Top 10 Dance Scenes in 80s Movies

These dance scenes will take you back to the 80s. For this list, we’ll be looking at the most memorable choreographed sequences to emerge from what is arguably the greatest era of dance films. Our countdown includes "Xanadu," "Flashdance," "Footloose," and more! What's YOUR favorite 80s movie dance scene? Let us know in the comments!
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MsMojo is a leading producer of reference online video content of Top 10 Lists, Origins, Biographies, Commentary and more on Pop Culture, Celebrity, Movies, Music, TV, Film, Video Games, Politics, News, Comics, Superheroes. Your trusted authority on ranking Pop Culture.
#Dance #80s #Choreography #Dancing #Music

[@MsMojo]

Check out our updated version of this list, where we look at the Top 20 Dance Scenes in 80s Movies: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZKUep5sfNiEfNU

[@trinaq]

Definitely "Footloose", it may be cheesy, but it's feelgood!

[@matthewbaduria]

Girls Just Want To Have Fun is one of my all time favorites.it's a classic 80's dance movie at it's best.

[@bebabajalski5830]

Dirty dancing

[@erzaender]

footloose and dirty dancing

[@lchanceiv]

“Girls just want to have Fun” Dancing in heaven

[@bnadira212]

Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing…what else needs to be said 😍🔥

[@californianorma876]

😎

[@lenniewatson687]

💯💯🥰🥰

[@rachaelking7059]

All the more amazing when you consider they actively disliked each other

[@judyhano8277]

Totally agreed.

[@sherrielawsonfendrych6291]

AGREED! 😍😍😍

[@eilighfenske2527]

If you wanna love dance numbers, how about we give the dancers the credit? Marine Jahan was Jennifer Beals's dance double in "Flashdance". And Jeffery Horneday was Kevin Bacon's dance double in "Footloose".

[@jreed3620]

Thank you!!!! I was looking and I KNEW Beals had a double!!!

[@kyleorlando]

and Jeffery Hornaday was the choreographer of the A Chorus Line film!

[@PSA3377]

Loving that info 💜

[@MrsMcIlrath]

Most dancers know this. The rest don’t care enough to find out.

[@mysticgirl916]

Marine also did the dance moves for Snoopy in the Peanuts special "It's Flashbeagle, Charlie Brown"

[@peterjones819]

Kenny Loggins' Footloose never gets old!!!

[@alexphillips4644]

Especially when The Umbrella Academy did the Footloose dance in the first episode of Season 3.

[@malloryweeks3306]

I personally liked the revival rather than the original but yes I loved the dance at the end

[@nikkilt9818]

@@malloryweeks3306 the Footloose remake was pure trash.

[@malloryweeks3306]

@@nikkilt9818 I personally liked it better but I respect your opinion

[@chelseacanales8763]

White Nights is such a good movie. I am still amazed by how synchronized both Mikhail and Gregory were.

[@TammieR-B]

That was an excellent movie 👍

[@nata3467]

Scene with Mirren also amazing

[@rhondak.craven5785]

It's neat how Mikhail and Gregory performed the same moves, but you could see how they approached them differently. Similar to Astaire and Kelly.

[@quentinparhiala9415]

Yes it is Chelsea

[@roslynpittoni5475]

@@nata3467 my favourite scene from the movie.

[@moniqueengleman873]

I adored Gregory Hines. His contribution to tap dancing is unparalleled. RIP Greg

[@patriciapatterson4315]

Also loved his movie, 'Tap' with some of the all time greats.

[@OluchiArts]

@@patriciapatterson4315 They totally missed including Tap in this compilation!!

[@polgarauk5606]

Sorry he was brilliant but Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire will always be the masters and probably inspired Gregory Hines in the process

[@patriciacathcart9233]

Yes, he can dance, but unparalleled? That is Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire

[@corabernal6432]

So sad he is gone 😭

[@drbettyschueler3235]

I still think of the 80s as a magical time and I am so glad I was in my prime and able to enjoy every minute of it. We danced to, and sang, all of these songs and never got tired of them. Decades later, they still make my feet start dancing when I hear them.

