Top 10 Amazing Ensemble Dance Scenes

[@trinaq]

"Me Ol' Bamboo" from "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" instantly springs to mind. It's so infectiously catchy, that you can't help but sing and dance along.

[@rubyhay450]

Yes I love that movie! Dick Van Dyke is such a good actor!

[@eduardoj3314]

A great number for sure!!!

[@t.wilson9432]

That is an amazing ensemble dance. Surprised they left that out. Dick Van Dyke (who wasn't actually a trained dancer) was in TWO of the best musical dance numbers ever filmed ( Chitty and Poppins)

[@nikkipaige272]

so glad you commented this! i was gonna comment that i was shocked it wasn't on here!

[@kathleencolwell8947]

Very surprised that “Step in time” done by the chimney sweeps led by Dick Van Dyke (Mary Poppins) did not make this list.

[@shanepatrick6836]

They should have done a Disney only one because I’m also remembering Pete’s Dragon had some good ones.

[@shanepatrick6836]

Just looked at the songs from Pete’s Dragon. In addition to the one I thought of (I saw a Dragon) there’s also “Brazzle Dazzle Day” and “Room for Everyone”. “Happiest Home” in the Hills”, “Bill of Sale”, and “Passamaquoddy” might also qualify.

[@DreamGyrl360]

Oh yes I thought about that.

[@tokyomootsie]

Ooh! Good call!

[@eduardoj3314]

I absolutely agree!!! A fantastic number!!!

[@marshaloiscamillephilpotts5718]

One of my best and my favourite movies of all time Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is finally getting the love, respect and appreciation and nothing is better than The Barn Dance Sequence choreographed by Michael Kidd and the skill, athletism and dancing of everyone in the scenes in the best especially the 6 brothers and movie is from 1954 and it was directed by Stanley Donen, I love it and it is the best.

[@duffgirl216]

I love this movie so much!! It was a favourite to watch with my Nana ❤️

[@13spinnaker]

Just don't let Benjamin dance ... ; )

[@duffgirl216]

@@13spinnaker was Benjamin a bad dancer?? Oh wait - was he the most competitive? 😂

[@13spinnaker]

@@duffgirl216 He was not the most dextrous of the dancers, so if you start to notice ... he doesn't much participate in the dance sequences! The actor was previously a baseball player.

[@duffgirl216]

@@13spinnaker oh wow! Really? I had no idea! Haha

[@missydehart6920]

I’m so happy to see Time Warp mentioned even if it is in the Honorable Mentions. Cell Block Tango is my favorite on this list. Absolutely LOVE Chicago!

[@thatbee3585]

Me too. I love Chicago .

[@DreamGyrl360]

It's just a jump to the left.

[@trinaq]

I adore "Footloose", the final scenes at the dance are so full of joy, and "The Umbrella Academy" really did a hilarious dance to that title track.

[@htcm038]

❤️🌌🗺🌎🌍🌏 Mm yeah classic There missin MPoppins Rent LiveAction Aladdin Hairspray N9 (Rocketman2019) Ahh

[@moviekris0426]

I love that you included Barn Dance!!! I love that movie and that scene was astounding!!!

[@DreamGyrl360]

I watch Seven Brides every year at least and listen to the music throughout the year

[@rachellawrence2094]

One of my all time favorites as well. Hang on to your copies because it’s a banned movie now.

[@jenniferhalf1650]

"Cell Block Tango" SO GOOD!! Still one of my favorites.

[@rachelthorn9915]

Surprised the Bottle Dance from Fiddler on the Roof didn't get a mention!

[@eduardoj3314]

Good entry!!!

[@ovrjoyd4u2]

@@eduardoj3314 Definitely

[@tarynveneros9576]

I danced this in a stage production of fiddler on the roof! It definitely deserves a spot!

[@shanepatrick6836]

Can’t believe “Portobello Road” from “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” didn’t get a mention. But then that begs the question does the “Treguna Mekoides Tracorum Satis Dee” sequence count since most of the “dancers” are animated articles of clothing. Portobello Road is still amazing either way.

[@rubyhay450]

I love Bedknobs and broomsticks!

[@monica02021981]

I came here to say this!

