Top 30 Greatest Dance Scenes in Dance Movies

[@WatchMojo]

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[@tinarash7772]

Yeah that's where they kissed and made up, so to speak, but they only went on the one ride. I've been on that specific ride as Butler Amusements was still using it in the late 90's early 2000's. What are you talking about two ganga? That wasn't the major thing in the movie! The major thing is that Sandy with the help of her friends was able to show Danny that being in love was just as important as the falling in love! The end of the movie shows us that Danny has seen that even through it all Sandy showed up to his race. He letted in track just for her. And you get the feeling that they'll all live happily ever after.

[@ben-neon19]

The dance from Napolean Dynamite, and M3gan

[@thealyssac27]

@@ben-neon19 the Napoleon dance was so relatable. 😆❤️

[@zamuray-j8b]

The final dance of Vanessa Williams and Chaen from the movie "Dance with Me"!❤👍

[@Tink0913]

I feel like you need another list. There are so many you missed that should have been included Center Stage, White Christmas, Burlesque, Save the Last Dance and many more.

[@murphbee]

The fact that Baryshnikov and Hines are at the bottom of your list is a travesty. I get that many people haven’t seen White Nights but the combined talent in that scene is one for the ages.

[@osculim]

A lot of things in this list is a travesty. Best dancing stuff is all the 80s dancing movies.

[@signergirl1]

@@osculimso, all those 80’s movies are awesome!

[@osculim]

@@signergirl1 exactly 80s were the decade for movies. No other era comes close.

[@Sarah-l6b1r]

Soooooo boring is why

[@chrispy1972]

Came here to say this!!!!! They were brilliant!!!!!

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

I’m sorry why is White Nights at the very bottom?! This dance scene is one of the most talented dance scenes in any movie I have ever seen. I know it might not be as iconic as Time of My Life, Singing In The Rain and others but seriously? That scene is like all those other dance scenes talent rolled up into one!

[@claucg5569]

totally agree!!! BIG MISTAKE!! In the bottom?? wtf

[@joemeyer7718]

This should have been at the top of the list! You left a lot of great dances out!!!!

[@ritapitman7184]

Absolutely

[@AutumnRain1111]

Agreed. People have no idea how hard ballet is to do . But to combine ballet and tap . That was a sight to be seen . Simply amazing ❤

[@barbf.968]

Agreed. Incredible dance!

[@marshaloiscamillephilpotts6406]

I love that The Barn Dance from Seven Brides For Seven Brothers is getting the love, the admiration and respect it rightfully deserves and Michael Kidd was one of the best choreographers of all time.

[@marshaloiscamillephilpotts6406]

I love that The Nicholas Brothers and their phenomenal dance is getting the love, admiration and respect it rightfully deserves.

[@jacquelynwilliams4723]

Agree about the Nicholas Brothers. But seeing a bunch of white swing dancers was BS when there is so much footage of iconic black swing dancers.

[@aquachonk]

Their skill and groundbreaking moves should be at the top. NO contest.

[@rainesbobo]

I did the whole ending Footloose dance scene for a talent show at school in the 3rd grade in 1984. I choreographed it into a routine that incorporated the dance moves from all the characters into a one person dance myself. I got 1st place at the talent show!

[@omegasong]

Scan you post a video?😊

[@susannagendreau3479]

That sounds amazing! ❤🎉

[@rainesbobo]

@@omegasong I wish. This was 1984. No one took videos then

[@Wendy-bm3fl]

Bravo!!

[@barbaraness4507]

The dancing in White Nights by the two lead dancers is my favorite! I love to watch M.B. ballet dance!

[@alijames180]

Ballet dance? Wow

[@chriswilliams5982]

Apparently you haven’t seen many great dance movies older than 30 years. Fred Astaire alone could fill this video with classic dance scenes.

[@sweetpjess]

OMG thank you so much for including Strictly Ballroom!!!! That movie is still a vibe 32 years later!!

