Top Ten Dance Sequences in a Film

From top left: Pulp Fiction (1994), Silver Linings Playbook (2012), The Artist (2011) and below (500) Days of Summer (2009)

As Strictly Come Dancing waltzes back onto our TV screens, I have been inspired to pick my top ten favourite dance sequences in a film and ask what your favourites are too...

1. Singin' in the Rain (1952)

I wish I could pick every dance sequence in this film. I was seriously struggling to choose between the crazy tap dancing Moses Supposes and the unbelievable spectacle of Broadway Melody but it has to go the most iconic scene not only of the film but in Hollywood's cinematic history. 

The title song Singin' in the Rain performed by Gene Kelly. It immediately makes me want the heavens to open so I can splash in puddles, twirl my umbrella and have not a care in the world...except the strange looks from passers by...

2. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

The climactic ballroom sequence with Pat (Bradley Cooper) and Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) is one of the big highlights in the film. The couple need to just get an average score of 5/10 so his father can win a parlay against his gambling friend. According to choreographer, Mandy Moore, Cooper had "some real natural dancing ability" whereas Lawrence described herself as "a dad at prom". The Oscar winner certainly does not look like that here in one of the most charmingly quirky dance sequences.

3. (500) Days of Summer (2009)

I love this dance sequence because it is completely unexpected. The scene takes on a whole new genre suddenly as we see Tom's character on top of the world the morning after he finally has sex with Summer. The blue bird is genius and the music by Hall & Oates fits perfectly. Plus, it has Joseph Gordon-Levitt dancing...what's not to love?

4. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

In an attempt to save Pedro's campaign for class president, Napoleon dances to Jamiroquai's Canned Heat. Clearly, those lanky Michael Jackson-esque moves work. The entire hall gives Napoleon a standing ovation and Pedro becomes president. Could this campaigning technique be used in real politics? I definitely think we should see this in the next presidential election. No? Maybe not then...

5. Mary Poppins (1964)

Mary Poppins is the first Disney classic out of two on this list. Leaping between the rooftops of Edwardian London before descending on Mr Bank's town house, the energy of Bert and all the chimney sweeps is infectious. Also, Julie Andrew's head spins at a hypnotizing speed...

6. Pulp Fiction (1994)

It's become one of the top dance scenes: John Travolta and Uma Thurman doing the twist. Simple. Tarantino tells a very interesting story on The Graham Norton Show on how their twists came about.

7. The Artist (2011)

Harking back to the old silent cinema days, The Artist tells the story of George Valentin, a silent cinema star who's career is soon to be shattered by the 'talkies' and the rising star Peppy Miller. This dance sequence is at the very end of the movie. Sound reappears for the tap dancing number which has echoes of the great Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds. In fact, the two lead actors Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo rehearsed for five months in the same studio as Kelly and Reynold's did for Singin' in the Rain. 

8. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)

The best dance sequence in this childhood classic has to be Me Ol' Bamboo. Dick Van Dyke's character is running away from a very unhappy customer left with the most ridiculous haircut after his hair-cutting contraption fails at the fair. Attempting to find an escape, he manages to pass as one of the performers in a sing and dance show, trying to keep up with their intense routine. Van Dyke has said that this was the most difficult dance he ever did on screen and you can see why. Hats off to him!

9. Pride & Prejudice (2005)

From the energetic number in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, to the sedate and elegant dance found in Joe Wright's Pride & Prejudice. Lizzie Bennett and Mr Darcy's dance at the Netherfield ball is full of heat and tension despite the calm slowness of dance itself. 

10. Beauty and the Beast (1991)

The final pick and the second Disney classic. Beauty and the Beast's ballroom dance is the perfect romantic  moment, with the swooping shot from the golden chandelier to the couple below. All accompanied by the legendary Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts singing the title song. Beautiful.

I want to know what your favourite dance sequences are! 

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