[@stephaniecody8031]

Yes, you are right!! Love you!!

[@rondamorris3550]

One of my absolute favorites!

[@larryjamesgianakos345]

The 1961 version of “West Side Story” remains, sixty-one years after its debut, the most honored musical in Hollywood motion picture history, with a competitive ten Oscar wins and a special award for “the brilliance of its art of choreography on film”-which would then tie the film as the most honored of any film in any genre in Hollywood history. There has been nothing to compare with its breathtaking choreography before or since, even with some triumphant numbers in the recent Steven Spielberg 2021 adaptation. The fusion of its absolutely gorgeous, pulsating musical score and its explosively delivered dance numbers has defined “cinema masterpiece”-as the film was described by the New York Times film critic Bosley Crowther upon its release, for generations. No other musical film comes near to its number of accolades, being twice voted by the American Film Institute as among the top one hundred greatest films of all time, and by the same organization ranked as the second greatest musical film (behind only the 1952 “Singin’ in the Rain”) and the greatest of any romantic film. Whether considering the revolutionary 1957 Broadway stage original and its first motion picture rendering, for the whole of dance musical history, there is “West Side Story” and then there is, well, -everything else.

[@juliawitmer344]

I actually thought the 2021 adaptation was outstanding and even made some improvements compared to the original. But nothing will ever come close to the iconic dancing in the original 1961 film! It’s arguably the greatest musical of all time and It was such a stepping stone for musicals to follow it.

[@merylbonderow5993]

Yes!

[@gretchendandrea6181]

As far as I am concerned, the 1961 movie version captures the stark emotion in dance, scenery, setting etc. I believe the artistic creators had input.

[@gailroberts4201]

Agree totally. My favorite musical movie,

[@tanyadixon3479]

You said what I felt about this film, from the first! Truly untouchable.

[@jons.6216]

Oh, there are so many more than this list! "Got a Lot of Living to do" from 1963's Bye Bye Birdie; "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" from Gentleman Prefer Blondes; any number of the dances from 1969's Hello Dolly and the list goes on!

[@franquee]

"Position and Positioning" from The Slipper and the Rose (1976)...fabulous ensemble dance scene that always brings a smile to my face. And thanks for including Seven Brides for Seven Brothers! Classic!

[@lalaking7974]

I was SO delighted to see #2 on the list!!! - I thought for sure I'd be mentioning it in the comment section that it was left out. It's a lesser known jewel. And I agree with your #1 of course. - "Good Mornin': from Singin' in the Rain would have been on my list.

[@wellroundedmom6769]

I was hoping to see Cooper's ballet from Center Stage. What an amazing blend of styles and emotions!

[@Graytalon]

As stated previously "Good Morning" from Singing in the Rain. I assumed that was the reason for the setting of 3 dancers as the low number. And I also liked the "Twisting" from The Blue's Brothers, but that's probably because I like Ray Charles.

[@AkinaHuskie87]

I thought that too! I was thinking it because they specified 3 or more!

[@TechBearSeattle]

That was Shake Your Tail Feather. That was amazing because while the scene was set in July, it was actually filmed in November. Chicago. They were dressed for summer, but it was just above freezing when it was filmed. The Old Landmark (the scene in the church), though, would get my vote.

[@chocothun1]

Even if it doesn’t make the list, “Ten Minutes Ago” from Cinderella (1997) is one of my FAVORITE dance features ever set to film. GORGEOUS.

[@Miss_Camel]

Brandy is my Forever Cinderella and Paulo Montalban is my Forever Prince Charming, that scene is incredible!!

[@bobbennett2602]

@@Miss_Camel I liked the television version with Leslie Ann Warren

[@Miss_Camel]

@@bobbennett2602 so did I, but everyone has their own Cinderella, just like everyone has their own James Bond or Doctor Who…and Brandy is MY Cinderella. Always and forever. Besides, that one had SUCH a blah colour palette. It was good tho, I adore Leslie Ann ❤️

[@bobbennett2602]

I thought Stuart Damon was so handsome in the tv version with Leslie Ann Warren

[@karenk3043]

I wish I could re-watch the black and white, Julie Andrews version. Oops! The 1957 version was in color. No one I knew had a color TV then. So my memory is in black and white. 😉

[@SweptAway529]

Was so hopeful "Brand New Day" from The Wiz (1978) would be included here - the scene is phenomenal!

