MCB’s FAVORITE DANCE MOVIES
There are literally thousands of classic and iconic dance movies to choose from, so here are some of Miami City Ballet’s favorites to add to your list. Plus, a bonus list of our favorite dance documentaries.
The Turning Point, 1977
Jennifer Lauren, Principal: It’s a classic ballet movie with a lot of dancers from the 70’s including Baryshnikov!
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Singin’ in the Rain, 1952
Adrienne Carter, Corps de Ballet: One of my all time favorite movies, it never fails to put me in a good mood!
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White Nights, 1985
Samantha Galler, Soloist: Who doesn’t love Hines and Baryshnikov!
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Center Stage, 2000
Lauren Fadeley, Principal Soloist: Center Stage includes every dance cliche possible with the most quotable lines – just so entertaining all around!
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White Christmas, 1954
Ellen Grocki, Corps de Ballet: I know it’s a holiday movie, but it has some of my absolute FAVORITE dance scenes ever!! “The best things happen while you’re dancing!”
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Footloose, 1984
Anna Grunewald, Corps de Ballet: I never tire of watching the dance scenes in this movie – It makes me want to get up and dance too!
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Grease, 1978
Maddie Goodman, Corps de Ballet: Grease is just so fun and a true classic. Who couldn’t love the music, John Travolta, and the 50’s.
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High Strung, 2016
Luiz Silva, Corps de Ballet: It’s a beautiful mix of ballet, music, street dance, drama and passion. I mean violins, dancers and DJs.
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Dirty Dancing, 1987
Anne Mortomore, Marketing Manager: Cause nobody puts baby in a corner… Also because this movie made me feel like anyone and everyone can dance.
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Cabaret, 1972
Stephanie Zappala, Director of Marketing: Willkommen to one of the best dance films ever – Bob Fosse and Liza Minelli at their peak. Grab a chair, a hat, a martini and dance along in the living room.
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Step Up, 2006
Lisa Pollack, Director of Special Events: Romantic and fun dance film about students who get their big performance break.
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Saturday Night Fever, 1977
Mike Sebesto, Company Manager: Who doesn’t love the Bee Gees?!
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Flashdance, 1983
Joy Stanfield, Executive Assistant: Jennifer Beals plays a beautiful young woman who works a day job in a steel mill and dances in a bar at night. Also, the theme song “What a Feeling” by Irene Cara is so great!
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La La Land, 2016
Kelsey Irl, Executive Coordinator: A fun musical about pursuing your dreams. The scene where Mia meets her friends to go to a party and they’re all wearing colorful dresses – gives me chills every time!
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Mao’s Last Dancer, 2010
The inspirational true story of a Chinese ballet dancer who migrates to the USA to continue dancing.
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Billy Elliot, 2000
The heartwarming story of a young boy from a working-class family who discovers a passion for dance that will change his life.
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West Side Story, 1961
The award-winning classic about two youngsters from rival New York City gangs that fall in love, but tensions between their respective friends build toward tragedy.
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Fame, 1980
A chronicle of the lives of several teenagers who attend a New York high school for students gifted in the performing arts.
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Breakin 2 – Electric Boogaloo, 1984
Kelly’s father disapproves of her friendship with street dancers Ozone and Turbo, but she persists with her break-dancing.The big performance at the end with the kids is everything!
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Happy Feet, 2006
Into the world of the Emperor Penguins, who find their soul mates through song, a penguin is born who cannot sing. But he can tap dance something fierce!
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Documentaries
Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil Le Clercq, 2013
Elena Quevedo, Head of Development: A beautiful documentary about this iconic dancer and Balanchine muse who was later struck by polio.
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Mr Gaga: A True Story of Love and Dance, 2017
Tricia Albertson, Principal: A documentary about Ohad Naharin, choreographer and artistic director of Batsheva Dance Company. So interesting to watch his movement quality and how he gets his dancers to be more honest in their own movement.
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Pina, 2011
Tricia Albertson, Principal: A beautiful documentary about Pina Bausch. It made me see dance and performance art in a whole new way.
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Ballet 422, 2014
Ella Titus, Corps de Ballet: This movie feels like you’re back to normal rehearsing in the studios. Plus we love a Justin Peck ballet!
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Etoiles: Dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet, 2001
Isabel Von der Muhll, Donor Relations Manager: It really spoke to my experience at SAB – there’s really great footage of the Paris Opera Ballet school
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What are your favorite dance movies? We’d love you to let us know. Tell us at marketing@miamicityballet.org and we’ll add them to the list!