps provide context for just how insanely underrated this choreography and dancing actually is.

[@FriedEggSarnie]

To have a "Knees up" in the UK means to have a wild party. That's why the dance is so knee focused. They're literally having a knees up. I can't remember if they mentioned that in the video and I'm too tired to go back though to check. lol

[@cupcakeciara6389]

This is one of those videos I didn't know I needed but now that I'm watching it I'm like this has been what's missing my whole life😂😍absolutely love this and especially love that it was Mary Poppins that was analysed🌟sooooo good!

[@Chantillian]

3:18, 3:55, 14:05 Even just the head waggle in the actors (not really exhibited by the hosts) adds sooo much.

[@mena94x3]

I know! Exactly what I was thinking, the level of characterization that the actors included in the technical choreography added on top of so much fun and believability - hunched shoulders, head waggles, etc. - just little things that you don’t even notice unless they’re not there, I loved it!

[@nicolassanslopez3370]

The grandfather of my english professor was one of the dancers in the original movie!

[@AStageForTheKingdom]

That's awesome!

[@ajtubetosee]

Do Another, Do Another Musical!!

[@Sunshine-zm1fx]

Please have these amazing dancers on your channel again. I will watch every single video they are in.

[@kart112]

Love this couple! They are amazing. What an informative and enjoyable video.

[@timt2753]

I already feel exhausted just watching them attempt the choreography 😣

[@fugithegreat]

My siblings and I always waited for this song and would dance vigorously along with the chimney sweeps. My poor mom was probably thinking, oh no, my furniture! What a great scene.

[@deborahsmith7538]

I love that you give the inside story to these dances. I have always loved these sequences but now I can give the artists the respect they deserve for creating them. More please!

[@larkspur2482]

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers! Glad to see my all time favorite movie referenced!

[@aisadal2521]

Omg yes! I've always wanted to learn how they did the choreography! Thanks for this amazing video 😁

[@JehNeeG]

I didn't know I needed videos like this until I saw this on my feed! I need more!! This is so awesome, the dancers are amazing and the way they replicate the dancing is just astounding! Love it!

[@hectortorres4738]

Please do another one I never thought I would have actually like this video.

[@alainastone7840]

This is amazing--amazing original choreographers, amazing dancers, amazing choreographers who can break down the dancing. More of these, please!

[@Elle-eq4hy]

"how do you an exhaust an idea?" is just art.

[@skriddlehiddles]

Accidentally clicked on this video, but I am so happy I did! Mary Poppins is one of my favorite movies and I love that choreography ☺️☺️

[@gabriela-rojo]

I’ve found my goal for the summer 😳🤩 I’ve ALWAYS wanted to learn this dance!!!

[@karenp5132]

Tbh I never really cared for Mary Poppins but after watching this video I have a lot of respect for the dancers in this movie!

[@SteveErnst117]

step in time was always my favorite musical number (in any film) as a kid. it's so kinetic and stimulating, and it literally had me running around the room mimicking the dancers every time.

[@nataliasmall5510]

Little known fact is that one of the dancers in this was also in Disney's "Enchanted"

[@markgalassini8742]

Very cool! Love the break down. The side by side comparison is great.

[@tionak]

This is so cool and I never knew I needed it. Please make more of these!

[@mikegiblin1559]

Half way through this, amazing. Gotta watch more of these

[@Ubicatejon]

These Choreographers are so amazing!! Thanks for posting this! So inspiring to one of Disney’s Classics!

[@marychastain8248]

I remember watching this movie as a child and LOVING this dancing scene so much. Thoroughly enjoyed this video! 💜

[@catharinechen8443]

I loved this! Would love to see more breakdowns of movie choreography

[@jackx.cassway]

This is probably my favorite dance sequence. And it’s the only one I act out everyday.

[@roizeldiez3500]

its a wonder seeing people dance so good in such a raw moment

[@vileniaone8425]

I just smile like a silly watching that scene, that's how amazing it is. Best dance scene of any movie that i ever watch.

[@hellozup]

This is amazing. I really enjoyed the breakdown of the dance..

[@EDubbs12]

Keep doing these! I’ve loved both episodes of this!

[@bcbock]

I’d be willing to bet the brooms used in the movie were props made of a very light material. Your brooms require a LOT of effort to control that much mass.

[@MrParkerman6]

They weren't. They were real brooms for authenticity.

[@Aquila009]

Someone else who had a bit of insight into the live shows commented, and he actually said that they used brooms especially weighted for balance, and actually a bit of weight so that the throwing goes well.

[@MinaF99]

On board with this series!!

[@Caesar13ism]

An amazing dance sequence. I'm also convinced the film is SLIGHTLY sped up, at certain points to give it a more high energy manic feel. There are also many cuts, which honestly, there has to be.

