Dancing in the Movies

Since movie making began, many motion pictures have inforporated some form of dancing.
Often dancing is included in a romantic scene, perhaps with a couple shown at a dinner dance club, with brief shots of the two dancing on a small, intimate floor. Sometimes in such a scene, the dancing couple will move out onto a balcony or patio where they dance alone.

In other instances, dancing in the movies may include an entire ballroom scene which continues at some length, showing many couples dancing. Or it might be a scene from older times, with a stately minuet executed in a vast ballroom in a castle or manor house.

Ballroom dancing is often a part of a scene in movies, but there are many other types of dancing which have been a major part of movies, particularly in instances where Broadway
productions have been produced as motion pictures. Tap dancing, different styles of theatrical dancing, ballet and even folk dancing have appeared in many movies.

Often in the movies, the stars may not be those of academy award calibre, but are appreciated and highly paid because of dancing skills. This is typical of Broadway musicals, where dancing and singing talents may outweight acting ability.

In the first half ot the 20th century, tap dancing was popularized in several Broadway productions, and some of these were later reproduced as movies. Among the most famous was “42nd Street” which showcased tap dancing by individuals and chorus lines. Many dancers rose to stardom during those years, including Ruby Keeler, Fred Astaire, Bill Robinson and child star Shirley Temple. Both Fred Astair (later paired consistently with Ginger Rogers) and Shirley Temple were dancing stars in many movies.

A popular movie in recent years, “Dirty Dancing” capitalized on the evolution of modern swing and disco type dancing, a far cry from the conventional fox trot and waltz popular among older ballroom dance enthusiasts. Other recent movies have showcased the tango, a popular Latin dance which is sensuous and somewhat erotic, but very exciting to watch.

Because dancing in its many forms is an integral part of our society, it will continue to be a part of many motion pictures. It is inevitable that important aspects of our culture will be depicted in any medium which presumes to portray our society and activities of its members. From youth to old age, dancing is enjoyed by tremendous numbers of people, and the motion picture industry will continue to reflect this.

Recommended Reading

1. Dancing in Musicals - Traditionally, musical comedy, whether produced on Broadway, in other famous venues or in the movies, is based on singing and...
2. Tap Dancing - Tap dancing is a specialized form of dancing that became popular in the US particularly in the l930′s and 40′s,...
3. History of Dancing - Dancing in some form or other is one of man’s earliest expressions of joy, worship, celebration and grief. Who knows...
4. Practicing Dancing Alone - Because there are so many types of dancing with which one may be involved, practicing dancing at home can take...
5. Dancing Under the Stars - Nothing is more romantic than dancing under the stars, particularly if your partner is someone close to you. Dancing in...