Top 20 Best Period Drama Dance Scenes

#20: Queen Elizabeth & Robert Dudley

“Elizabeth” (1998)

This Cate Blanchett-led vehicle plays fast and loose with historical fact. But one aspect it did not scant was Elizabeth’s romantic but fraught connection with her childhood friend, Robert Dudley, played by Joseph Fiennes. In this iconic moment, after Elizabeth has become the Queen, the indiscreet lovers dance the Italian volta together for all the court to see. Choreographed by Sue Lefton, this volta is also not 100% historically correct. Still, the grace and elegance of this risky and risqué dance is mesmerizing. The intimacy between these two star-crossed royal lovers is especially palpable. We love to see it.

#19: Megan’s Birthday Dance for Don“Mad Men” (2007-15)

“Zou bisou bisou…” This earworm of a sixties ditty, composed by Bill Shepherd and Alan Tew, is employed to brilliant effect in this critically-acclaimed period drama. In this scene, Don Draper gets a surprise birthday dance from his secretary-turned-wife, Megan Calvet, in front of SCDP. Both awkward and sultry, this seemingly innocuous scene is a revealing one on many fronts: Don’s barely-controlled discomfiture, Megan’s subtle show of power and confidence, and the rifts of their whirlwind romance. There is trouble in this paradise.

#18: Anna Leonowens & the King

“The King & I” (1956)

Who can beat Rodgers and Hammerstein when it comes to musical romance—or latent sexual tension, for that matter? The film adaptation of their hit 1951 stage musical is a handsome one, starring Deborah Kerr as prim schoolteacher Anna and Yul Brynner as her imperious employer, the King of Siam. After many cultural and personality clashes, Anna and the King have a friendly moment when Anna teaches him how to dance the polka. There’s the iconic song, a charmingly choreographed dance, those beautiful costumes, and…is it us, or are things becoming a bit too hot? You’re seeing this too, right? We’ll have whatever they’re having.

#17: Edith Cushing & Sir Thomas Sharpe

“Crimson Peak” (2015)

Guillermo del Toro’s Gothic romance is a visually stunning film, and its dance scene is also one to remember. American heiress-turned-author Edith Cushing meets the dashing Sir Thomas Sharpe, an English baronet-cum-inventor. In this scene, Sir Thomas leads a demonstration on how to dance a waltz, holding a candle to ensure proper technique. Obeying the principle that when Tom Hiddleston asks you to dance, you dance, Edith accepts his offer. Their waltz is all the more beautiful with the golden candle light, and the intimacy between the two is believable. Let’s just pretend they lived happily ever, shall we?

#16: Elena Montero & Alejandro Murrieta

“The Mask of Zorro” (1998)

It’s Catherine Zeta-Jones and Antonio Banderas in a close embrace. What more can you ask for? This oldie but goodie follows Alejandro, a bandit who is being trained by the original Zorro as his successor. The original Zorro is determined to avenge his wife’s death and find his long-lost daughter, Elena. Elena has now been raised as the daughter of the corrupt governor, Don Rafael Montero, who first imprisoned Alejandro. When Alejandro meets Elena, they dance first an elegant waltz, then a passionate flamenco. And the dance says it all. Who knew Zeta-Jones and Banderas would work so well together?

#15: Elizabeth Bennet & Mr. Darcy

“Pride and Prejudice” (1995)

You can’t go wrong with the OG of period romance. One of the most beloved adaptations of Jane Austen’s classic novel has to be this 1995 BBC TV drama, acclaimed for its fidelity. The choreography is perfect, with music by Carl Davis and choreography by Jane Gibson. In this scene at the Netherfield ball, Mr. Darcy asks Elizabeth to dance, which she grudgingly accepts. The stately Regency dance goes well with Darcy and Elizabeth’s witty but increasingly tense conversation. The metaphorical gloves come off when Elizabeth prods Darcy on his behavior towards Mr. Wickham. This is a stunningly well-choreographed battle of wits as engrossing as it is consequential. Also: Just kiss already!

#14: The Cast

“Swing Kids” (1993)

It can be difficult to showcase the music of previous generations, what with our recency bias and preconceived notions. But this film really captures the youthful energy and verve of the ‘30s big band and swing era. We follow German youth as they get their groove on to Benny Goodman, defying the Nazi regime’s racist ideas on “acceptable” dances. They dance here to Louis Prima’s 1936 composition, “Sing, Sing, Sing,” famously arranged as a big band showcase by Benny Goodman. Athletic choreography, great costumes, an immortal big band standard, and a high-spirited rebellion against Nazis. What more can we want, really?

