5.13.2011

Amazing Dance Sequences of Film, Part 1

Inspired by my tendency to compare motion picture dance sequences, these are the ten most awe-inspiring (or not) dance sequences in film that stand out to me. Bear in mind that I haven't seen any Fred & Ginger films (gasp!) so none of their duets are on this list. Rating goes like this: a dance sequence may be well-choreographed or skillfully danced, but unless it gives me a sense of awe, it's not on this list.

10) Some Like It Hot (1959) Jack Lemmon and Joe E. Brown
Not exactly awe-inspiring, but certainly amazing and quite hilarious too. Who can forget Jack Lemmon in a flapper dress with a rose between his teeth, dancing the tango with Joe E. Brown? ;)

9) Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) Dick Van Dyke

What makes this dance sequence amazing is that Dick Van Dyke had to do everything four beats off. Only a dancer will know how incredibly difficult that is. Especially considering the fact that Mr. Van Dyke was not trained.

8) An American in Paris (1951) Gene Kelly & Leslie Caron
Sheer length earns this one's place...the ballet is one of the most well-choreographed and amazing-looking sequences in film...but pretty typical of the musicals of the time, I feel. Those Gershwin blues...outstanding!

7) It's Always Fair Weather (1955) Gene Kelly
Gene Kelly can do on roller skates what the rest of us do on ice. Endlessly entertaining.

6) Royal Wedding (1953) Fred Astaire
Fred Astaire dances on the ceiling! Actually, this one isn't all that awe-inspiring except for the fact that he appears to be dancing....upside down. Check this out to see how they did it.

Do you agree with my ratings? Are there any dance sequences that you feel are awe-inspiring? More to follow!

4 comments:

  1. Make 'Em Laugh in Singin' In The Rain is the best dance sequence EVER! Closely followed by Rock Hudson's awful dancing in Come September. Hahahaha!

    Love your list! :-P

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  2. Oh, I completely forgot about Make 'Em Laugh! I shall have to work that into tomorrow's list somehow....

    I cannot imagine Rock Hudson dancing. That sounds...interesting. lol

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  3. Hi Virginia (or do you prefer to be called Ginger?). The love of my husband's life is Ginger Rogers!! I discovered you through Monty. I am your newest follower.

    You have a great list here. Thanks for sharing.

    My favorite dance sequence is when Gene Kelly is dancing with his reflection in Cover Girl.

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  4. Thank you Patti! I've never seen Cover Girl, I'll have to check it out! :)

    Oh, I get called anything--Virginia, Ginger, Ginny, Gingy. Whatever floats your boat. ;P

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