[@MelodyFox]

Absolutely! 🤩🤩🤩 I'm with you, *Dr Betty Schueler* ...😆 LPeaceM

[@Lichan11]

I feel the same way! ^_^

[@carch7243]

Me too, although I was more of a Rick James, Midnight Star, Gap band kind of gal

[@loyaljustice]

Don’t forget to keep listening and dancing. It helps fight dementia and Alzheimer’s!

[@AngelCatBaby]

I agree, me too….dancing is the best medicine to stay fit and lose some extra pounds in the process….lol, now that In my 70’s, I wish I could do what I could then….I miss dancing.

[@alexphillips4644]

Love that The Twist and Shout moment got an honorable mention. Love that scene from Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

[@quentinparhiala9415]

So do i Alex

[@dianeyoung2914]

Feel like I need to watch that movie again now.

[@kerryalfaro9437]

Yep

[@karenstrycharz1499]

OMGOSH! Me too!!!! I absolutely loved that “TWIST & SHOUT” sequence on the float! Makes me smile just think about it! Loved it so much & still do!😁

[@quentinparhiala9415]

@@karenstrycharz1499 me to

[@SamanthaN92]

I had a strong feeling Dirty Dancing would be number 1! 👍 How could it not be?! 🤣

[@quentinparhiala9415]

me to

[@michaelmanus7765]

No doubt it is memorable. However, there are others that had far greater impact such as the Flash Dance numbers. I prefer Dirty Dancing but can't dismiss Flash Dance (nor Risky Business) as they were unique for their moment in time.

[@VisualDisplay07]

I couldn’t tell what movie #3 was. Any guesses?

[@nerd26373]

Dirty Dancing is one of the most iconic dance films to have ever existed. It’s true that dancing really helps improve our stamina and boost our mood as we feel the beat and rhythm altogether.

[@trinaq]

Precisely, I love how Baby finally mastering "The Lift" cements her growth from a girl into a woman.

[@jeffreylindahl5895]

Exactly.

[@Anne-ry1dt]

I agree !

[@quentinparhiala9415]

I agree with you

[@ktown8139]

@sophia Isabelle • I felt the same way until I heard that Patrick & Jennifer hated each either the entire time they filmed. It really destroyed my enjoyment of the film.

[@lizzybethnj617]

Me and my sister watched Xanadu as kids we had know idea what the movie was about but we lived for the dancing and singing. RIP Olivia Newton John❤

[@quentinparhiala9415]

That's great you and your sister watched Xanadu as kids

[@girlfromthebronxbywayofelb7288]

Ortega did choreography for Xanadu.

[@sonjaevans3858]

I still watch this movie every now and then, mostly for the soundtrack. The acting is kind of cringey as an adult. But I got my millennial daughter into it and she LOVES it and introduced it to many of her friends who also loved it. When I was young my friends and I would always have singing contests to see who could hit that high note at then end of the Xanadu song at sleep overs. Good times. ONJ will be so missed.

[@merilynjackson9748]

I loved Xanadu

[@treadingtheboards2875]

I was in a stage production of Xanadu, (playing Zeus, King of the Gods.) the dancing in that was better and more energetic than the film, and done on skates. Not me of course, we Gods don't skate.

[@trinaq]

"I thought this was a party. Let's dance!" No list would be complete without "Footloose", the quintessential 80's Dance Flick!

[@quentinparhiala9415]

I agree

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

Going waaaaay back, I loved James Cagney’s dancing in “Yankee Doodle Dandy”... His tap-dancing down the stairs, was phenomenal!! ❤️

[@woolncathairs]

I read it was impromptu-he just started tapping in the middle of coming down and he was in his 50s!

[@pamelapayton3857]

So right!!!!!!!