[@divaplavalaguna86]

"Big Spender" from Sweet Charity with Chita Rivera & Paula Kelly, choreography by Bob Fosse. Flawless!

[@vivianburrus8085]

Actually was watching the "Best Musical Finales" after this one and realized that "One" from "A Chorus Line" could have made this list too. Looking at some of the other comments, me thinks there needs to be a Vol2 video!

[@michaelle8384]

I agree I said the same thing chorus line should be in the list

[@StruggleReviewzTV]

The Footloose dance scene will always live in my mind rent free it’s such a feel good moment! “🗣 LET’s Dance!” 👟🎉🥿👏🏾👠💃🏽👞💃🏽👡🪩🥾🎉

[@seanhorace925]

what about: .Step in Time from Mary Poppins .Simon Zelates from Jesus Christ Superstar .Emerald City dance sequence from The Wiz .You Can't Stop the Beat from Hairspray .Trip a Little Light Fantastic from Mary Poppins Returns .Love Thy Neighbor from The Prom

[@LoriPeace]

Emerald City! Yes!!!

[@eduardoj3314]

Some very good choices there. They should have made the top 50 musical numbers!

[@thatbee3585]

cell block tango is my favorite!!!

[@Sunflower-sh6ys]

"Willkommen" from Cabaret is pure genius.

[@michelleallred8521]

Love 7 brides for 7 brothers!! Wonderful musical

[@cards0486]

WEST SIDE STORY’s “AMERICA” is my #1 ensemble dance number, the best in any film. “The Dance At The Gym” is great, and “Consider Yourself” from OLIVER would be my top ‘street crowd’ dance scene. But a musical with classic songs and a screen filled with dancers…well, it’s my favorite thing of all.

[@tanyadixon3479]

"Oliver" is greatly underrated!

[@randomkeir]

I agree. I was hoping “America” would have been #1

[@margaretchayka6878]

Many great ones from Oliver!, I first watched it in music class in the 6th grade, been a fan ever since.

[@donnawitteried3213]

I really enjoyed Masquerade from Phantom of the Opera too.

[@aprilclifford2267]

I can't believe nothing from The Music Man was in this! The library scene alone should have at least gotten an honorable mention.

[@funkycpa]

Library scene is iconic. Best choreography ever.

[@Jordan-dv6tw]

Putting the barn raising scene from 7 brides for 7 brothers into the universe 🤞🤞 Edit: excellent. Always take it up with the universe

[@johnjdevlin2610]

'You Can't Stop the Beat' from HAIRSPRAY is electrifying. I get breathless just watching it.

[@litebrite7]

I'd like to nominate these for the next go around: The Wiz. He's the Wiz or A Brand New Day/Everybody Rejoice; School Daze. Straight and Nappy; Hairspray

[@fulanideedee8709]

Schol Daze is GOOD & BAD hair. My gawd

[@blazygardener]

What? No "Hello, Dolly!" with all of the dancing waiters and guests? Great list (except for that!)

[@bluemoonsy]

I was certain you would miss " Who Will Buy?", and there you go. Well done

[@douglasjgallup]

America from the recent West Side story is pretty hard to beat IMO. Surprised it wasn’t an honorable mention.

[@stvp68]

Or Cool

[@Nyenty]

It was atrocious from my opinion, no like in the 1961’s ones. And the charisma is nowhere to be find

[@nayriacadera6048]

Can't believe 'Mary Poppins ' Is not here The scene with everyone in the roofs is so legendary

[@julianahenrygarcia4805]

You forgot dirty dancing 💃 such a great movie! Patrick was an amazing dancer!!

[@marshaloiscamillephilpotts5718]

Finally Seven Brides for Seven Brides 1954 directed by Stanley Donen and choreography by Michael Kidd is getting the respect and appreciation which it deserves and I love The Barn Dance sequence because choreography and dancing by the 7 brothers, the 7 women and the 7 men of the town and thank you MOJO for putting it on list and number 2, I love the movie and it is the best.