[@mena94x3]

I love that they love this sequence. It was beyond entertaining to watch. You were simultaneously amazed, surprised and entertained by the creativity of this dance. They made it look so seamless, natural, easy and beyond fun. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jerrykitich3318]

Great analysis. Really enjoyed that.

[@Livvyisthebestimagin]

i absolutely love this series! please continue :)

[@jackcampey787]

Please do more of these!

[@fad23]

I love this series. Please keep creating more!

[@bexyPTX]

This is the kind of thing that seems infinitely more difficult when watching someone else attempt it, very impressed with these two

[@howtubeable]

They were very winded throughout the video. No doubt about that.

[@anniecrestani1121]

Thankyou for breaking this Dance Sequence down it's so much more difficult than it looks I knew it would be being an ex dancer

[@mareyplana8358]

A great couple and great breakdown of the dance

[@crm9363]

This series is aaaaawwwwwesome. What a talented couple!

[@JW-do2wc]

This no doubt fits on top of the top 5 greatest choreographed lists.

[@YtzikTV]

Love you! Great job! Please do Moses Supposes or Good Morning (Singing in the rain)

[@tj-rg9hi]

wow this video deserves million views! I really love it! I hope you/they make some more videos like this💖

[@ariafrehner315]

We are doing a tap dance to the Broadway step in time for a company piece this year, it's so fun. I love this video.

[@breakbinaries334]

Omg please more of this

[@taylour420]

even the cuts were the same! amazing job on this video!

[@Eric_s_Channel]

That was so great... the research was really interesting and coherent... the Broadway production should have listen to this breakdown!!! Bravo!!!

[@DoctorDisney]

Love their personalities.

[@cynthiaennis3107]

Loved Seven Brides for Seven Brothers! I absolutely LOVED this dancing in Mary Poppins!, Amazing stuff! Love this info! Great fun! Thank you very much for this! Really enjoyed this! 😃♥️♥️♥️

[@wendym1234]

My favorite movie growing up! I massively loved the chimney sweeps Step in Time. ❤️😊

[@MicaRayan]

I love this part on Mary Poppins, nice insights!

[@carolinaquintana4177]

why doesn’t this have more views... this is amazing!!!

[@alexcurtas2616]

More of this please.

[@batgurrl]

Musicals are one my least favorite movie genres but this was a classic - a real gem of a movie

[@mikethedancer3541]

Beautiful Job love Mary Poppins

[@seadawg93]

This is really cool! I’ve never thought of that scene as anything other than amazing, but to see it broken down is great. I ESPECIALLY appreciate seeing the modern dancers being able to dance in the same ...style (?), with the same physicality and look as the original, not just the moves, that is really fascinating to me.

[@elmogal4lyyyfe]

LOVE THIS SERIES!!! MORE MORE MORE!

[@umadpayme5500]

this needs more views!!!

[@adamolupin]

"You do an eclectic celebration of the dance! You do Fosse, Fosse, Fosse! You do Martha Graham, Martha Graham, Martha Graham! Or Twyla, Twyla, Twyla! Or Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd! Or Madonna, Madonna, Madonna!... but you keep it all inside."

[@catjustine10]

Marilyn Duke oh my goodness! I remember Robin Williams did this in the Birdcage and was amused(≧▽≦)

[@crawfb]

Always been a favourite movie moment of mine. Great to see it being acknowledged by professional dancers.

[@knappflickan]

Amazing to see the choreography broken down 👍

[@howtubeable]

Yes, the choreography has definitely broken down.

[@ericachang3554]

super interesting. please make more vids like this

[@lestariabadi]

FINALLY!!!! my fav dance sequence ever!

[@MiloCantTalk]

Would love to see a breakdown of Mary Poppins Returns' trip a little light fantastic

[@melshane23]

Milagros Gimenez Yeah, I would love to see that as well!! Loved that dance sequence in Mary Poppins Returns!! 😀

[@Sunshine-zm1fx]

Okay, I subscribed because of these choreographers/dancers.

[@marthagill1601]

Wonderfully explained!

[@marcotrosi]

ah, knee is the topic. chim-knee. I see what you did there. ;-) (just kidding)

[@simonprieto6612]

Do mooooooore of these! Love them! Perhaps La La Land or Chicago next time?

[@a2mann]

I’ve probably commented on this video before…I always come back to it now when I’m watching Mary Poppins. Pause the movie right as this scene starts, watch this, then watch the movie to be appropriately impressed. We need more modern experts breaking down classic movie sequences, I feel like I understand it better & appreciate it more. Also Mary Poppins is great to clean your house to!

[@missmontse3375]

I think this video is my new favorite ever. Omg

[@SantoshKumar-ed9oy]

This is ridiculously amazing...... awesome...

[@angiesantos922]

Wow esto fue maravilloso. Amo esta coreografía , que trabajo hay detrás de toda esta pieza creativa

[@CesarTheDay]

😱 Would love more videos of breaking down choreography!

[@a-bittersweet-tragedy0203]

Okay that opening shot was raw tbh