By Rain Francis

We all have our favorite dance flicks. In our last edition I shared with you some of my all time top picks. Here I list some of the more recent dance films that are sure to get you dancing in your lounge room.

Strictly Ballroom (1992)
Strictly Ballroom was an instant classic. Director Baz Luhrmann’s signature style – with its rich colors, glamorous theatricality and underlying darkness – is a perfect fit for the world of competition ballroom dancing. Comedy, drama, outstanding dance sequences and scary stage mums – this film has it all.

Swing Kids (1993)
Set in pre-World War 2 Germany, this is the story of a group of friends whose lives and views are being warped by Nazism. Thomas and Peter are Hitler Youth by day, but at night they are counter-culture ‘Swing Kids’, which involves dancing to ‘degenerate’ swing music. This film had pretty poor reviews, but it’s worth watching just for the wild, big band dance scenes – and to see Christian Bale on the dance floor!

Shall We Dansu?/Shall We Dance? (1996/2004)
This Japanese movie tells the story of how learning to dance brings one man out of his depression, renewing his energy for life. Eight years after its release, an American remake was made, starring Jennifer Lopez, Susan Sarandon and Richard Gere. There have been a few adaptations to adhere to the differences in culture, and as always, the original is better, but the remake is actually pretty good too.

The Tango Lesson (1997)
Sally, a British filmmaker, suffering from writer’s block, takes a break to Paris, where she meets Argentinian Tango master, Pablo Veron. She convinces him to give her tango lessons, in exchange for a part in her film. This is a semi-autobiographical account of Director Sally Potter’s relationship with Veron. Shot beautifully in black and white and with a generous helping of dance scenes, it is a must-see for fans of all dance styles.

Center Stage (2000)
In the same category of completely unabashed cheesiness as Footloose and Flashdance, Centre Stage is a classic dance movie. Some hilariously bad acting combine with a corny script, cornier choreography, but tremendous dancing, to create this story of a group of dancers at a top ballet school in New York City. The characters are one-dimensional with predictable problems such as eating disorders and stage mum issues, but who cares? This is pure, light-hearted dance entertainment!

Billy Elliot (2000)
A guaranteed tear-jerker every time, Billy Elliot is a feel-good movie with substance. Growing up in the grim, grey North of England during the 1980s miners’ strike, Billy defies convention, societal expectation, and his mining father to become a professional ballet dancer. Billy Elliot has since been made into a hugely successful stage musical. This is one of the top ten dance movies of all time – according to this reviewer, and I challenge anyone to watch it and keep a dry eye at the end.

Save the Last Dance (2001)
If Center Stage revived the 80s trend of super cheesy dance movies, Save the Last Dance kept it real as it upped the cheese ante by adding a few more clichés to the mix. If you’re into street dance styles, can forgive bad scripting, and can get past Julia Stiles as the lead, you are probably already a fan of this movie.

Chicago (2002)
As a massive fan of Bob Fosse and of the original stage musical, when I heard this film was being made, I was filled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. But to my delight, it is a fine adaptation, and even scrapes into my top ten. A few choice numbers have been deleted, and Renee Zellweger seriously needs to eat some pies, but besides that, I have nothing to complain about! The Cell Block Tango is a particularly awesome interpretation. I think Bob would’ve been proud.

The Company (2003)
Starring Neve Campbell, Michael McDowell and James Franco, The Company is about the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. It is comprised of different stories from people in the real-life company, and most of the actors are actual company members. Campbell, an ex-dancer, co-wrote and co-produced the film.

Honey (2003)
In my opinion, Honey blends with Save the Last Dance and the Step Up franchise to form one endless mess of predictability and bad dialogue. It’s about following your dreams, and doing it your way. On the plus side – if you are into mainstream hip hop that is – there are appearances from Missy Elliot, Ginuwine and Tweet, and Jessica Alba is pretty hot.

Rize (2005)
Written and directed by David LaChappell, Rize is a documentary looking at two dance subcultures of Los Angeles; clowning and krumping. Comprised of interviews with the founders and key players, it includes much historical information, and draws parallels between the two styles and African ritual dance. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in street culture or dance of any style. Visually it is stunning; the abilities of the dancers is mind-blowing.

Ballets Russes (2005)
A documentary from the opposite end of the dance spectrum, Ballets Russes chronicles the history of the ground-breaking Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, from debut to swan song. It features interviews with elderly ex-company members including Irina Baronova and Alicia Markova, and details the merging of dancers, choreographers, composers and designers who revolutionized an art form and influenced every dancer since. You do not have to be a ballet fan to enjoy this, it is an incredible film.