[@Cyannah117]

Nope, nope, nope….Baryshnikov and Hines in White Nights is one of the best dance performances ever!!! Yes there are some absolutely amazing dance clips in your compilation but this never deserved to be at the bottom of the list! As a dancer myself this scene in White Nights is one of my favourite dance scenes ever. Needless to say, I am a massive fan of any dance movie…from the 40’s to current! Any dance scene with Gene or Fred (with Ginger or without) is always phenomenal. Have to disagree also with your Footloose finale…Never was so much more technical and entertaining and is still (after 30+ years) one of my go to songs for dance along with songs from Flashdance, Fame, Cabaret, A Chorus Line and some more modern movies.

[@jvinson4181]

WOOHOO!! I AM SOOO GLAD YOU INCLUDED THE BARN DANCE!!! One of my favorite dance scenes of all time!❤ I love the Mary Poppins dance, my kids and I would always start dancing along with them. I do wish you included one of Vera Ellen's performances, especially the yellow dress dance from White Christmas, I think it was with John Brascia. Absolutely amazing, she was an incredible dancer!

[@chrisv.h.2307]

As a former dance teacher this was a great trip down memory lane! Excellent list! My faves: "Rich Man's Frug" from Sweet Charity, "Broadway Melody/Gotta Dance" from Singin in the Rain, and "He's a Dream" from Flashdance.... oh... and "Cool" from West Side Story!

[@bethdabruzzo7112]

Alex's audition dance gives me chills everytime.

[@doclewis8927]

Thanks for putting "Strictly Ballroom" into this segment. It's a great movie.

[@alijames180]

Yes it’s awesome

[@trinaq]

Billy Elliot really is such an inspirational, yet bittersweet story. I love that Elton John was inspired to write the songs for the musical, inspired by his own complex relationship with his dad.

[@trinaq]

Major kudos to Gene Kelly for risking a feverous temperature to film the classic dancing under the streetlamp scene. If not for his perseverance, it might never have happened.

[@aquachonk]

Came here for this comment. It's testament to his fitness and stubbornness that he even survived that scene. Dude was a legend. But leading ladies complained about him, they said after dancing with Fred, they were fine, but after dancing with Gene, they had bruises.

[@tundrawomansays694]

@aquachonkGene had a “unique” ability to ensure his partners never lost their focus-on HIM!

[@ollieenger1424]

Baryshnikov in Turning Point, All that Jazz scene with Ann reinking and Joe’s daughter, the last dance of Center Stage, cafeteria scene from Fame, hard knock life from Annie (1982), the audition scene from A Chorus Line- Girl in Green.

[@wynonasimmons234]

All of that…

[@mbrow]

I agree with others that White Nights should be much closer to the top. Not only is the movie a nail-biting, great movie, but helloooo. BARYSHNIKOV?!! One of the best, if not the best, dancers in history. And Gregory Hines also was at the top of his game. Yes, I definitely enjoyed Grease, Footloose, and Dirty Dancing, but if you're focusing on dance, then focus on DANCE. And I highly recommend anyone reading this to somehow watch White Nights. Quite a thriller about a Russian defector who gets caught back in Russia and his subsequent second escape.

[@nikkiallen1500]

!!! Yes! Baryshnikov!!!

[@KimNevelzer]

I enjoyed several of the dance scenes from 'Burlesque' !!

[@janeandpaul]

LOVE burlesque! Christina is such a powerhouse!

[@JustGettinBy1321]

How is Center Stage not included? The final dance scene is iconic!

[@lynnevetter]

🎉

[@lorishaw751]

Yes! I expected it to be in the top 10. They were actually ballet dancers in this movie and not actors with doubles doing the actual dancing.

[@Tink0913]

I agree, that's one of the best dance movies there is

[@IrenaZilberman]

Absolutely i was waiting for it!

[@xxangeleyes40xx]

Came here to say that too! I remember just catching that dance on TV when I changed channels, I found out what the film was and have watched it numerous times since.