[@barbarabavier675]

Rocketman, almost every dance scene; The Sound of Music, Do Re Mi; and Mary Poppins, Rooftops of London.

[@davidcwitkin6729]

Your choice for #1 is PERFECT, and the fact that you gave an Honorable Mention to the Time Warp from Rocky Horror is just pure genius. I'm gonna have a smile on my face for the rest of the day now.

[@joejoe5673]

"Cinema Italiano "(Kate Hudson) and "Be Italian" (Fergie), would be on my list!

[@kelsowins]

I love the Barn Dance from "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and really think it's the best out of all these choices -- but I also love the Varsity Drag number from the 1947 musical "Good News," with June Allyson & Peter Lawford.

[@AskAshleyyy]

Where is “Brand New Day” from The Wiz? There’s no way that one doesn’t make the top 10!!

[@stvp68]

Sweet Charity’s “Rich Man’s Frug” is one of my favorites

[@AndrewRudin]

yes, Yes, YES!!!

[@lisafraserottanelli4369]

Bride and Prejudice (2004) - Director Gurinder Chadha "The Wedding Song" at the begging of the movie is great

[@gschreckster]

Can't Stop the Beat (Hairspray), Consider Yourself (Oliver), The Dance ( Spielberg's WSS), America (Spielberg's WSS), Grand Ol' Flag (Yankee Doodle Dandy), Sunday Clothes (Hello Dolly), 76 Trombones and Marian Madame Librarian (Music Man)

[@kiwiy2k]

Cinderella with Brandy and Whitney has AMAZING ensemble dance scenes. And we also can’t forget about Burlesque with Cher and Christina.

[@misterjakester]

Both Rich Man’s Frug and Rhythm of Life from Sweet Charity are Fosse’s best work imo and deserve a mention

[@missydehart6920]

Oh wow I forgot all about Rich Man’s Frug. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ROBYNMARKOW]

Fosse was a genius choreographer 👌

[@stvp68]

Yes!

[@leighwest5564]

So many brilliant group numbers in Sweet Charity. I can't fathom how all of them failed to make the cut.

[@stefanibiddle1934]

I will forever love the "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here" dance number for the 1999 movie version of Annie the most. This was also the inspiration for the Suite Life of Zach and Cody episode where the cast does a dance number to shoot a commercial.

[@IvorPresents]

Ascot Opening Race from My Fair Lady. Gorgeous . Any Busby Berkley set piece. They were all winners.

[@1951michaelw]

You left out two of the film musical's greatest snd most energetic ever, and both from a single film! 1947's classic college musical "Good News" features two of the dance world's greatest performers ever, Joan McCracken and Ray MacDonald, it the wonderful malt shop number "Pass That Peace Pipe", while the film's closing number "The Varsity Drag" lead by June Allyson and Peter Lawford is in a class of it's own! I would also be remiss if I didn't give a shout out to 1951's "Singin' in the Rain's amazing trio of Gene Kelly,, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Conner's "Good Morning" as well as the in-turn funny and sultry "Broadway Melody" lead by Kelly and the incredible leggy Cyd Charise! I could go back to the 30's to mention Choreographer Busby Berkeley's amazing "Lullaby of Broadway" in "42nd Street" or the 15-minute Oscsr winner "The Contenental" lead by inimitable Fred Astaire which was responsible for actually creating a whole new dance craze worldwide....how many film musicals can claim THAT honor! I know you limited yourself to top 10, but I think you'd need to do some juggling by fitting a few of these in there! Next time, to paraphrase Roy Scheider's famous ad-lib line in "Jaws", "You're Gonna Need A Bigger List"!

[@cocinadesign]

For an honorable mention, I would have loved to see "Every Sperm Is Sacred" in Monty Python's Meaning of Life.

[@sarahc6874]

Not a single honorable mention for Hello Dolly? So many athletic and well choreographed dance scenes!

[@edreid7872]

Spielberg's America in his version of West Side Story is quite impressive...

[@suebob16]

Another great ensemble number is Thank You Very Much from the musical Scrooge (1970) starring Albert Finney. Scrooge is with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come and finds a surprising celebration of many townfolk "thanking" Scrooge for something wonderful he had done for them. There are so many people cheering for him, Scrooge doesn't see that it is because his coffin is being removed from his home. The crowd is actually rejoicing his death as his coffin is wheeled down the street. It's funny to see Scrooge singing and dancing with everyone to such a cheerful song, oblivious to what was really happening.