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

@@woolncathairs That is amazing!! I would love to have been able to dance with James Cagney!!

[@wendybelton9121]

Me too. I love his dancing style. It’s so unique and it’s so his. ♥️

[@Prawnstar.]

Agreed!!!

[@carolpoznik6985]

No dance can come close to "Dirty Dancing" . It was so spectacular...Jennifer and Patrick were sensational. Never get tired of seeing that dance.

[@carch7243]

Ever see a little movie called West Side Story? Or even better Black Swan?

[@deborahblackvideoediting8697]

It's so iconic and beloved by millions of people. It's really one of those films you can watch over and over again throughout your lifetime. Jennifer and Patrick had amazing chemistry together.

[@kishannaconandoyle1907]

Olivia always in our hearts... Patrick you're unforgettable...

[@In-Short]

The dances of the past are so timeless

[@michelleyarrow2827]

Yes I could watch White Nights again and again two greatest dancers in their genres dancing together

[@rowanaforrest9792]

That's my favorite on this list! Every dance in White Nights is brilliant, their solos and duets.

[@greypoupon7267]

Fantastic ...RIP Gregory Hines

[@robindew9072]

White nights was a great movie with great dance moves

[@pumpjackpiddlewick]

As an 80s almost adult, this was a wonderful time capsule. So many of these we tried to do and replicate (and failed). But the memories live on. Thank you.

[@pinkey943]

Both Mikhail and Gregory were fantastic in white Nights

[@tomasarico8412]

I personally think Dirty Dancing is one of the best movies ever made, when it came out on vhs, I bought it and I probably have seen it hundreds if not thousands of times ❤️

[@inwoodliver]

Fred Astaire could blow all these people away. But good group!

[@SweetColo]

I never got the appeal of that movie. 😢

[@obsidiansea]

And my mom wouldn't let me watch it when it came out because she thought it was "bad" because of the title! Now I've watched it so many times. Definitely one of the best movies ever made.

[@KO46407]

Согласен, один из лучших фильмов. К сожалению, таких уже не делают.

[@brucelamberton8819]

A VERY noticeable omission is the floor-piano scene from 'Big' featuring Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia

[@robindew9072]

Oh yeah" Big" was good too.

[@recht_voor_zijn_raap5506]

I LOVED that scene! And movie

[@andrealenze8161]

One thing I really love about Alex’s audition in Flashdance is the reaction of the female judge. She is absolutely delighted by Alex’s performance and looks as if she’s been psychologically freed.

[@MelodyFox]

Me too, *Andrea Lenze* ...I love her reaction! 😝 her gleeful look and hands clapping... 😵‍💫 LPeaceM

[@quentinparhiala9415]

me to Andrea

[@liligh]

she was Laura Wilder's sister in law was she not?

[@Kim_Kardashcam]

@@liligh Yes 😂😂

[@shawnploe6402]

Yep! this all the way!

[@estinnin9864]

Cynthia Rhodes was one of the best dancers from 80s movies…. Stayin Alive, Flashdance and Dirty Dancing

[@Jen-bu7bb]

She was amazing! Her extensions defied what a normal body should be able to do.

[@mysticgirl916]

"Dirty Dancing" wasn't the first time Cynthia and Patrick Swayze crossed paths. They worked together in the music video for Toto's song "Rosanna" - Cynthia played the titular girl while Patrick was part of the dance ensemble

[@Jen-bu7bb]

@@mysticgirl916 I knew she was in Rosanna but I didn't know he was!

[@karenstrycharz1499]

I so love Cynthia Rhodes & her dance moves never failed to leave me in awe! She is an extraordinary dancer & actress! Just love watching her dance !!!!

[@cindyx92130]

@@mysticgirl916 and the song was about Rosanna Arquette. Not that this has anything to do with dancing. I just thought I would throw that little trivia in there.