[@merryaijlman7833]

There are so many fabulous dance scenes that it's hard to mention them all. Fred Astaire did some amazing dance scenes in many of his movies. Thanks for sharing these wonderful dancers. ❤😊

[@helenanderson4886]

You forgot The Dance of The Red Shoes and Gene Kelly dancing with Cid Charisse in Singing in the Rain. Iconic.

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

I remember the first time I watched Moulin Rouge. When El Tango Roxanne came on I was spell bound the entire scene. The dancers had such beautiful choreography and passionate and intense dancing it’s mind blowing. When the scene had ended I was left with tears streaming down my face and my mouth open in complete shock and adoration for the power, heartbreak, intensity and pure talent in the dance scene

[@soni8995]

❤❤❤

[@susannagendreau3479]

It's hard to deny talent! Art speaks to the soul ❤ Beautiful 😊

[@tundrawomansays694]

Keep on dancin’, Ms. Ruby!

[@henri191]

Gene Kelly in Singing in the ring is one of the greatest scene of movie history

[@ceciliaseiber5507]

II like the scene where O’Connor and Kelly are dancing in the speech coach office

[@signergirl1]

Interesting fact about that scene. While filming that scene in particular, it was noted that Kelly had 104 fever yet he decided to do that scene in one take because he wanted to get it just right despite having that fever of 104.

[@lydia1570]

That’s a fact! Amen!

[@aksez2u]

Great selection! Another one I couldn't stop thinking about was Shirley Temple and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson tapping on the stairs in "The Little Colonel".

[@colleenross8752]

Cinema's first interracial dance scene

[@lisasaxton4809]

Yes! That's a great one...even more impressive is she was so young.

[@margomoore4527]

The lift in Dirty Dancing always gives me chills!

[@martemacdougall1985]

Shout out to the fabulous Leslie Caron dancing with Gene Kelly in "American in Paris" (#21) one of my favorite musical movies. One thing to note, if you watch closely , you'll see that most of these "dance numbers " are filmed in ONE TAKE! Anyway, great compilation of dancers. Thank you for this!

[@reneewooley1240]

I love Gene Kelley! The dance he did with Olivia Newton-John in Xanadu was just awesome

[@kimberlymacandog7616]

I have watched it so many times.....I think I know it by heart! But just can't do it the way they do!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

[@PoizonIvy1221]

One of my all time favorite movies!! It had AMAZING dance sequences! Can’t believe it didn’t make the list!😢

[@PoizonIvy1221]

@@kimberlymacandog7616 SAME! And I introduced my daughter to it as soon as she was old enough to remember it!❤

[@VJAllison1974]

Ginger Rogers' gown during the Cheek to Cheek sequence is iconic. It was so beautiful and swirled around perfectly. I love that gown!

[@sweetpea6814]

She designed it.

[@pamelaspooner7183]

Fred hated it. The feathery fluff detached, got in his face, on his suit, and you can see ‘tumbleweeds’ of it swirling around on the floor in the breeze from their dancing.

[@elizamay6402]

Sooo synchronized ❤❤❤

[@ecneb]

The Grease dance scene in the gym is much more iconic that the ending dance scene.

[@dianamechoulam4161]

OMG’´´ Michael Baryshnikov is incredible!

[@catherinebonanno6545]

❤ Absolutely

[@smdinkel77]

Michale

[@baldlincogaming8507]

So is Mikael

[@lumden1999]

When you’re a classically trained dancer - you have such great core strength and muscle control can dance any dance well and dramatically.

[@tracycraft2971]

Oh my gosh! I can’t believe you included the barn dance! I loved seven brides for seven brothers!!

[@catherine-b1l]

White Nights was an amazing movie!

[@BelindaKnight]

OMG you missed almost all of my favorites: - The DTV audition finals in Girls Just Want to Have Fun - NUMEROUS scenes from CentreStage - The dance class, The scene from nutcracker, the final scene - the nightclub scene in Save the Last Dance - The Showcase scene from Honey - Numerous scenes from Work It - Dance Academy the Movie Plus a few on your list: - Step Up (the original) - Flashdance - Fame

[@susannagendreau3479]

😂 I agree with you re: Girls Just Wanna ❤ That was huge for myself and my sisters back in the day!