#13: Charlotte Heywood & Sidney Parker

“Sanditon” (2019-23)

Austen’s unfinished work nevertheless found its way to the small screen in 2019. Your mileage may vary on the miniseries’ fidelity to Austen, but one thing’s for sure: The series has one terrific dance scene. At the titular developing seaside resort, Charlotte Heywood finds herself clashing with handsome wild card Sidney Parker. Their stately but dynamic pair dance is rife with unspoken tension, as Charlotte and Sidney’s latent attraction to each other comes to the fore. Their budding relationship is an interesting addition to Austen’s work, and one we won’t soon forget.

#12: Emma Woodhouse & George Knightley“Emma” (2020)

In this classic Austen novel, wealthy heiress Emma Woodhouse decides to play matchmaker, though her matches end up backfiring on her splendidly. She is also slow to realize her deeper feelings for her down-to-earth brother-in-law, George Knightley. In this scene, she asks to dance with Mr. Knightley, who, it turns out, also cherishes secret feelings for her. The grace of the dance, the lingering physical contact, the intriguing lack of gloves…it’s period romance at its finest. If these two didn’t realize they were in love before this moment, they certainly know it now.

#11: Scarlett O’Hara & Rhett Butler“Gone With the Wind” (1939)

When it comes to epic romance, this blockbuster film delivers it and so much more. A recently widowed Scarlett O’Hara attends a charity bazaar in Atlanta, where gentlemen bid on a dance with a lady. There she causes a great scandal when she accepts a dance with the roguish Rhett Butler, even though she is supposed to be in mourning. Both bold, unconventional, and passionate, Rhett and Scarlett prove they are truly made for each other in their vivacious waltz…if only Scarlett would finally give up her nostalgia for the Old South—er, her love for Ashley. We’ll always want more than flirting from this couple.

#10: Natasha Rostova & Andrei Bolkonsky

“War and Peace” (2016)

You know that enormous novel by Leo Tolstoy that has been looming over fans of literature for over a century? Don’t worry, there are plenty of screen adaptations. The story features a number of romances; however, that of Andrei and Natasha is central and most passionate. This is felt in the 2016 miniseries when the two dance a waltz. Natasha anxiously watches as all the young ladies are chosen, and is visibly nervous when Andrei walks over to ask her to dance. The moment is magical, and the two are clearly falling in love during the waltz, as they appear, despite countless other couples, to be the only two on the dance floor.

#9: Daphne Bridgerton & Simon Basset

“Bridgerton” (2020-)

In the widely popular show “Bridgerton,” Daphne and Simon forge a secret alliance to pretend to be courting each other, as neither is interested in settling down. However, over time, one can see the evolution of their relationship, and the two eventually and inevitably end up falling in love. Actor Rege-Jean Page has said that the dance scenes were like a “gift” for the actors, as they provide a sense of honesty. Where a person can hide emotions in everyday living, dancing gives way to enchanted gazes and a sense of letting go. This is clearly seen in the couple’s dance sequences, as well as some other, fairly obvious symbols of sexual tension such as fireworks. The series has delivered many iconic dances, including season 4’s classical rendition of Charli XCX’s “360.” We can watch this clip all day!

#8: Larita & Jim Whittaker

“Easy Virtue” (2009)

This one is a little different, although it does feature many a romance fan’s perpetual dream actor, Colin Firth. American Larita marries into a wealthy English family. She doesn’t quite fit in, and has her share of issues particularly with her new husband’s mother and sisters. The family patriarch, however, has grown weary of the estate life, and sets himself apart from his aristocratic family. Complications ensue between Larita and her husband, causing the latter to refuse to dance with her at a party. Enter the father, Jim Whittaker, for a delightful tango, proving that Larita has some form of acceptance in the wealthy, snobbish world.

#7: Eilis Lacey & Tony Fiorello

“Brooklyn” (2015)

The film takes place in 1951, when young Irish woman Eilis Lacey makes the trek across the ocean to Brooklyn, New York. She is apprehensive about the life awaiting her in the metropolis, and is unsure about her decision to emigrate. That is, until she meets Tony, and the two share a whirlwind romance. Much like earlier entries in this list, Eilis is spotted by the handsome New Yorker from across a crowded dance hall, and he swoops in as soon as she is available. The two share a couple of dances, and though there doesn’t seem to be any swoonful gazes just yet, we know this is a moment.

