Dance movies are a varied bunch, mostly because the genre evolves tremendously with each generation as new styles of dance are introduced and/or rise in popularity. We tend to think of dancing on the big screen arriving with the movie musical and stars like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. But dance moves are visual more than they are aural (with some exceptions, like tap), so dance movies can be found as early as the beginning of cinema. It's neat to think that the new b-boy competition film Battle of the Year is part of such a long and diverse history.
And it's fun to think that the whole family, including the grandparents and the young kids, can take part in today's poll topic. Depending on your age or just your preference, you may like the above duo in films like Top Hat and Swing Time or some Busby Berkeley spectaculars. Then there's the beach movies of the '60s, like Beach Blanket Bingo. Jump ahead to the '80s and there's nothing more notable than Fame, Flashdance, Dirty Dancing and Footloose and possibly the little-remembered Lambada. Of course, there's the original b-boy films like Beat Street, Breakin' and of course Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo.
Dance movies have really taken a leap in the 21st century, thanks to franchises like Step Up, Stomp the Yard, Honey, Center Stage, Save the Last Dance and You Got Served. Maybe Bring It On counts, too. Also, obviously we have remakes of Fame and Footloose, as well. If you like something a little more art house, go ahead and pick Strictly Ballroom, Billy Elliot and the documentaries Mad Hot Ballroom, Pina, Rize and the one Battle of the Year is based on, Planet B-Boy.
What is your favorite dance movie?