[@MissLunaSoleil777]

agreed i love all you mention.

[@all_sides9566]

Literally took the words outta my mouth.

[@CYB3R2K]

Honey? Lmao that garbage movie ain't worth anything

[@grumbeast]

Baryshnikov and Hines in White nights at 30 is a travesty, and the Red Shoes with Moira Shearer doesn’t even get a look in? It’s inconceivable, every dance in that film was a amazing.

[@lilojgreenhill]

Everything old is new again from All That Jazz has a special place in my heart...

[@cre8iveflare]

Completely overlooked: the final showcase in Centre Stage. It was iconic and should've been included

[@BigTymerz2009]

Dance scene from Scent of a Woman where they danced to Por Una Cabeza. One of my favorite dance scenes ever

[@danamartinez7840]

I was looking for this one!! Unbelievable they didn't put it on the list

[@danielhaire6677]

@@danamartinez7840 Scent of a Woman, for all its brilliance, wasn't a dance movie. Thus it didn't qualify for this segment. If they ever do the best dance scenes from non-dance movies, that one will have to be in there!!

[@CYB3R2K]

It's not a dance movie though. Read the title

[@alijames180]

Whoever put this together has absolutely no CLUE

[@ma53jg]

"Singin' in the Rain" is such a great film!

[@racheldavin7763]

Yeah...my only problem with the final Paso Doble in "Strictly Ballroom" is that they keep cutting away from it! But I love that movie...grossly underrated.

[@christinakarsten4144]

It's because Banderas can't dance at all. They show him only while being static. Even better, it's seen in "Take the lead". Even with very little movements, you recognize that his body is very inflexible. He doesn't even have the correct posture or body tension. 😅

[@byMidnyt]

@@christinakarsten4144 Banderas wasn't in Strictly Ballroom. What are you on about?

[@christinakarsten4144]

Hm you are right. But I am right about the tango in "Take the lead".😂

[@rosalieirene2763]

No mention of Donald O’Connor, Make ‘Em Laugh from Singin in the Rain movie. He was outstanding

[@jacquibradley1598]

Loved the caption for Mein Herr being my hair!! So glad Dirty Dancing made the top 5 as it is my favourite! 💙🙏🤗

[@she_sings_delightful_things]

WHITE NIGHTS at the END?! Y'all are out of your minds 😂

[@susannagendreau3479]

I'm here to reminisce...I would like to include "Lambada" (not sure of the title) and "Shall We Dance"....not musicals but definitely appreciation of dancing ❤

[@CarinaPiersay]

Seriously when Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez are dancing the tango it’s electric!!! Soooo good!

[@shirleylake7738]

Wonderful dance by Gene Kelly Singing ♥️ in the Rain. Brings back memories of the walks my family took through city blocks to visit relatives.😊

[@impossibleego]

Legit started watching and went “Paso Doble” from strictly better be in here…. And there it was!!! Thank you!

[@nandas8665]

The White Nights and Strictly Ballroom being at the end of the list is ABSURD! Indignant!

[@StephanieBuckner-m6o]

I really loved this movie. John Travolta got the moves in Saturday Night Fever.

[@sharonpaynter7814]

I am surprised the dance sequence from White Christmas was not on there ( love Danny Kaye and Vera Ellen), a true classic !

[@fayesouthall6604]

❤❤❤❤

[@ceeceebizzell4110]

Here are a few of my faves: 1.Multiple dance scenes in Burlesque 2. The Aggie locker room dance which then leads into the Courtyard dance from The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas movie. 3. Many dance scenes by Shirley Temple 4. Marie and Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. 5. I've been to plenty of parties where we'd reenact Animal House's toga party dance to You Make Want to Shout. 6. Boogie Wonderland - Happy Feet 7. Duckie dancing for Andy in Pretty in Pink Other movies with dance scenes I like: Memoirs of a Geisha, Shall We Dance, Dance With Me, Hairspray (newest version), Gentleman Prefer Blondes and Honey to name a few.