#6: Cinderella & Prince Kit

“Cinderella” (2015)

Some classics just never get old. In 2015, Disney brought its version of “Cinderella,” to live action with Lily James in the title role and Richard Madden as her prince. We welcomed it with open hearts. The ballroom dance scene is quintessential in the Disney universe, and this one didn’t disappoint. First of all, let’s mention that Cinderella’s outfit is one we all dreamt of as children. As she dances with the prince, the visual effect of that sparkling gown, coupled with the sparkle in the potential lovers’ eyes make for a perfectly magical waltz. Bonus points go to Madden for successfully maneuvering around that enormous skirt, and Lily James, who took an estimated 45 minutes to put it on each time.

#5: Jane Austen & Tom Lefroy

“Becoming Jane” (2007)

Upon meeting Tom Lefroy in “Becoming Jane,” Jane Austen dances with him yet reacts much like her famous character Lizzie Bennet upon meeting Mr. Darcy. She considers him to be an arrogant wretch, and is unimpressed by his cavalier attitude. But, again much like her own protagonists, she eventually falls in love. This first dance, however, is quite impressive in its marriage of choreography and conversation. The two dance in a sort of automatic fashion, as they converse intermittently through the movements. Much like the other stories of this kind, the meeting is all too brief, and the wrong impressions are given. The duo share a far more passionate dance towards the end of the film.

#4: Rose DeWitt Bukater & Jack Dawson

“Titanic” (1997)

We love a good “two worlds coming together” romance, and Rose and Jack give us one of the best. As a member of the wealthy elite, Rose shouldn’t be going anywhere below the first class decks. Yet after having struck a romantic relationship with Jack, she ventures into his territory and into a lively dance. At first she is hesitant to join, however Jack, with his live for the moment ethos, pulls her into the festivities. Rose gradually becomes more comfortable with her surroundings, and ends up doing a jig and spinning wildly with her lover. It’s a beautiful and light-hearted moment, and honestly, looks like a hell of a good time.

#3: Anna Karenina & Count Alexei Vronsky

“Anna Karenina” (2012)

This one is unique among our other entries. The film is aesthetically stylized, taking place entirely in an old theater. Thus the dance scene between Anna and Vronsky is a kind of beautifully surreal performance sequence. Despite knowing that she shouldn’t encourage him, Anna can’t resist Vronksy’s attentions. As the two gracefully dance their way through the crowded ballroom, time stops. The dancers in the foreground freeze, allowing the couple to be the central focus. Mid-dance, the pair is suddenly alone for a few, darkened, intimate moments, only to be gradually rejoined by the reality of shocked onlookers and jealous eyes. It’s a truly beautiful and evocative scene.

#2: Elizabeth Bennet & Mr. Darcy

“Pride & Prejudice” (2005)

What lover of romance doesn’t fondly remember Mr. Darcy? The dreamy yet serious gentleman has been portrayed by many actors over the years, all of whom did an arguably excellent job at making our hearts flutter. We’ve already seen one excellent Darcy on this list, but Matthew Macfadyen is perhaps even more memorable. The initial meeting of the two is tense, with Darcy offending Lizzie’s pride and Lizzie taking issue with his haughtiness. When the two do eventually share a dance at a later ball it is mostly as a formality. What results is a tense exchange of small talk. The symbolic cut to the two dancing alone reveals that their real feelings might be more complicated though. Mr. Darcy is…everything.

#1: Maria & Captain Von Trapp

“The Sound of Music” (1965)

Ah, the moment when the stuffy patriarch shows his romantic side… In the classic film, governess Maria is outdoors with the children during a fancy party, showing them how to dance. Enter the handsome Captain Von Trapp, swooping in to provide a proper demonstration. The two glide across the garden floor with grace, in one of those classic old-school Hollywood dance numbers. The Captain is clearly far less strait-laced in this scene than usual, as he smiles and enjoys the moment, while Maria seems rather surprised at this change in character. The dance ends with a blushing Maria and a longful gaze, melting our hearts.

Which other dance scene from a period drama makes you want to fly on a bright cloud of music? Let us know in the comments down below!