13 Ballroom Dance Movies You Need to Watch

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13 Ballroom Dance Movies You Need to Watch

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November 10, 2022

13 Ballroom Dance Movies You Need to Watch
1. Introduction: What is Ballroom Dancing?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: What is Ballroom Dancing?

Ballroom dancing is a popular form of partner dancing that dates back to the late 19th century. It is characterized by the graceful and intricate movements of the dancers, often accompanied by music from the big band era. Ballroom dancing is a social activity, with couples dancing together in a formal setting. It is a great way to make new friends, have fun, and stay in shape.

The different types of ballroom dancing include the Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep, Rumba, Cha Cha, Samba, Jive, and Paso Doble. Each dance has its own unique style and steps. Ballroom dancing is popular around the world, and is often seen in movies, on TV, and in competitions.

2. Overview of 13 Essential Ballroom Dance Movies

1. Strictly Ballroom (1992)

Strictly Ballroom is a classic romantic comedy that follows the story of a young ballroom dancer who defies the rules of the sport. The film stars Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice and is directed by Baz Luhrmann.

2. Shall We Dance? (1996)

Shall We Dance? is a romantic comedy starring Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez. The movie follows the story of a married man who takes up ballroom dancing to escape the monotony of his everyday life.

3. Dirty Dancing (1987)

Dirty Dancing is a romantic drama starring Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze. The movie follows the story of a young woman who falls in love with a dance instructor while vacationing with her family.

4. Take the Lead (2006)

Take the Lead is a drama starring Antonio Banderas and Rob Brown. The movie follows the story of a dance instructor who helps a group of inner-city kids find success in the world of ballroom dancing.

5. Mad Hot Ballroom (2005)

Mad Hot Ballroom is a documentary that follows the journey of a group of New York City elementary school students as they learn and compete in ballroom dancing.

6. Center Stage (2000)

Center Stage is a drama starring Amanda Schull and Zoe Saldana. The movie follows the story of a group of young dancers who attend a prestigious ballet academy in New York City.

7. Shall We Dance? (2004)

Shall We Dance? is a romantic comedy starring Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez. The movie follows the story of a married man who takes up ballroom dancing to escape the monotony of his everyday life.

8. Swing Kids (1993)

Swing Kids is a drama set in Nazi Germany starring Robert Sean Leonard and Christian Bale. The movie follows the story of a group of teenagers who form a swing dance troupe in the face of Nazi oppression.

9. Dancing at the Blue Iguana (2000)

Dancing at the Blue Iguana is a drama starring Daryl Hannah and Charlotte Ayanna. The movie follows the story of a group of exotic dancers working at a Los Angeles strip club.

10. Dance with Me (1998)

Dance with Me is a romantic drama starring Vanessa Williams and Chayanne. The movie follows the story of a young Cuban dancer who falls in love with an American woman while competing in a ballroom dancing competition.

11. Dance Flick (2009)

Dance Flick is a parody of the dance movie genre starring Damon Wayans Jr. and Shoshana Bush. The movie follows the story of a young street dancer who enrolls in a prestigious dance academy.

12. The Turning Point (1977)

The Turning Point is a drama starring Shirley MacLaine and Anne Bancroft. The movie follows the story of two women who were once friends and rivals, but are now reunited by their shared love of ballet.

13. Step Up (2006)

Step Up is a romantic drama starring Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan. The movie follows the story of a street dancer who falls in love with a ballerina while competing in a dance competition.

3. “Shall We Dance?” (2004)

This romantic comedy stars Richard Gere as a bored lawyer who finds a passion for ballroom dancing. Gere’s character, John Clark, is a workaholic who is unfulfilled in his job and marriage. He discovers a hidden talent for dancing after seeing a beautiful woman, Paulina, in a dance studio window.

John takes private lessons with Paulina, played by Jennifer Lopez, and finds himself drawn to the world of ballroom dancing. He quickly discovers his true passion, and the film follows his emotional journey as he learns to express himself through dance.

The Dance Moves

The film features some of the most iconic ballroom dances, including the Viennese Waltz, the Quickstep, the Tango, and the Paso Doble. The dance sequences are beautifully choreographed, and the costumes are stunning.

The Cast

In addition to Gere and Lopez, the cast includes Stanley Tucci, Bobby Cannavale, and Susan Sarandon. The film was directed by Peter Chelsom and was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Picture.

4. “Dirty Dancing” (1987)

This classic romantic drama follows the story of Frances “Baby” Houseman as she falls for a dance instructor at a summer resort. With unforgettable music, classic dance moves, and an epic love story, “Dirty Dancing” is a must-watch for anyone interested in ballroom dance.

