Yesterday the trailer for “Step Up 4” or “Step Up: All In” hit the net, and we were psyched to see the movie return with some of the series best characters. There will be plenty of dancing, and a lot of excellent choreography and that’s all the fans care about with these movies. They’re fun entertaining films, and we’re definitely in on the new installment. In honor of the upcoming sequel, here are five great contemporary dance films.
5. Tie: Step Up 2 The Streets/Step Up 3D
The surprisingly enduring dance movies have gone on for five films and don’t show signs of slowing down. Once the writers ditched the elements like plot or characters, the movies placed the dancing up front and haven’t shied away from the winning formula since. “Step Up 2” is a major improvement over the first film with an elitist underground dance club, and a misfit group of talented dancers that rebel by giving an amazing performance outside the club in the rain. Step Up 3D takes the formula even further focusing on the most interesting character, Moose (Adam Sevani), and his introduction to a dance crew struggling to keep a shelter open as they prepare for a huge dance battle. With a great soundtrack and amazing dance sequences, this one is hard to top.
4. Hairspray (1988)
John Waters is known for his unorthodox and somewhat alternative forms of dramas and comedies, and “Hairspray” is no different. It’s a classic look at a period of racial segregation where a young overweight girl named Traci proves she can dance better than anyone in her city, despite her physical appearance. When she signs on to dance in Philadelphia’s best dance show, she explores a lot about racism, segregation, fighting for what you believe in. When she learns that African American dancers can’t dance beside the Caucasian dancers, she fights to earn them the respect and credit they deserve, all while running afoul a bigoted TV station executive. In the end, she shows that anyone can dance, no matter how big or small they are.
3. Dirty Dancing (1987)
Frances Houseman goes away for the summer with her parents to a resort, and becomes involved with the community she doesn’t see: The lover class entertainment staff of the resort that have formed their own world filled with dance and problems outside of her bubble. Frances falls for dance instructor Johnny, and after his normal partner is taken out of commission after an injury during an illegal abortion was performed, she agrees to dance with him in the final performance of the season. While the two practice and learn how to work in sync, they fall in love despite their class differences. Filled with excellent choreography, strong performances, and an amazing soundtrack, this is a classic that deserves its iconic status.
2. Mad Hot Ballroom (2005)
Marilyn Argrelo’s documentary was a hit at the Slamdance Movie Festival and it’s not hard to see why. Set in New York City, director Argrelo discovers there is a local dance program being run in public schools for children. Zeroing in on the classes, she explores a group of children that are at first very put off by the class, and soon find a sense of excitement, enthusiasm, and confidence while also coming out of their shells. “Mad Hot Ballroom” is a consistently funny and adorable look at the art of dancing and its benefits both mentally and physically. It’s perfect entertainment for kids.
1. Shall We Dansu? (1996)
The Richard Gere remake is awful, avoid it altogether. Instead, look for the 1996 masterpiece from Masayuki Suo, about an unhappy businessman who learns the art of dance from a beautiful ballerina with a tortured past. In a country that demands professionalism and strict devotion to their careers, Shohei Sugiyama finds that he has success but not happiness. Deciding to garner the attention of dance instructor Mai Kishikawa, he finds a passion for dance that gives him a sense of fulfillment, and ultimately Mai finds that running away from your past leads nowhere. It’s beautiful, subtle, and sweet.