[@daverhoden445]

That's the nicest thing that anyone's ever written today. 😀

[@nickyoude2694]

What's even funnier is that just before the coffin itself is taken out of the house, Scrooge starts to make a speech saying something on the lines of thanking the crowd and that he'll remember this moment until his dying day. Of course Scrooge has his back turned to the coffin so he never sees it being dumped onto the cart. Scrooge continues his speech while Tom Jenkins, one of the debtors who owed Scrooge money rips up Scrooge's notebook.

[@krisherman3513]

LOVE Cell Block Tango!!! El Tango Roxanne is up there too in my book.

[@janedevine1451]

Im so glad you mentioned Oliver ! Yet, that show could be mentioned through out your list ! With Consider yourself and Ompahpah as just a couple 💕💕💕

[@MissyNotMel]

There are 2 movies that I believe deserved to be on here even as an honorable mentions. 1) Rodger and Hammerstein's 1997 Cinderella. That movie doesn't get enough credit for the music or the dance scenes. The ballroom scene alone is beautiful and mesmerizing. Wonderfully choreographed. And 2) The 1998 movie "Dance With Me" starring Vanessa Williams and Chayanne. The Salsa scene in the club and the samba scene at the end deserves ALL THE MENTIONS. It was incredibly well done.

[@starbrite526]

The top 5 of this list is perfection 👌🏿 no argument with this.

[@RocioG21]

And "Gaston" from Beauty and the Beast the musical. Its a cool bar dance scene!!!

[@johannegauthier7875]

What about "One" from A Chorus Line? That number was stunning!

[@mariposaorofusionfoodchann7573]

Glad the west side story scene was number 1!! Its a truly memorable classic!!

[@jennifercook4026]

I thought the street fight scene would be the number included from WSS, but it's hard to choose between so many greats

[@bravehome4276]

You had 2 of the 3 of my top picks here as 2/1 (Seven Brides dance, West Side Story). You missed (not even honorable mention??) out on "Step in Time" from Mary Poppins, an incredibly choreographed masterpiece. Interesting that Russ Tamblyn starred in two of the top 3 picks here....

[@elbeem20001]

The Bottle Dance from Fiddler on the Roof ... done in one take, I understand.

[@Phelie315]

No love for 96000 from In The Heights? Thought it might get an honourable mention at least XD

[@stvp68]

Agreed

[@hillarywatson4345]

Would've been fun if you had mentioned that Russ Tamblyn played the younger brother in 7 Brides but also Riff in West Zide Story.

[@Tarabara]

The "An American in Paris" ballet, Cell Block Tango, the Barn Dance, and El Tango de Roxanne are my favorites on this list.

[@philiprundle6395]

The dance performed by the waiters of the Harmonia Gardens just before Dolly Levi makes her return in Hello Dolly. Sensational.

[@Robinwhiteart]

As much as I respect Jerome Robbins and think his work in Ballet was excellent, I think your choice for number one might have been better as the choice for number two. It is a chaotic dance scene and not entirely engaging because it is chaotic. West Side Story was excellent in many ways but the Barn Raising dance in Seven Brides For Seven Brothers is much better, more coherent, keeps the audiences attention through out! And the costuming highlights the Dancers, who were some of the best available when it was made. The choreography by Michael Kidd was simply phenomenal. The male dancers: Matt Mattox, Marc Platt, Tommy Rall, and Jacques d'Amboise were stars in the dance world at that time. Anyone studying dance then knew about them and was so very pleased that there were professional dancers in the roles. All the Brides were professional dancers as well. The combination of excellent choreography and excellent professional dancers made that scene one of the best ever portrayed in a movie.

[@haleylafferty9870]

I played the rose seller in my high school's production of Oliver and I agree with this choice

[@tylergoff-nelson5848]

One of my favorites is "This is Me" from The Greatest Showman.

[@carolynkidder273]

The American in Paris sequence will always be number one for me, and, I suspect, for quite a few others.