The movie stars Jennifer Grey as Baby and Patrick Swayze as Johnny Castle, her dance instructor. The two quickly form a bond while they practice the Mambo, the Cha-Cha, and the iconic lift. As their relationship grows, Baby learns more about the world of dance and the power of love.

The Music

The movie features a variety of classic songs, including “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” and “She’s Like the Wind.” These songs, combined with the passionate dance moves of Baby and Johnny, make for an unforgettable experience.

The Legacy

“Dirty Dancing” has become a classic movie, and it continues to inspire people to get up and dance. Its iconic dance moves have been recreated in movies, TV shows, and stage productions. It’s a timeless story that will always be remembered.

5. “Strictly Ballroom” (1992)

This Australian classic is a must-see for any ballroom dance movie fan. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, “Strictly Ballroom” is a romantic comedy that follows Scott Hastings, a champion ballroom dancer who is determined to win the Pan-Pacific Grand Prix despite pressure from the Australian Ballroom Federation to conform to the more traditional steps.

When Scott meets Fran, an inexperienced dancer, he decides to take her on as his partner and teach her the steps to the Paso Doble, a daring and passionate dance. As the two practice, their relationship grows and Scott discovers the importance of being true to himself and his dancing.

The film is full of lively music and colorful costumes, making it a delightful and entertaining watch. It’s also a great reminder that it’s important to be true to yourself and find a way to stand out from the crowd.

6. “Take the Lead” (2006)

This 2006 movie stars Antonio Banderas as Pierre Dulaine, a professional dancer who volunteers to teach ballroom dancing to a group of students in a New York City public school. Pierre is determined to show the students that ballroom dancing can be a way for them to gain confidence and self-esteem.

The movie follows Pierre as he works with the students to prepare for a citywide dance competition. Along the way, Pierre forms a special bond with the students and helps them to discover their potential.

Cast

The movie stars Antonio Banderas, Rob Brown, Yaya DaCosta, and Alfre Woodard.

Why You Should Watch

“Take the Lead” is a great movie for anyone who loves ballroom dancing. It’s inspiring to watch Pierre help the students to discover their potential and to see them come together as a team. The movie also features some great dance sequences and a great soundtrack.

7. “Mad Hot Ballroom” (2005)

“Mad Hot Ballroom” is a documentary directed by Marilyn Agrelo that follows a group of New York City public school students as they learn the art of ballroom dancing. The students, who are in fifth and sixth grade, learn the basics of the tango, foxtrot, swing, and merengue, and then compete in a citywide dance competition.

The film follows the students as they learn the dances and build relationships with each other. It is a heartwarming and inspiring story of how a group of diverse kids come together through the power of dance. The film also features interviews with the students, their teachers, and their parents, giving viewers a unique insight into the lives of the students.

The film was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards including the Audience Award at the 2005 Tribeca Film Festival. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the power of dance and the beauty of ballroom.

8. “Center Stage” (2000)

This classic teen drama follows a group of talented dancers as they strive to make it to the top of the competitive world of ballet. Set in the fictional American Ballet Academy, the movie follows Jody Sawyer (Amanda Schull) as she fights to stay in the academy and prove her worth. Along the way, she meets a variety of characters, each of whom has their own unique story.

The movie is full of drama, romance, and of course, incredible dancing. It features a mix of classical and contemporary ballet, as well as jazz and modern dance. It also has some of the most memorable musical numbers in the genre, including the iconic “Grand Jeté” scene.

Notable Dancers

Amanda Schull as Jody Sawyer

Ethan Stiefel as Cooper Nielson

Sascha Radetsky as Charlie Simms

Zoe Saldana as Eva Rodriguez

Susan May Pratt as Maureen Cummings

9. “Swing Kids” (1993)

Set during the Nazi regime in Germany, “Swing Kids” follows the story of three friends who are passionate about swing dancing. The trio, Peter, Thomas and Arvid, are part of a group of young people known as the “Swing Kids”, who are determined to keep their love of jazz music and swing dancing alive, despite the oppressive regime. The movie follows their struggles to keep their passion alive in the face of danger and persecution.

The movie stars Robert Sean Leonard, Christian Bale and Frank Whaley and features some of the best swing dancing sequences ever put to film. It is a powerful and moving story of friendship, courage and the power of music.

10. “Mambo Italiano” (2003)

This romantic comedy follows the story of Angelo Barracini (Luke Kirby) who is a young Italian-Canadian man living in Montreal. After his parents (Ginette Reno and Paul Sorvino) discover he is gay, they tell him to move out and find a nice Italian girl to marry. Angelo’s best friend, Nino Paventi (Peter Miller), is a passionate dancer and encourages Angelo to join him at the local mambo club.

