10 Great Dancing Movies

Whether you love dance or just want to learn some new moves for the club, try watching one of these 10 great dancing movies.  Some are moving, some have a powerful message, and some are just simply pure fun!

1. "White Knights" (1985)– The most serious film in this list, "White Knights" features two of the best dancers in the world - Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines. The movie is the story of an expatriate Russian dancer who, after a plane crash, is forced to live in a Russian apartment with an American transplant (Hines) and his Russian wife. Much of the interaction between Hines and Baryshnikov take place in a dance studio, where we get to see two masters at work in their respective dance genres.
2. "Singin’ in the Rain" (1952) – Directed by and starring Gene Kelly, "Singin’ in the Rain" is a glorious, classical old Hollywood musical.  It has singing, dancing, romance, and comedy all wrapped up with classic old Hollywood glamour.
3. "Dirty Dancing" (1987) – Starring the late Patrick Swayze, "Dirty Dancing" tells a classic tale of two people from very different backgrounds falling in love despite other’s objections. The dancing in this movie is at times sweet and understated and other times it is full-out, loud production numbers.
4. "Saturday Night Fever" (1977) – John Travolta in a white three-piece suit and black shirt – need anyone say more?  The look is iconic.  Watch this classic and pick up some disco moves and cheesy pick-up lines from the master.
5. "Footloose" (1984) – This is a story of the big city kid who moves to a small town where dancing and rock and roll music is banned.  Rebellion and fun soon ensue.  Starring Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer (with a supporting role by Sarah Jessica Parker).
6. "Fame" (1980) – Not the wimpy, toned-down version release in 2009, but the original, gritty captivating original.  "Fame" follows a set of teenager through their years at a New York performing arts high school and chronicles their quest for stardom and fame.  Besides singing, dancing, and perfecting their craft, the students must also deal with some serious personal issues.
7. "Flashdance" (1983) – A welder, who also happens to be an exotic dancer at night, has dreams of becoming a ballerina.  She has to believe in herself and get up the courage to audition for a prestigious ballet school.  Jennifer Beals makes a cut-off, one-shouldered sweatshirt look sexy.
8. "Step Up" (2006) – Street-wise hip hop dancer meets prima ballerina.  When street dancer Tyler (Channing Tatum) is sentenced to community service at performing arts school, he meets ballerina Nora who desperately needs a dance partner.  Tyler has to choose between the life he has always known and the one he dreams of.
9. "Center Stage" (2000) – For dancers at the American Ballet Academy, life isn’t what they expected.  "Center Stage" follows them from their auditions to their final senior showcase.  Each dancer struggles with different issues – body image and weight, relationships, demanding parents, etc.
10. "Honey" (2003) – Starring Jessica Alba, "Honey" is the story of a struggling young dancer who becomes a famous choreographer, churning out moves for hip hop videos.  She must decide what is most important – helping those she loves or her own fame.