[@carinaearl]

Yassss Bb's performance in chorus line is one of my all time favs!

[@melissas7208]

Fred Astaire dancing on the ceiling in Royal Wedding was groundbreaking.

[@eternalxchannel]

I can think in a few Fred Astaire dance routines that are pretty spectacular. Puttin' On The Ritz from Blue Skies. Top Hat, White Tie and Tails from Top Hap. One for My Baby in The Sky is The Limit. Or maybe I Wont Dance from Roberta.

[@jeffreybrown4015]

Great pick for number one. Amazing selections that taught me earlier. Bob Fosse is my hero. You hit all the notes.

[@minnelinda]

I realize every generation has its own favorites, but what about Zorba the Greek? What about the bottle dance from Fiddler on the Roof?

[@charlotte241000]

White knights should be higher then number 30 that dance scene is amazing footloose should have been number 1 Sasha Ramos and Danjus dance should have been number 2 I also think Kevins bar dance and magic Mikes it raining men should be on here

[@renater.540]

The movie is called White Nights - alluding to the Summer festival in St. Petersburg

[@jenniferbailey5914]

Strictly ballroom still takes my breath away when he slides across the floor at the end of the dance.

[@stealthhumor]

Fred and Rita Hayworth did the best duet ever done, and Fred was really into Rita, way more than Ginger.

[@renater.540]

And there was Astaire with Cyd Charisse....😍🥰 And for a funny duo : Ever seen Astaire and Kelly in "The Babbit and the Bromide"? Or Kelly and Jerry in "Anchors aweigh" ? 😄

[@tracycraft2971]

Jumpin jive is one of my favorites! Just magical!!

[@wecole]

That they included Rocky Horror's Time Warp in this list... is perfect. It's probably the only dance on this list that most of us have tried to do; and the fact that we even made the attempt shows how influential it is.

[@joannetyrrell364]

White nights should be top 5. And nothing can compare to Singing in the Rain by Morecombe and Wise!

[@19marina70]

Nice list! But what about staying alive...? That Travolta is beyond great 😉

[@agathachristie6288]

I was thinking the same!

[@twisted_introvert]

I'd add the Modern Love dance from the Korean movie Swing Kids to the list. The expressions of a myriad of emotions from frustration to longing to joy & the way it's edited to cut between the two dancers.....it gets me every time. 👌 The whole movie is phenomenal, btw, with lots of excellent tap dancing.

[@dawnliphard9591]

I totally tried to master the choreography for Fame, Flashdance and Chorus Line.

[@audreyso1201]

Fame, flashdance, footloose, my youth

[@DIDYOUSEETHAT172]

Gregory Hines the master!!

[@lisasaxton4809]

Every dance scene in Tap was great (it even featured a young Savion Glover)!

[@DJdjclonts]

Thank you also for including FAME loved the movie and shows

[@LorenzoNW]

You can't have a Top 30 without 1) Hellzapoppin' 2) Every Little Step 3) Rize.

[@BluestMidnight]

I feel like Me Ol' Bam-Boo should have gotten some love. There's steps in there that sort of make you wonder how the dancers weren't stumbling over their own feet.

[@DJdjclonts]

Thank you for making sure Breakin made the list

[@jaclynmcdowell416]

Awww I was hoping be happy from summerstock would make it. I love judy garland in that one!

[@sarahrichards8967]

Bill Robinson’s solo stair dance in the 1935 movie “The Little Colonel “ belongs on this list. After he “demonstrates” it to Shirley Temple’s character he also performs a charming but simplified version with her.

[@mrsb431]

Some incredible footage included above - I'll never forget some of those iconic dances - the finale in Step Up, Singing in the Rain, Cheek to Cheek, Strictly Ballroom, Dirty Dancing - etched in my memory for all time - brilliant! Just letting you know though - the particular version of Mein Herr from Cabaret that you have included above is performed by Liza Minelli and not Sally Bowles. Thanks for this compilation - love watching these old incredible performances!