[@aleanahsacar4214]

I'm mighty glad that I was an '80's child and had watched most of these movies. Gregory Hines, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Kevin Bacon, Jennifer Beals, John Travolta sure knows how to dance. And yes, Dirty Dancing will always be number one. Patrick Swayze is the best. RIP.

[@laurissa1790]

It makes me so sad that Girls Just Want To Have Fun never makes these lists. It's the best!

[@francineolguin363]

Yes! Yes! Yes! Love this movie!

[@katiemarie1227]

I was wondering the same thing. I mean, it's a DANCE movie. Some of these aren't even dance movies. I watch Girls Just Want to Have Fun ALL the TIME. ❤️

[@CJPDeQueen]

Laurissa - completely agree but I find a lot of their top ten list I don't agree with! GJWTHF should at least have been a honourable mention but I knew it wasn't even going to have that far less even have the chance to be in the top ten!

[@silverforest4682]

Song video. Taylor swift has some great ones to... people gotta hate,hate,hate.

[@ladylincoln5546]

I was going to say the same thing! I loved that movie and the music/dancing was great.

[@stormqueen29]

What makes the lift in Drity Dancing that much more special is that was the one and only time Jennifer Grey actually did the lift. She was too scared to do it before the finale. But in the moment she just let go and it became easily one of the most iconic dance moments of all time. And she refused to ever do it again, because she said it would never have the same impact. At least, that's what I've heard. I believe her, even with the incomparable Patrick working with me, I'd be too terrifed to do it again as well. That single moment is forever frozen in time and will be seen and appreciated for just how magical it was for generations.

[@cynthiagonzalez658]

Nothing tops Travolta's moves in SNF!! Ever!! 70s have the best music & best dance moves.

[@artflorez1568]

As someone who graduated from high school in 1982 and spent most of my teens and 20s in the 80's I love videos like this. One thing I always thought, even the very first time I saw Footloose was how a groups of teens who grew up in a town that didn't allow dancing were all able to spontaneously perform a choreographed dance sequence. LOL

[@leilaabouzeenni3580]

Well I was only 4 when the movie came out, but I've watched it countless times (as an 8 year old I first developed my crush on Kevin Bacon) and later on when I was older and wiser had the same thought 🤔. But Ren did well and taught them all I guess.

[@leinonibishop9480]

it does show some of them sneaking off to the neighboring town to dance at the country western bar. so even though they weren't allowed to dance publicly, i never thought they didn't dance at all in private. i mean they're teenagers, why would you think they do what they are told?

[@melissawittman]

I loved living my late teens and early twenties in the 80s. Dance clubs everywhere. Fun times! LOVED Footloose. Kevin Bacon fan here.

[@bettyhilliard348]

You may laugh but it doesn't matter to me. I am a 90-yr-young lady who loves 60s and 70s R&R because I came into my own during those years and my son was lead singer and drummer in a band with friends (one was a preacher's son). They fronted for Kiss a couple of times in Charlotte, NC, and I transported equipment many times in my station wagon (remember those?). Kiss gifted the boys with many personal items (belt buckles, eg). As far as movie dances my #1 choice is also "Dirty Dancing" The Time of my Life - (the first movie). Later ones should never have been made - you can't improve a classic - there was no comparison. ...and the original was filmed in the state where I live.

[@girlfromthebronxbywayofelb7288]

Please remember that multiple dance doubles were used in the audition dance from Flash dance. The break dancing component was performed by a male b boy. The director even tried to get him to shave his mustache but he refused. (That's an 80s thing too, lots of moustaches) So maybe the award should go to the camera people and film editors who allowed us to believe that one female dancer did all of that. Dance doubles and gymnastics doubles were also used in Foot loose. Thanks for choosing the prom dance because most of that is real, although it was added post production by calling everyone back months later.

[@Trouble-Clef]

The dancing was done by Marine Jahan.

[@Nikisright]

My mom and brother were at the Xanadu filming and my mom said Olivia Newton-John was even prettier in person and sweet and kind to absolutely everyone. Class act.

