For many of those out there who love dancing as much as I do, probably know the struggle (okay not really a struggle) in finding a TV show or movie that purely captures real dancing! Here I have collected together a list of my favourite dance themed TV shows and movies, that are perfect to watch while stretching, or whenever you aren't at the studio!
1. First Position (2011 Dance Documentary) If you haven't already seen this amazing dance documentary, be sure to check it out. It's set around the main theme of unbelievably talented dancers who prepare for the Youth Grand Prix of America (YAGP). Many of these dancers can now be seen becoming even better dancers today. Be sure to check it out on Netflix!
Here's the trailer for First Position:
2. Dance Moms (2011- present Reality TV show) Now if you haven't watched this TV show, you should definitely check it out. They have amazing dancers that they follow each week and perform a different routine at a new competition. One of the main aspects though in watching this show is the drama between the dance moms (hence the title, hahaha) and their dance teacher, Abby Lee Miller. Beware when showing this TV show to younger viewers as it can get pretty loud from all of the arguing, but if you still like watching them dance, check them out on youtube! They usually have their routines uploaded every week. This show is run by Lifetime every week on Tuesdays and is also on Netflix in America.
Here's the trailer for the most recent season of Dance Moms Season 5:
3. Dance Academy (2010-2013 Australia Teen/Kids Drama TV Show) Originally this TV show was recommended to me by a friend and the first thing she told me was to keep watching it even though the first season isn't that great. After watching it I became in love with the show as it is based in Australia and follows a group of teen ballet dancers who want to become professionals and attend a top end ballet academy. This show is also on both Canadian and American Netflix, so be sure to check it out.
Here's the trailer for season 1 of Dance Academy:
4. Billy Elliot (2000 Drama Film) This is definitely a classic dancer movie, it follows a young boy named Billy Elliot, who loves to dance, and tries to do whatever he can to follow his dream. It is absolutely breathtaking to see it from a boy's point of view, as it is based in the 1980's when doing ballet as a boy was even less accepted than it is today. It became such a big hit that it went on Broadway and can still be seen today. However, for younger viewers it may not be the right film as it is rated R, but make the decision at your own discretion. Be sure to check this movie out!
Here's a link to the trailer for Billy Elliot:
5. Center Stage (2000 Teen Drama Film) Okay, so here's another classic film that every dancer must see at least once in their lifetime. I absolutely adore this movie but due to some scenes and ideas I wouldn't recommend this movie for younger viewers. But before you write this movie off, I'll tell you a little bit about it. It starts off with a group of ballet dancers being accepted into American Ballet School and how they struggle to become professionals. The paths they all take are very different and this movie even has some famous dancers such as Ethan Stiefel, who is a Principal Dancer at the New York City Ballet, and ballet dancer, Julie Kent, at the American Ballet Theatre. This movie has a lot of authentic and true ballet dancing, which is why it's one of my favourites!
Here's a link to the trailer for Center Stage:
6. Step Up ( 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 Dance Film Series) Since there are now 5 Step Up Movies I thought that instead of listing all of them separately I would list them all together. These movies are definitely cheesy in the acting but amazing in the dancing. These are based on the concept of street dance competitions which are mainly performed in Hip Hop & Street Dance Genre except for the first one which was based in a high school performance. They have unbelievably talented dancers who have gone on to do amazing performances such as Twitch, Adam Sevani, Jenna Dewan, Harry Shum Jr. and more. These movies are definitely a platform to showcase dancers talents. Some famous actors in these movies include Channing Tatum, Alyson Stoner, Kathryn McCormick, and more! I'm betting on the fact that they are probably going to make a bunch more of these movies, based on the fact that they already have five, so it won't be long until the next one comes out. If you feel like watching an easy to watch dance battle, this is the movie for you!
Here's a link to the trailer for the first Step Up movie:
7. Ballet Shoes (2007 British Drama Film) This is a great movie about ballet and the many struggles that people went through during the 1930's. The movie was based on the 1936 novel, "Ballet Shoes", by Noel Streatfeild. It was also the second adaption of the novel by BBC One to remember which one it is (just remember Emma Watson's in it!!!) The movie takes place in London where the main character, Sylvia Browne (played by Emma Watson) is an orphan and along with two other orphans named Posy and Pauline, they all grow up to follow their dreams. They all aspire to become ballet dancers and are followed individually throughout the film. A definite must see film!
Here's a link to the trailer for Ballet Shoes:
8. Singin' in the Rain (1952 Classic Film) Do I even need to go into details of how perfectly classic this dance movie is? With Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds, what could be a more perfect cast for this movie in the 1950's? If you haven't watched this classic movie it should definitely be the next movie on your list. Now the main concept of the movie isn't only about dancing but there is a lot of dancing in it with Gene Kelly of course! It's based around the time when a movie production company must change over to the new trend of talking films rather than silent ones, but when the main star has an awful voice, they hire another actress to voice behind the curtains, how could that go wrong? Now's your chance to watch this amazingly perfect movie!
Here's a link to the trailer for Singin' in the Rain:
9. Black Swan (2010 Drama Film) Now this movie is definitely a great movie despite some of its faults that lie within it. However, this movie is not recommended for children, tweens, and even some younger teens as it is an R rated movie for the graphic scenes in it. Even for myself my parents wouldn't let me watch certain parts of it, due to my age at the time the movie came out. Although, if you happen to want to watch this film and are at the right age, the story revolves around a ballet dancer (portrayed by Natalie Portman) and her struggle to be fully absorbed into her character as the black swan. However, she ends up taking it too seriously and many consequences follow her. Another popular actress seen in this movie as Natalie Portman's character's competition is played by Mila Kunis. Now, if you feel like watching an intense ballet dancing movie then this is the movie for you, although do try to remember that all of the scenes aren't exactly what it's like to be in a ballet company.
Here's a link to the trailer for Black Swan:
10. So You Think You Can Dance (2005-present Reality TV Show) Now this is the US version as the spin off version, So You Think You Can Dance Canada, didn't go quite as well. Although, it did last for 3 seasons, the ratings weren't high enough to make it last unfortunately. This show has a lot of dancing in it and showcases a competition between the top 20 dancers that auditioned, and some of the past competitors include Alex Wong, Kathryn McCormick, Twitch and so many more! I saw the most recent show live with the top 10 contestants of the 2014 season and it was amazing. One of the great things about this show is that they have a bunch of different styles of dance every week and a theme that follows, with different choreography too! This is definitely a much lighter show for younger viewers to watch than per say "Black Swan", so if you have young children at home who love to dance or you have them around the house a lot, this is the show for you!
Here's a trailer for Season 10 of So You Think You Can Dance:
Just to clarify this list is based on my own movie and TV show preferences and aren't put in any particular order. However, if you have any suggestions of other TV shows and movies to watch, don't be afraid to email me about it!
Bye for now!
Lauren :)