Top 10 Dance Scenes in 80s Movies
#10: “Score Tonight” “Grease 2” (1982)
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While it doesn’t quite live up to its predecessor, “Grease 2” has its fair share of notable song and dance numbers. This new generation grooves its way into a fresh start at Rydell and sees out the year with a fun and spirited luau. Perhaps the most impressive routine sees the cast bring their remarkable dance talents to the bowling alley, where the ensemble brilliantly combines the game with animated steps. Watching them take their shots and then fly into pirouettes is amazing. But, we’re particularly bowled over by their moves during the instrumental dance break. Regardless of what you think about the movie, this is a strike-ing scene! (And, yes, puns very much intended.)
#9: “Xanadu” “Xanadu” (1980)
“Xanadu” flopped so majorly that it, in part, inspired the launch of the Golden Raspberry Awards. However, one category we believe they wouldn’t be eligible for is worst choreography. After all, this was a film helmed by Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. And, if you ask us, the “Whenever you’re away” dance sequence is enough to earn the movie a little redemption. Still, nothing’s more quintessential of the era than the flashy titular number. There’s so much going on that it’s hard to pick out just one moment. Everything from the exaggerated moves, bold costumes, and rollerblades totally screams the 80s.
#8: Opening Credits “Do the Right Thing” (1989)
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Spike Lee’s opening credits are almost as memorable as his movies. “Do the Right Thing” takes place on a sizzling summer day in Brooklyn, where racial tensions are at an all-time high. The themes are prevalent from the first moment you see Rosie Perez dancing to “Fight the Power.” Lee used words like “defiant,” “angry,” and “rhythmic” to describe the intent behind the choreography, and approached Public Enemy to create a song that suited this vibe. Additionally, he shared that the 1963 movie musical “Bye Bye Birdie’s” opening title also inspired him. Perez’s moves are stylistic, full of purpose, and utterly hypnotic. It certainly earned its place as a part of cinematic history.
#7: “Far From Over” “Staying Alive” (1983)
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If you’re not yet feeling that 80s nostalgia, we got you. The sequel to 1977’s “Saturday Night Fever” reintroduces us to former disco king Tony Manero as he pursues his big break in the dance world. In this scene, Tony steals the spotlight from the other auditionees while strutting his stuff to Frank Stallone’s “Far From Over.” It’s an unbelievably energetic and athletic sequence, with dancers spinning, leaping, and flipping all over the place and Travolta’s unparalleled talents leading the way. Seriously, his hips have us locked in a trance from which we never want to be awakened.
#6: “Prove Me Wrong” “White Nights” (1985)
What’s better than having one dance icon leading a movie? Two of them, of course. “White Nights” combined the unrivaled talents of ballet giant Mikhail Baryshnikov and tap-dancing legend Gregory Hines. The film follows two people from vastly different backgrounds who find common ground through their passion for dance. This sequence encapsulates just that. The pair move in perfect unison, but it’s also clear that each brings a unique flair and slightly different feel to the choreography. Hines shared that the film was a collaborative effort, with both using their opposing backgrounds to bring out the best in each other. We don’t need to tell you that the payoff was tremendous. Just watch for yourselves.
#5: The Audition “Flashdance” (1983)
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Remember when Alex dances to “He’s a Dream” early on in the film? You know, that iconic bit with the chair? The innovative choreography goes so hard that we didn’t think they could ever top it. But then came Alex’s audition, and we were left feeling like we’d just been doused in water. She sets herself apart from the other auditionees with an upbeat jazzy routine to Irene Cara’s “What a Feeling.” It combines ballet, jazz, contemporary steps, and even a little breakdancing. Is it any wonder that the panel loses its composure as the routine builds momentum? This dance changed the face of musical movie history and became a pop culture phenomenon.
#4: Everyone Gets “Footloose” “Footloose” (1984)
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For a movie set in a small town that's banned everything from ballroom-swaying to toe-tapping, it was surprisingly hard to choose just one standout dance scene. No one does angry dancing quite like Ren, and watching him teach Willard some moves was also pretty memorable. Still, nothing beats the teens' excitement when they finally let loose at the prom. Everyone really brings it, and each moment's joyously euphoric. You can imagine audiences back in 1984 jumping to their feet in packed theaters and grooving along. Even the most reluctant of dancers can't help but be figuratively (and literally) moved by the vibes in this scene.
#3: Opening Scene Audition “A Chorus Line” (1985)
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There’s no denying that “A Chorus Line’s” finale is a “singular sensation” and a “thrilling combination.” However, we have to spotlight the moment that started it all. The film opens the curtains on the grueling experience of auditioning for a Broadway show. We watch countless hopefuls perform complex and intricate choreography in a bid to stand out from the crowd. Their flexibility, agility, and stamina amaze us as much today as they did when we first saw the movie. If it were up to us, we’d just get a bigger stage to accommodate all that talent! Every second is magnetic and utterly riveting, and nothing says “a 5, 6, 7, 80s” more!
#2: “Fame” “Fame” (1980)
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If you’re anything like us, you only need to hear the opening beats to this song, and you’re grabbing your leotard and leg warmers, and heading out to the street. This scene proves that you don’t need slick and meticulous choreography to create an unforgettable and legendary dance moment. Indeed, Irene Cara’s iconic tune literally stops traffic as the students rush into the busy New York roads and move in whatever way the music compels them to. Apparently, it took three days to shoot, and they closed half of central Manhattan to get it done. Yet, it looks totally spontaneous, feels electric, and oozes fun. The number practically defines this generation of the dance genre, and we have no doubt its legacy will live forever. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Detention Dance, “The Breakfast Club” (1985) Who Wants To Recreate the Montage with Us?! “Day-O” Routine, “Beetlejuice” (1988) It Would Be Impossible to Decline an Invitation to This Dinner Party Hoofing It on the Ceiling, “Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo” (1984) This Gravity-Defying Number Is Still Astounding Today “Shake a Tail Feather,” “The Blues Brothers” (1980) Just Hearing This Song Makes Us Want to Shake Our Tail Feathers! “Twist and Shout,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986) We All Dreamt of Ditching School & Having Our Own “Twist and Shout” Moment
#1: “(I've Had) The Time of My Life” “Dirty Dancing” (1987)
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Few dances from 80s movies stand out as much as this show-stopping finale—and, no, not just because of that famous lift. Choreographers Kenny Ortega and Doriana Sanchez combined several dance styles to create their signature “Dirty Dancing” moves. The routine appears during the film’s climax when Baby finally comes into her own and shows everyone that she can really strut her stuff. The fluidity and sensualness of the steps, combined with Johnny and Baby’s fiery chemistry, made this a timeless moment beloved by generations. We’re not embarrassed to admit that we’ve tried replicating their moves. Just point us at the nearest lake, and we’ll even give that lift a go. Any volunteers to catch us?