[@CarolHardesty]

My favorites are #7, #2, 'That's How You Know', and 'Seize the Day'.

[@t.wilson9432]

Amazing to have Step in Time not even mentioned (even in the runner-ups) Kind of takes the legitimacy of your "list" down a few notches...

[@kendallthompson2027]

"The Prince Is Giving A Ball" from the 1990s Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella is awesome! It should've gotten a place.

[@barbarawwarren4554]

Hairspray "You Can't Stop the Beat" deserves to be on the list more than some of the ones that made it.

[@thewenik6876]

Amazing seeing these scenes. Such work had to make them last. 👏🤔

[@MsMojo]

Indeed!

[@OlaOla-ct4nu]

I love all Step up movies but You forgot about Hello Dolly - I watched this for the first time day ago and all dance scenes 😍 I waiting for next musical episode with less know/forget but amazing musical movies - you make questionnaire for this ❤️

[@oghenemineekuerhare3536]

Would have loved to see one of the scenes from the greatest showman. It had some good ensembles too

[@melissahammer6267]

I'm so glad willkommen from cabaret made it on the list.

[@KT926]

Me old bamboo (Chitty chitty bang bang) and Step in time (Mary Poppins) are also amazing dance routines, Cell block tango is probably my favourite song in Chicago and there's so many amazing routines in my favourite musical; Hairspray

[@Neal-q8i]

"June is Bustin' Out All Over" from "Carousel" is one of my favorites.

[@davidaydelotte7907]

Good Morning from Singing In The Rain and So Long, Farewell from The Sound of Music should have been on this list.

[@carinacelestia]

Im very surprised that One from Chorus Line didnt make it to this list.

[@smhatheworldwelivein]

I haven't even heard of half of these movies let alone the songs but I'm here

[@RickyMaveety]

Personally, I prefer “I like to be in America”. Brilliant.

[@karenryder6317]

Me too!

[@kimhaas7586]

Yep. Those are the ones I would have picked. The Jerome Robbins choreography for number 1 is outstanding.

[@michaelthomas5976]

Fame (brilliant), Beat It (for character and expectation), but most of all Half a Sixpence almost every performance, but most of all, Flash Bang Wallop What a Picture,

[@fulanideedee8709]

Can't go wrong w/the top 4, although I'd prefer West Side Story's America

[@stvp68]

Cool would be my pick

[@fulanideedee8709]

@@stvp68 Was thinking about that too. I prefer the old one over the new one but both America version were great. I like the new high school gym one better.

[@christinewedge8980]

I would add "June Is Busting Out All Over" from Roger's and Hammerstein's 'Carousel'. I have a second addition that is very different. The renaissance dance sequence from Zefferelli's 'Romeo and Juliet' where the young lovers first meet.

[@sharranjami]

Be Italian from the movie 9... amazing dance sequence.

[@kathyjones1576]

One of my all time favorite ensemble dances is "Me Ol' Bamboo" from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

[@AaronJay35]

I’m surprise Tango Maureen or La Vie Boem from Rent weren’t mentioned!

[@Greco4915]

Tango Maureen is mostly a duet, and they said they ruled out duet numbers

[@AkinaHuskie87]

I'm a little bummed that Shipoopi and Marian from The Music Man weren't on the list.

[@rey-yac]

I've always loved Brigadoon" "Go Home with Bonnie Jean" dance number

[@jackrodakthemovieguy1726]

Movies based on live musicals in a nutshell: Random dude: starts to sing and dance Everyone around him: let’s join in on this random guys unpredictable choreography

[@stvp68]

Yes, because the idea is that words are not enough to express emotions and require music and dance to complete them

[@chrisanderson5974]

I love the dance in Clerks 2! :)

[@x2194306]

I CAN'T believe "Be Italian" from the movie Nine is not in the this list!!! Sacrilegious!!!

[@reddog8314]

I expected Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye in White Christmas to be in there somewhere even Clark knew it was great.

[@marywalters9463]

Which group dance in White Christmas are you referring to?

[@maryannenge9408]

Can't beleive The Bottle Dance from FIDDLER want there!!

[@beatriceroth1679]

the dancescene in 'Mary Poppins' on the rooftop is also very impressive