[@deborahblackvideoediting8697]

Wow! She was breathtakingly beautiful in that movie. Hard to imagine she'd somehow be even prettier in real life. Glad to hear she was beautiful on the inside, too.

[@mrsws7437]

Oh my! I was enthralled with that scene in White Nights! I LOVED Gregory Hines and Baryshnikov! Staying Alive! Have seen it more than any other 80’s dance movie! You know what I wanna do?? STRUT!

[@donnalynn2]

One little correction. In Xanadu they do not wear Rollerblades as they were not invented yet. They were wearing Rollerskates.

[@carolemerckel3461]

They are now called "Quads" refering to the 4 wheels.

[@mangot589]

I haven’t seen the movie, so I don’t know if they were wearing them, but yes. In line were put on the market 1980. Same year as the movie. And they had been invented long long long before that.

[@Poppaea-Sabina]

You're darn tootin!

[@wolfgangruca7130]

NAH ITS BOTH

[@joannerichards1967]

Rollerblades and rollerskates were and are the same thing.

[@anjabrunner5100]

Oh ,ich möchte mich nicht zwischen all den großartigen Tänzen und Musik entscheiden müssen.Es ist so wunderbar zu sehen wie all die lieben Menschen beim feiern und tanzen zu sehen sind!. Was für eine einzigartige Zeit...❤

[@ptharp]

Dirty Dancing is my favorite of all time.

[@elizafeely3171]

I was a 73' kid doing dance classes all through the 70's & 80's - seeing this was priceless! Very funny and pure GOLD thank you!

[@beebuzz959]

73 feet? WOW! (jk! That's actually really cool and envy worthy.)

[@bacchuslax7967]

As a teen in the 80’s, I got them all. What a time for that age!

[@kellidinit3725]

Love that scene from White Nights. Those two moved so well together. Both so talented. I loved watching Gregory Hines dance. Such great talents, both of them.

[@rowanaforrest9792]

White Nights is one of my favorite movies thanks to Mikhail and Gregory. Lots of dances, each one brilliant. Their duet is a standout among standouts.

[@ErsenAsper]

I liked dance with "Flash Dance" and "Fame" was legendary. And of course Irene Kara. Its hard to explain how much i love her ♥

[@kimwitchey3319]

Dirty Dancing finale! Of course! ❤️

[@pamelapayton3857]

Dirty Dancing #1 now and forever. Patrick Swayze was sexy throughout the entire movie but his dancing...THE BEST. RIP Mr. Swayze.

[@b.walker5955]

I was a student of Patsy Swayze...and YES he was THAT HANDSOME. We girls would swoon and loose count when he came through the studio. He glided. Swayze sachet.

[@lilithrogers5204]

@@b.walker5955 Wow, weren't You Lucky!!! Still dancing I hope...🤩🤩

[@b.walker5955]

@@lilithrogers5204 always!

[@mzblue7214]

YES! Dirty Dancing for sure!!!

[@Noneya2023]

The late 70’s & early 80’s influenced an entire generation of dancers! These movies were incredible & the introduction of MTV inspired a new idea. You could be a professional dancer on TV! Let’s not forget to pay respect to the Solid Gold dancers! ❤️👏👏👏

[@jamestnov41945]

I danced to Footloose many times. I also danced with a few ladies to Dirty Dancing......thank you again for these incredible memories.

[@ireneg1262]

Flash Dance is still my favorite.

[@jenniferburns2530]

I graduated from high school in 1984, and was very involved with music and performing. My friends and I lived and breathed these movies, wore leg warmers to school, sang the songs in our cars, and would dance at the drop of a hat. It truly was a golden age of movie music and dance.

[@letolethe3344]

Yeah....I remember your type. Very exclusive and unfriendly to most people.

[@nealdavis6374]

For me, the dance scenes from Flashdance could populate this list. 80's bliss.