Step Up (2006)
With a premise reminiscent of Gregory Hines’ Tap (1989), Step Up tells the story of a troubled young man for whom dancing is an alternative to vandalism and car theft. Step Up spawned two sequels, including one that was released in 3D, and, in case you’re still not satisfied, a fourth is due for release in 2012!

Planet B-Boy (2007)
This documentary chronicles breaking, from its birth in New York City in the 70s, to the worldwide culture it has become. Directed by Benson Lee, it focuses on the 2005 Battle of the Year, and five particular crews in the competition, representing France, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. It includes extensive footage of the world’s best breakers, and interviews with the movers and shakers of this vibrant culture.

La Danse (2009)
This is a documentary about the Paris Opera Ballet and its production of seven different ballets. Director Frederick Wiseman is known for his raw, non-narrative style, and La Danse is a good example of this. This film had critics divided – some say it is the best film about dance ever made, others are exasperated by scenes that seem meandering and superfluous. Me? I’m a fan, and if you are interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of a professional dance company, chances are you will be too.

This Is It (2009)
From veteran choreographer, director and producer Kenny Ortega comes this controversial documentary about Michael Jackson. Filmed during rehearsals for Jackson’s This Is It tour, the footage was not originally intended for a film, but after his sudden death 18 days before the tour, the decision was made to release it as a documentary. If you’re a fan, it’s pretty hard to resist getting a behind-the-scenes look at a legend in action.

Fame (2009)
Nineteen years after the original, a remake of this classic movie musical was made. Centered on a group of students at the New York Academy of Performing Arts, and performed by young talented artists, this movie was popular, but begs the simple question, ‘Why?’ Why remake a cult classic?

Mao’s Last Dancer (2009)
This is based on the incredible autobiography of Li Cunxin, the ballet dancer who escaped Communist China and became one of America’s, then Australia’s brightest stars. Although it doesn’t even come close to being as amazing as the book, it is still an excellent insight into what this wonderful dancer went through, and the sacrifices he made. With choreography by Graeme Murphy and Janet Vernon, and appearances by dancers of The Australian Ballet and Sydney Dance Company, the dancing is high quality too.

Black Swan (2010)
One of the most talked about movies of the last year, Black Swan really gets under your skin. As with much of Director Darren Aronofsky’s work, there are sequences that are difficult to watch. It is the story of one young dancer’s psychological descent, and although it is not a realistic depiction of the ballet world, it is completely engrossing as a dark, thriller fantasy. There was a lot of publicity to the tune of ‘did she or didn’t she dance her own steps?’, but Natalie Portman won an Oscar for her leading role.

We all need a little inspiration, or sometimes just a little entertainment during our Summer vacation time.  So gather your dance friends, some popcorn and these dance movies, for a night of fun. Who knows, you might even learn a move or two?

Enjoy this two-part series looking at some of the best dance movies in motion picture history.

By Rain Francis

Swing Time (1936)
No dance movie list would be complete without a mention of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Swing Time is considered by many to be one of their best. Beautifully directed by George Stevens, and with dance numbers choreographed in collaboration with the great Hermes Pan, this film is the perfect showcase for the melding of tap, ballet and ballroom, made famous by Astaire and Rogers.

The Red Shoes (1948)
Based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy-tale about an enchanted pair of red ballet shoes, this film won two Oscars and was nominated for three more. It is a tragic story of love, manipulation and obsession – themes which are echoed, 63 years later, in Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan. Starring Moira Shearer, Leonard Massine and Robert Helpmann, The Red Shoes is a must-see for lovers of either dance or great movies. Apparently it’s one of Martin Scorsese’s favourite films too!

Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Surely one of the greatest movie musicals ever made, Singin’ in the Rain was choreographed and co-directed by the one and only Gene Kelly. Dancing alongside him are Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds. Cyd Charrise makes a wonderfully slinky appearance in one of the best dance sequences in the movie, Broadway Melody Ballet. Other classic scenes include the ground-breaking title number, as well as Good Morning, Fit as a Fiddle and Make ‘Em Laugh – which showcases O’Connor at his best.

West Side Story (1961)
Directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, West Side Story won 10 Oscars, including Best Picture. Adapted from the highly successful Broadway musical from 1957 (also directed by Robbins), it retells Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Verona is replaced with New York City, and the warring families are instead two street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. 50 years on, the staging and choreography of West Side still looks innovative – this film was ahead of its time.

Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Before he was Danny Zuko in Grease, John Travolta starred as Tony Manero, the streetwise disco king from Brooklyn. The famed soundtrack, composed and performed mostly by the Bee Gees, became the best-selling movie soundtrack ever, and remained so for 15 years after the film’s release. Against the glitz and glamour of the disco world, the story of Saturday Night Fever is pretty dark, involving racial conflict, violence and depression. Travolta landed an Academy nomination for Best Actor for his role.

The Turning Point (1977)
Nominated for 11 Oscars, including Best Supporting Actor for Mikhail Baryshnikov, The Turning Point reflects on the choices we make through life, and the dreams we sometimes cannot fulfil. With amazing performances by Anne Bancroft and Shirley MacLaine, and featuring artists of the American Ballet Theatre, such as Lucette Aldous, Peter Martins and Suzanne Farrell, this is surely one of the best ballet movies ever.

All That Jazz (1979)
This is a semi-autobiographical story, directed by Bob Fosse. Perhaps the greatest jazz choreographer of all time depicts himself – through central character Joe Gideon – as an over-worked, substance-addicted womaniser, in the pull of a downward spiral. With its fantasy elements, disjointed sequences and graphic medical scenes, All That Jazz is not for everyone, however if you’re a Fosse fan, it’s a must see.

Nijinsky (1980)
This film tells the story of Vaslav Nijinksy, his relationship with the controlling impresario of the Ballets Russes, Sergei Diaghilev, and an eventual descent into madness. It is said to be based on biographical fact, using Nijinsky’s personal journals and his wife’s book, Life of Nijinsky, as its main source of research. It is directed by Herbert Ross, who also directed The Turning Point, Footloose and Dancers.

Flashdance (1983)
With its leg-warmers, big hair, step-ball-changes and legendary soundtrack, this cult film IS the 80s. Jennifer Beale stars as a welder by day, exotic dancer by night, with dreams of training at a prestigious ballet school. It’s cheesy in all the right ways, and scored a load of awards and nominations in its day (mostly for music and editing), despite being panned by many critics.

Footloose (1984)
Based loosely on events which took place in a small town in Oklahoma, Footloose is a classic story of teen rebellion. A very young and agile Kevin Bacon stars as a city kid who moves to a small town – one that has banned dancing and rock music. Among its many great features are one of history’s best ‘angry dance’ sequences, a cracking soundtrack, and even an appearance by Sarah Jessica Parker. Look out for the remake, which is due for release in October 2011.

Breakin’ (1984)
As far as films go, Breakin’ is pretty flawed, but features some awesome popping, locking and breaking, from a time when these styles were just being developed. A must-see for today’s b-boys and b-girls, this film was inspired by the German documentary Breakin’ and Enterin’. Ice T makes his cinematic debut in this one, and keep your eyes peeled for Jean-Claude van Damme!

A Chorus Line (1985)
A stylised depiction of the audition process, this film doesn’t really live up to the Broadway show version, although it is fun. It features a young Michael Douglas, some super high-cut leotards and a lot of over-acting. Classic numbers include I Can Do That, Dance: Ten; Looks: Three and the impressively gold-lycra clad finale, One.

White Nights (1985)
This movie is another vehicle for the great Mikhail Baryshnikov, this time co-starring with Gregory Hines, Helen Mirren and Isabella Rossellini, with choreography by Twyla Tharp. If you haven’t seen White Nights, check out www.youtube.com/watch?v=02EvsGal-Wc&feature=related for a taste of its brilliance.

Dirty Dancing (1987)
You’d have to have been living under a rock not to have seen this one! The late Patrick Swayze is magnificent as dance instructor Johnny, teaching the young ‘Baby’ a thing or two – including some new, sexy dance moves, and possibly the most famous lift ever seen in a movie. The soundtrack is a classic, and includes some hits which are now favourites at karaoke bars the world over. Dirty Dancing spawned a 2004 prequel, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, as well as a highly successful stage version.

Dancers (1987)
Mikhail Baryshnikov, Leslie Browne, Alessandra Ferri and Lynn Seymour star in this movie about a ballet company rehearsing for a production of Giselle in Southern Italy. Critics’ reviews were, in short, caustic, but as ballet lovers, we’re prepared to turn a blind eye to a dodgy script and some under-developed characters, in the name of beautiful dancing – right?

Tap (1989)
Gregory Hines stars as Max, a dancer who, through lack of opportunity, has turned to crime. As with many dance films, it’s generally agreed that the storyline is fairly lame but the dancing is awesome. Gregory Hines was the most incredible tap dancer of his day, and if that’s not enough, Tap also stars Sammy Davis Jr, in his last screen appearance.