Angelo soon falls in love with Nino’s sister, Anna (Claudia Ferri). Despite feeling a strong connection with her, he struggles to come to terms with his sexuality and accept his family’s expectations. Eventually, Angelo must decide between following his heart and pleasing his family.

The film features a range of Latin dance styles such as mambo, salsa, and cha-cha. The soundtrack includes a mix of classic and modern Latin music, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a fun and romantic dance movie.

11. “Burn the Floor” (2009)

“Burn the Floor” is a documentary-style movie that follows the cast of a Broadway show of the same name. The movie follows the cast as they travel around the world to perform their show, which combines Latin and ballroom dance styles. The movie features interviews with the cast and crew, as well as footage of their performances.

The movie highlights the hard work and dedication of the cast, as well as the passion and skill that goes into creating a successful show. It also shows the struggles that the cast and crew go through to make their show the best it can be. “Burn the Floor” is a great movie for anyone who loves dance and is interested in learning more about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating a successful show.

12. “Dance with Me” (1998)

“Dance with Me” is a romantic drama released in 1998, starring Vanessa Williams and Chayanne. The movie follows Rafael, a Cuban dance instructor, and Ruby, a young woman who dreams of becoming a professional dancer.

Rafael and Ruby meet at a dance contest and quickly fall in love. Rafael helps Ruby to become a better dancer and they eventually enter the contest together. The movie follows their journey as they navigate their relationship and work to become the best dancers they can be.

The movie features a variety of Latin dance styles, including salsa, merengue, and cha-cha. It also features beautiful cinematography, as well as a heartwarming story of love and dance.

13. “Save the Last Dance” (2001)

“Save the Last Dance” is a classic teen romance movie that follows the story of Sara Johnson, a talented ballet dancer from Chicago. After her mother dies, Sara moves to a new school in a predominantly African-American neighborhood. There, she meets and falls for Derek, a talented street dancer. Together, they learn to bridge the gap between their two cultures through dance.

The movie features a mix of hip-hop and ballroom dance styles, and the soundtrack includes music from artists like Aaliyah, Usher, and OutKast. It also stars Julia Stiles and Sean Patrick Thomas as Sara and Derek.

Notable Ballroom Dance Scene

The most memorable ballroom dance scene is when Sara and Derek take part in a dance competition. They perform a beautiful Viennese Waltz and win the competition, proving that they can bridge the gap between their two cultures.

14. “Crazy for You” (1992)

“Crazy for You” is a romantic comedy released in 1992. It stars Academy Award-nominated actress Marisa Tomei and Golden Globe-winning actor Jonathan Silverman. The movie follows the story of two young people with a shared passion for dancing.

Tommy (Silverman) is a struggling Broadway dancer who is sent to a small town to close down an old theater. There, he meets the spunky, independent Bobby (Tomei). As Tommy and Bobby get to know each other, they discover a mutual love for dance and soon develop a romance.

The movie features some of the most iconic ballroom dance scenes of the 1990s. The two leads perform a classic Viennese waltz, a sizzling tango, and a heart-stopping paso doble. The film also features a memorable performance of the song “Crazy for You” by Madonna.

“Crazy for You” is a charming and romantic movie that will make you want to get up and dance. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves ballroom dance movies.

15. Conclusion: Why Ballroom Dance Movies are so Popular

Conclusion: Why Ballroom Dance Movies are so Popular

Ballroom dance movies offer a unique combination of romance, drama, and dance that is unmatched by any other genre. They allow viewers to experience a world of beauty and emotion, as well as the thrill of competition. The stories often feature characters overcoming adversity and finding love, which is a universal theme that resonates with audiences. The music and choreography are also highly praised, making these films a joy to watch.

Overall, ballroom dance movies are popular because they offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a feel-good story, a thrilling dance sequence, or a romantic tale, there’s something for everyone in these films. They provide a unique escape and an opportunity to experience a different culture, as well as to be inspired by the characters’ courage and determination. Ballroom dance movies are sure to remain a favorite genre for many years to come.

References

1. “13 Ballroom Dance Movies You Need to Watch.” The Cinemaholic, 16 Mar. 2021, www.thecinemaholic.com/ballroom-dance-movies/.

2. “The Best Ballroom Dance Movies.” Rotten Tomatoes, www.rottentomatoes.com/top/bestofrt/top_100_ballroom_dance_movies/.
13 Ballroom Dance Movies You Need to Watch