[@jenka_79]

I’m sooo nostalgic right now!!!! 🤩 sweet -80’s. A great episode from msmojo. ❤ Dirty Dancing……do I have to say anything more? Dirty Dancing!!!😍😍😍😍😍

[@ea.salonga134]

Debbie Allen.. one of the best choreographers of all time!

[@whosetube7328]

Fame ❤…I used to rush home from school the nights it was on tv. 😊 Happy days.

[@kimward5746]

Aw, I just realized that was Chris Penn in Footloose. Loved that guy. RIP.

[@annewrenn5014]

Thank you for including Olivia Newton-Join with Gene Kelly from "Xanadu". It was sweet that the film had made a profit & became "reputable" BEFORE Y2K was upon us. I cld always seen it's charm & sincerity 💜. I'm lucky enough to hv attended two stadium screenings in Los Angeles. It is impossible to describe being among a crowd of 4,000 mega fans - all dancing & singing for 90 minutes. Imagine everyone up on their feet talking back to "Xanadu" the way audiences behaved at "Rocky Horror..." screenings.There was nothing that this lovely, insanely talented humanitarian, this petit' woman has not left to our world that isn't as precious as "gold dust". Thanks for this silliness.

[@catherinelomas318]

Loved the dancing in Girls just want to have fun

[@charlotte241000]

Footloose 1984 is my favorite film ever the dance scene is so iconic for me

[@Mrs.Patriot]

I took dance lessons from his mom, Patsy, in the late 60's. He came to a couple of my classes. He was very shy, very polite, and kinda geeky! I didn't know him beyond that but it was devastating when he passed. RIP.

[@T_doodle_77]

He was a man worth respecting, from everything that I ever found out about him. Fact is, I had a huge crush on him since early teens. My oldest son is named, Patrick Dalton. As an homage to the man he truly was, and to one of (what I think was one of) the greatest characters he ever played. I cried for 3 days when he passed.

[@evelynmatt2000]

Rollerblades? Eighties there were roller skates!

[@phyl1042]

I caught that too.

[@erezjgazit]

Rollerblades were created in 1983. Inline Skates were invented earlier, but never caught on until then. Xanadu had roller skates. I must deduct 10 points from the video.

[@mehere8038]

ah :) I commented about the same thing before I saw your comment

[@Mmothership68]

Irene Cara made the list twice. Deservedly so. RIP

[@robindew9072]

She was so Amazing and awesome

[@waqarkhan25]

she had a geart voice back and even now

[@jacobmaverickbueller.671]

The dance from Risky Business always makes me laugh.😆😆😆😆😆😆😆 My favorite teen movie from the 80's.

[@Loulizabeth]

Honestly I'd have probably swapped out The Blues Brothers and the Ferris Bueller's Day Out dance scenes with a couple of the ones in the actual chart and rearrange the chart a bit too. In fact the sequence from the Blues Brothers with Ray Charles would probably be at the top of my own personal chart just because I love that music and the fun spontaneous vibe of the dancing. Not to mention the other amazing music and dance numbers in the film with Aretha Franklin, Cab Callaway, James Brown and The Blues Brothers Jake and Ellwood themselves. But it was great just to see all these great incredibly nostalgic dance sequences from my youth.

[@pepe6926]

Ferris Buller’s Day Off, is my favorite dance scene hands down!

[@karenstrycharz1499]

It is mine too!

[@janethoene5947]

Gorgeous Patrick Swayze in DIRTY DANCING!!!

[@Antenox]

I was today years old when I learned that Gregory Hines was not just a tap dancer but "a tap dancing legend"

[@subtopewdiepienow2623]

Grease 2 is a underrated gem ! ❤

[@lanagardner2455]

Dirty Dancing is my favorite too!!!

[@marlingarcia4733]

I watch a lot of 80's movie Nothing but great memories.

[@jacobsmithjr]

All That Jazz!

[@Sunshine_day]

I agree, but it was released in 1979.

