Dance Movies That Will Make You Move

Description: A classic tale of a ballerina torn between her career and her love life, this film explores the sacrifices and passion involved in the world of ballet.

Fact: The film's ballet sequence was inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale of the same name. It was also one of the first films to use Technicolor, enhancing its visual impact.

Description: This iconic film follows Alex, a welder by day and an aspiring dancer by night, as she pursues her dream of attending a prestigious dance school. Its pulsating soundtrack and memorable dance sequences make it a timeless classic in dance cinema.

Fact: The film's famous audition scene was improvised by Jennifer Beals, who played Alex. Also, the song "Flashdance... What a Feeling" won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Description: Set in the summer of 1963, this film tells the story of Baby, who falls for her dance instructor Johnny, leading to a summer of love, dance, and personal growth. Its famous lift scene has become a cultural phenomenon.

Fact: The film was initially not well-received by critics but became a massive hit through word of mouth. Patrick Swayze, who played Johnny, was a trained dancer and did most of his own dancing.

Description: After a tragedy, Sara moves to Chicago and finds solace in dance, blending her ballet background with hip-hop, leading to a fusion of styles and cultures.

Fact: The film features a memorable dance battle scene that showcases the integration of different dance forms. Julia Stiles, who played Sara, had to learn ballet and hip-hop for the role.

Description: This film takes us inside the American Ballet Academy, where students face the rigors of ballet training, personal drama, and the pursuit of their dreams.

Fact: The film features real-life professional dancers, including Ethan Stiefel, who was a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet.

Description: Set against the backdrop of the 1984 miners' strike in England, this film follows Billy, a boy who discovers his passion for ballet, challenging gender norms and societal expectations.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of Philip Mosley, who became a ballet dancer despite his background in a mining community. It was adapted into a successful stage musical.

Description: Honey Daniels is a hip-hop dancer who aspires to become a choreographer, navigating the challenges of the dance world while staying true to her roots.

Fact: Jessica Alba, who played Honey, had to learn to dance for the role, and the film helped popularize hip-hop dance culture.

Description: A remake of the Japanese film, this version follows a lawyer who takes up ballroom dancing to add excitement to his life, finding romance and self-discovery along the way.

Fact: The film was a box office success, and Richard Gere, who played the lead, learned to dance for the role, showcasing his dedication to the character.

Description: A tale of two dancers from different worlds who come together through their love for dance. Tyler, a street dancer, and Nora, a ballet dancer, find common ground and create something extraordinary.

Fact: The film launched a franchise with several sequels. Channing Tatum, who played Tyler, was discovered by a talent scout while working as a roofer.

Description: This psychological thriller explores the dark side of ballet through the story of Nina, a ballerina who becomes obsessed with perfection, leading to a descent into madness. It's a dance film that delves deep into the psyche.

Fact: Natalie Portman trained for a year to prepare for her role, losing 20 pounds in the process. The film won an Oscar for Best Actress for Portman.