5 Must Watch Dance Films

Now that it’s winter and it’s getting colder, there has never been a better time to rug up in warm clothes and blankets and pop on a film, or even to have a big dance movie marathon. There is no shortage of films about dance that can get you inspired and motivated to improve your dance skills.

Wouldn’t it be perfect if all of our problems could be solved when we finally landed that perfect pirouette, or nailed that tricky flip? While there are so many options for iconic dance films to choose from for your dance movie marathon, here are just a few suggestions to get you started.

Below is a list (in no particular order) of five dance films that every dancer will enjoy!

Dirty Dancing (1987)

Dirty Dancing is an absolute dance movie classic. Baby and Johnny perform some of the most iconic dance scenes in dance film history in their duets. With a great 80’s soundtrack to accompany, this film will have you up and dancing! No one puts Baby in a corner.

Center Stage (2000)

Another canonical dance film! Follow twelve adolescents as they train at the renowned American Academy of Ballet. With their futures on the line, there is a lot for them to deal with vying for a place in the company.

Footloose (1984)

Footloose is one of the most well-known dance films there is! In a small town where rock music and dancing has been made illegal, Ren is in for a huge culture shock. Can Ren loosen up this conservative town and bring back song and dance?

Mao’s Last Dancer (2009)

Based on a true story, this film tells the story of the extraordinary journey of former ballet dancer Li Cunxin. Taken from his peasant family in rural China in the era of Mao’s cultural revolution everything changes when he is chosen to attend a ballet summer school in Houston, Texas. 

Billy Elliot (2000)

Billy Elliot tells the tale of young Billy, a coal miner’s son, whose life is forever changed when he stumbles upon a ballet class while at his weekly boxing training session. Before long, he finds himself in a dance class where he demonstrates a raw and unconventional talent for ballet. This one is another must-watch for every dancer, and is sure to pull on your heartstrings!

Let us know if you have a dance movie night by tagging us over on Instagram @dancefactor or tag us at Dance Factor by Jessica Walker on Facebook!