[@carachapman2776]

Of course my favorite was number one! Dirty dancing. Pure perfection

[@TMarie-qe5pc]

Yes...Seeing Footloose in the theatre in 1984. It was packed and such a great movie!

[@liseburgess2270]

Dirty Dancing is number one!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@angiedawnmoody3519]

Thank you for mentioning Grease 2,I love that film and all of the songs and dancing in it as well. I don't understand the hatred for it from so many people?? Grease was the 1950's and about cars,Grease 2 is the 1960's and about motorbikes...2 different eras!! And G2 has Adrian Zmed and Maxwell Caulfield in it. Cool Rider is my favourite song

[@karawardlaw4090]

Agreed!!! I love it too!!! And I love all the music!!! Cool Rider, Score Tonight, Reproduction, and Prowlin are my favorite songs!!!

[@darkelfmagik]

I don't understand all the hate for G2. I love it more than the first one.

[@angiedawnmoody3519]

@@karawardlaw4090 My favourite songs as well Kara

[@angiedawnmoody3519]

@@darkelfmagik I'm a big John Travolta fan but like you I prefer Grease 2 to Grease....Especially the songs Cool Rider and Score Tonight

[@peggynunez391]

And it also had the great Lorna Luft, who was underused. She’s Judy Garland’s kid, for c’s sake; give her more song! And Adrian Zmed. 🥰 Grease 2 was so much better than the first, cool riders and all.

[@dawggirl]

Terrific category and great choices! It's nice to have a topic that appeals to us ahem, older folks.

[@karenzwonar8779]

No one can ever beat Dirty Dancing that was the best the rest are good but Dirty Dancing definitely is number one

[@shellyg7136]

The Footloose prom (“Let’s Dance!”) remains pure Gen X iconic joy. 😊🎉

[@echo-49]

Iconic movies. All of them.

[@lukasxanadu]

I don't give a rat's ass about what the critics say/ have said about Xanadu. I love that movie no matter what. Olivia look stunning in that picture.. it was magical, sublime and innocent. Olivia, you are in Xanadu now. Rest In Peace, my muse - I know you'll continue to inspire many of us.

[@MITOMANOx]

Xanadu is a GORGEOUS movie.

[@nelsonsolatre8742]

101% No. 1 for me everytime of my life from Dirty Dancing...... I Iove ❤ Patrick Swayze's dance moves.... Perfection to the fullest ❤❤❤

[@SeniorEliteStrike]

Number 7 Number 5 Number 1 are my absolute utmost favorites. Thanks for the 80s.

[@MsMojo]

Thanks for sharing!

[@johnathonf1]

When Fame hit my life, I wished I had a chance to get out of my life and could go to a vocal career through the School in NY. I became obsessed with the series. My family never got it but I did and still to love Fame! Thanks for this listing!

[@JacQues58]

I love all of these. Grease 2 is fabulous!!! We have made it a cult film with friends and family. Maxwell Caulfied steals the show on his motorcycle.

[@BigBrianBruce]

Hate to see it, love grease when I was kid, I don’t hate the movie as I got older but it’s just not my style, it’s not a bad movie it’s just kinda cheesy movie for me that’s not my style, I think saw parts of grease 2 but never had the urge to watch it

[@kathleengiesbrecht2084]

Footloose was one of my favorites, but I liked Xanadu as well.

[@iloveoklahoma6592]

Mikhail Baryshnikov has always been my favorite dancer! I have seen him in television specials and movies, however, I never had the privilege of watching him in person. That would have been amazing! ❤️❤️

[@Deebnoff]

Awww this was so refreshingly nostalgic 😌☺️ I miss these movies 🥲

[@margaretdavis8207]

Dirty Dancing was my favourite, Flashdance and so many more

[@joejoseph3078]

In Flashdance Jennifer Beals didnt actually do that iconic dance. There was a body double (which you could clearly see). In fact there were several. Marine Jahan was Jennifer Beals' body double for the dancing scenes. Jahan was kept hidden from the press because the filmmakers did not want to ruin the illusion. Alex's leap through the air in the audition scene was done by gymnast Sharon Shapiro and the break-dancing was done by Richard “Crazy Legs” Colón (a dude).