[@jemmemccann2952]

Nobody puts Baby in a corner!

[@nightinggale5881]

The last dance from Save the Last Dance

[@justkhloevlogging]

Good morning from Singing in the Rain is so good too.

[@CosmicMomDove]

Let me get this straight; The “Time Warp” dance from Rocky Horror higher than “Jumping Jive” from Stormy Weather? Can you tap dance up a staircase then go down said staircase by jumping over your brother and not accidentally kicking him in the head? The Nicholas Brothers were the greatest pair of tap dancers period.

[@wendiwonderly1419]

They may not be the greatest but they’re worth checking out. Elvis Presley dancing with Ann Margaret in viva las vegas and his dance in jailhouse rock

[@brigittebenjamin9528]

Staying Alive ...the slow moving dance between John Travolta and Cynthia Rhodes...still one the all time favourite scenes...but you didn't include it😢

[@Kat1775]

Where is the final dance from Center Stage? One of my all time favorites!

[@crisccfelix]

One of my favorites too!

[@MCMNasty2]

Ann Reinking! Always a queen.

[@badredfinn2982]

"Ain't My Kind of Hype" literally turned me into a dancer. Mad respect for House Party.

[@melodini3125]

I can’t believe jump and jive was #16! I would have put it in the top 3. Also, in Flashdance the water dumping on her dance is more iconic than the final dance. You showed a lot of great performances but I don’t agree with your order or your choices. However, even if we expanded to 100 top dance scenes it would be too few.

[@pamelaspooner7183]

That’s Cynthia Rhodesi

[@Steven-e7c]

Flashdance was seriously amazing even tho she had body doubles.

[@DaveysWonderfulWorld]

I’ll always love the step in time seen from Mary Poppins, a scene from one of the greatest movies in cinema history, filled with special effects, dancing and overall sense of excitement and wonder an incredible moment you wish would never end and it just keeps on going and going and going and when it stops it just fades away

[@lorishaw751]

I appreciate that Strictly Ballroom, Billy Elliott, Breakin’, and 7 Brides for 7 Brothers were all included as they would typically be overlooked movies when compared to the classics. My biggest issues with the list is I think Cell Block Tango should be in the top 10, Saturdays Night Fever should be in the bottom 10, and the fact that Center Stage’s last dance was not on the list at all. It should have taken the place of Black Swan at the least.

[@sandraaguayocastillo4680]

Every scene from West Side Story, (the original) is impressive, I know is not a dance movie but still is impressive.

[@spahtucus]

Lovely to re-see so many of my fav dance movies, and discover more! Nice job! (I do agree that White Nights was a bit low on the list, tho…)

[@donjames7971]

'Hair' the Movie -&- Jesus Christ Superstar are truly missed .. !

[@dinamohsen7165]

Singing in the rain ❤❤

[@agatahb]

I think "make'm laugh" from Singing in the Rain should be on top

[@nicolelylewis]

I know it's more modern, but "The Other Side" from 'The Greatest Showman' was a pretty good dance scene....and the bartender (and choreographer) did amazing in it too!!

[@daniellemckay5596]

I think a more accurate video title would be "Iconic" rather than greatest as it's most focused on memorable, cinematic, impactful, etc. dance scenes rather than technicality, technique, etc. the word "Greatest" implies

[@tanialupin]

The effortless and graceful Austrian dance by Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer in The Sound of Music

[@CarinaPiersay]

Love it!! Only this list was about dance movies probably why it didn’t make it.

[@thegamingchef3304]

No Beatstreet battle at Roxy's? That the greatest dance scene of all time. Y'all trippin for not having that.

[@janeenharrison1953]

Strictly Ballroom is my love!

[@SidneyMosley]

I'm glad Michael "Boogaloo Shrimp" Chambers aka Turbo is still being recognized for the iconic broom dance. Also RIP to Ozone.

[@susanmartin3762]

Singing in the Rain is a life time favorite ❤

[@Cantetinza17]

When I was a preteen I used to dance Alex's solo for What Feeling.