Watch These Movies to Learn More About Dance

 

 

As dancers, we can learn a lot from watching others perform and from experiencing different styles of dance.  Some of the best choreography and performances have pulled inspiration from various styles and methods.

 

When I was a little girl, I remember watching the movie “White Christmas”, a magical musical with beautiful songs, epic dance scenes, and dazzling costumes. After finishing, I immediately turned to my parents and said, “That’s what I want to do!”.

 

My love of dance movies has continued my entire life, so twenty years later, I am here to share some of my favorites with you!

 

Singing in the Rain

 

 

What’s it About?

This movie musical became an instant classic when it was released in 1952. Watch as Gene Kelley, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds sing and dance their way through this comedy that spoofs the period of time in the 1920s when movies went from silent to sound. 

 

Which Dance Styles Can I See?

 

Musical Theatre, Tap, Jazz, Ballroom

 

What Should I Pay Attention To?

 

Performance in dance is important! The actors in this movie do an amazing job conveying the emotion of the routine while they are dancing and singing. You’ll find yourself singing along during “Singing in the Rain”and giggling up a storm during “Make Em Laugh”. 

 

Try to identify the different styles of dance throughout the movie. They sometimes even mix them up in one dance!

 

Gotta Dance

 

 

 

What’s it About?

 

Follow the NETSationals, the first ever professional Senior Hip Hop team for ages 55 years and up, while they audition and practice to perform for the NBA’s New Jersey Nets.  This is a true story documenting their first year of existence!

 

Which Dance Styles Can I See?

 

Hip Hop

 

What Should I Pay Attention To?

 

This documentary is a true testament to following your passions and dreams even into your older age. We can all learn something from the hard work and dedication these men and women put into this team. Biggest lesson of all: You are never too old to start dancing!

 

First Position

 

 

 

What’s it About?

 

This is a true story that follows six dancers from around the world as they prepare for the Youth America Grand Prix.  The movie gives you a sneak peak into their practices as well as the world of this very prestigious ballet competition.

 

Which Dance Styles Can I See?

 

Ballet

 

What Should I Pay Attention To?

 

Dancing is a truly universal language! Even though most of these dancers don’t speak the same language, they are able to tell a story just using their bodies.

 

Notice how the dancers dedicate countless hours to perfecting their technique in order to properly execute their skills.  Paying attention to small details makes a big difference.  What an amazing outcome! Practice makes perfect!

 

Jig

 

                     

 

 

What’s it About?

 

With a similar premise to First Position, Jig goes into the world of Irish Dancing and shows several dancers working their way to the World Championships in Dublin, Ireland. Irish dancing has its own technique and a style to itself. This movie is full of amazing rhythms and bouncing wig curls. You don’t want to miss it!

 

Which Dance Styles Can I See?

 

Irish Dancing; Hard shoe and soft shoe

 

What Should I Pay Attention To?

 

Jig does a great job of explaining what is important in traditional Irish dancing. Even though they dance generally with their hands glued right by their sides, there is a great deal of technique involved in correctly executing steps and rhythms loudly while still looking light as a feather. Jig also shows a wide range of different ages and nationalities competing, once again showing how universal dance can be and how many ages it can reach!

 

 The authors

 

 

Dancing has always been the big love of Amy’s life. Born in Houston, TX, Amy began training in dance at a young age. She grew up in studios dancing competitively across the country. She trained and competed in ballet, jazz, tap, pom, and hip-hop.  Amy went to high school in Lafayette, LA where she was a member of the 19 time national champion St. Thomas More Sparklers and served as Co-Captain her senior year. She attended college at the University of Oklahoma where she received a B.A. in Material Dynamics and Computer Systems, and was a member and Captain of the University of Oklahoma Pom Squad.

After university, she continued her career in dance choreographing competition routines for several schools including NDA pom national champions Norman North High School, and receiving the Best Choreography Award twice over the past 4 years at NDA nationals. She is excited to share her love of dance with those at the Varsity Cheerleading Academy!