[@moniqueengleman873]

I remember how hard they tried to hide the facts. I don't remember if any of them got any credits.

[@azillliasmith2734]

Thanks for mentioning these talented people they deserve credit 🕺💃❤️🌺🌷🙂

[@Trouble-Clef]

The dancing was done by Marine Jahan.

[@JBDude52]

Top 3 (In my opinion): 1. The time of my life 2. Opening scene audition from a chorus line 3. Everyone gets footloose These were all great scenes, but I've had the time of my life choosing dirty dancing as number 1 for the 80s, no doubt. The audition scene in a chorus line was so good, it must've taken many weeks to get this right, there were so many people trying to pull these outstanding moves, nice job. And footloose was a great song I just couldn't ignore it, even though the audition from a flashdance was also a deserving scene, the party scene in footloose just felt so much better.

[@shortbusdriver2483]

John Travolta is always amazing, but the dance scenes in Staying Alive are incredible. He is so talented. BTW, Kevin Bacon did NOT do all his own dancing. Travolta did. And dang, thanks for reminding me of Barishnykov. Poetry in motion.

[@francesquinn-escott744]

"White Nights" superb dancing by two mesmerising movers. I still watch this scene. Thrilling.

[@amphetamean66X]

Great number 1 pick. I still think Breakin should have actually been on the list. Either one of the battles, the broom scene or the final audition. It's such an important film when I think of my 80's upbringing. I still adore Breakin so much. RIP Ozone.

[@shopsshire9282]

Thank you so much for including Xanadu in this top 10 even though I know it was on the lower end I just love that movie musical because it's just a showcase of Electric Light Orchestra's talent and Jeff Lynne's talent. Ladies had somebody amazing dance moving musicals you could almost put a two-parter 10 top 10 best of 1980 through 1984 and then top 10 best 1985 through 1989.

[@Laudon1228]

There are unquestionably, absolutely great dance numbers in these movies, but the 80s the greatest era for dance films??? Somebody needs to spend some time watching 1930s through 1950s musicals. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the Nicholas Brothers, Gene Kelly. So many incredible Broadway to film musicals in the late 1940s and 1950s. The early 1960s too had some amazing dance films, West Side Story anybody?

[@LindysEpiphany]

Wow! Talk about some good memories! I graduated in 1984, my best friend and I would do the dances from Flashdance regularly. Good times!

[@scottwilson8039]

Oh sweet summer child... "roller blades" are over a decade away, those are roller skates...

[@randybarraclough4941]

Bacon teaching Penn how to dance in Footloose. "Let's hear it for the boy(s)"!

[@fabienneclavier5984]

The funny thing about that scene from Fame is that the song had not been written yet when it was shot. The dancers actually danced on Donna Summer's Hot Stuff! And the songwriters had to write the song Fame based on the dancers' moves to make it work perfectly.

[@DaveTexas]

The first four years of the 1980s were great years to be in high school! I saw every one of these movies in the theater…some a bunch of times. I must’ve gone to see Xanadu 8-10 times. I saw Footloose multiple times in the theater, too. The soundtracks were all phenomenal.

[@bettycogswell9851]

Dirty Dancing # 1....Spot on. I saw this movie 14 times at the theatre..

[@frederickseltzerjr2170]

Great selections but you definitely missed a HUGE 80s movie that centered around dancing in Baltimore back in the 1960s - "Hairspray." - The Madison, Shake A Tail Feather, Pony Time, The Bird, The Bug - Definitely deserved at least an honorable mention over one of my all time favorite artists in Olivia Newton-John ... But I definitely agree with #1

[@jslilimauve]

YES. This.

[@margarethall8575]

I count myself one of the lucky ones to have been a teenager in the 80's. So much fun and great memories!