World Dance Day: Get footloose and fancy

People say dance is a way to find yourself and lose yourself at the same time. While you ponder over these lines, think back to all the dance flicks you have seen through the ages, where you have rooted for the underdog, and been a part of his or her journey of self discovery, surrendering to a dance form, losing themselves in it only to find themselves in the process. Hollywood has mastered this form of storytelling where they combine the struggle of an underdog who taps into his or her dancing potential to emerge a winner. Here’s looking at some movies that showcased different dance forms through the ages.

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (1977)

John Travolta’s Stayin’ Alive moves clearly lit up the screen and had many fans trying to pull off his sleek steps that showcased the Disco craze during that time.

FLASHDANCE (1983)

This story about an aspiring Ballet dancer has one of the most impressive Ballet dance audition scenes that’s been etched in the memories of fans of the flick. It failed to impress critics but still owns the dance floor with that one memorable scene.

BREAKIN (1984)

It may not be the best dance movie but nobody can deny that it’s the original Breakdance movie, which set the stage for others to follow, from Stomp The Yard to Step Up. It’s also remembered for Ice-T’s acting stint, which began with this film.

FOOTLOOSE (1984)

It is immortalised in pop culture thanks to a memorable warehouse scene that features Kevin Bacon letting it all out. His anger becomes an expression in a mixed bag of dance forms that showcased both Ballet and Freestyle.

DIRTY DANCING (1987)

Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey lit up the screens with their free-form and sultry dance especially before the end credits. While they grooved to Time Of My Life, so does the audience who can’t help but feel for Baby (Grey’s character) as she steps out of the cocoon her family has unwittingly trapped her in. Dance not only manages to release her from her inhibitions and reservations but becomes her way to rebel against the set norms for Johnny and his crew.

STRICTLY BALLROOM (1992)

This romantic comedy also happens to be renowned director Baz Luhrmann’s directorial debut. Set to the tune of Time After Time, there’s a Ballroom dance sequence on a rooftop that is also one of the most romantic scenes in the film. If you love Ballroom dancing, this one should definitely be on your list. It tells the tale of an Australian Ballroom dancer who has been restricted by the many rules and is awaiting to break free, and gets that opportunity when he tutors an introvert who is equally passionate about this dance form.

BILLY ELLIOT (2000)

The underdog here is 11-year Billy who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer. He is faced with a double whammy — a conservative father who won’t let him follow his dream and society at large because he is a male ballet dancer. Watch it for both the dance moves and the drama that unfolds.

HONEY (2003)

Jessica Alba rocked the dance floor in Honey as a dance teacher/choregrapher. And if that’s not enough to get you to watch the flick, there’s Missy Elliot’s special cameo that’s icing on the top. The movie showcased Hip Hop with some impressive choreography.

STEP-UP (2006)

It was freestyle all the way with an emphasis on hip hop for this dance flick that featured Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan. The duo rocked the dance floor with their chemistry and had everyone rooting for them.