How to dance like dirty dancing

30 Movies Like Dirty Dancing That Make You Want To Move Your Feet

Let's Move It

Nobody puts these movies in the corner.

by Becky Bracken

Updated: May 4, 2022

Originally Published: July 7, 2021

Vestron Pictures

A coming-of-age story for all time, Dirty Dancing is a forever fan fave for good reason. Released in 1987, the story follows Frances “Baby” Houseman (played by Jennifer Grey) on her summer vacation to the Catskills with her family, where she falls for Patrick Swayze’s character Johnny Castle, a resort dance instructor from the wrong side of the tracks. Ultimately, during her time at Kellerman’s summer mecca, Baby learns about dance, love, and life. Plus, you know, she carries a watermelon. Really, is it any wonder we’ve all been chasing the happy feelings this film gave us since its release? Although no film can truly replicate its magic, other worthy dance movies like Dirty Dancing do exist.

Before we dive into those, let’s revisit some of our most beloved scenes from this cult classic. One of the most iconic scenes of the movie takes place when Baby and Johnny practice their big dance number’s lift in the lake. Conservatively, at least 35 percent of the population has been dropped on their face trying to attempt the over-the-head partner heave — and, yep, we all loved every second of it. Other lasting pop-culture impressions left by Dirty Dancing include Baby’s knee-length cut-off jorts and Swayze’s “Hungry Eyes” single. Oh, and we’d be remiss not to mention the evergreen empowerment assertion that “nobody puts Baby in the corner,” which her dad (played by Jerry Orbach) emotionally said in tribute to his daughter in one of the flick’s final scenes.

But now that you’ve memorized every line and raged at Penny’s predicament (still seething at Robbie, TBH), it’s time to find something new. To that end, we’ve rounded up a list of movies like Dirty Dancing you might want to check out when you need your next cha-cha fix. Sure, there are others ways to go with recommending movies like Dirty Dancing. For instance, Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze also starred together in the 1984 classic Red Dawn, which is fantastic. However, this list takes another direction.

These are movies that celebrate dance, from ballet to breakbeats and beyond. So, move that coffee table out of the way and get ready to dust off your favorite moves as you gleefully groove along with one of these Dirty Dancing-inspired movie picks.

1.

Flashdance (1983)

This is required viewing for anyone who wants to understand ultimate ’80s sex appeal, because Jennifer Beals is everything. From her off-the-shoulder sweatshirt and dancewear to her hot welder outfit, you can’t take your eyes off her. The story also happens to be an uplifting journey of a rough-around-the-edges star using her talent to carve out her very own space in the world of professional dance. It’s one of those movies that will leave you crying and cheering at the end.

2.

Strictly Ballroom (1992)

An unlikely partnership forms (Baby and Johnny vibes, anyone?) with a ballroom dancer who adopts a distinctly untraditional style to mesh with his new partner and, ultimately, win the competition.

3.

Breakin’ (1984)

The prequel to the famously titled Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo, this film first introduced break dancing on a worldwide stage. In the movie, a jazz dancer finds his people when he befriends two breakdancers. And, voila! The legend of Turbo was born.

4.

Black Swan (2010)

Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis absolutely slay this psychological thriller. Portman plays an elite ballet dancer battling for the ultimate role, while Kunis acts as her major competition — and the person who actually drives her crazy in the end.

5.

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Newly released from a mental institution, Bradley Cooper playing Pat Solitano finds happiness in his dance partnership with Jennifer Lawrence, who plays Tiffany. This one’s a wild ride that includes Robert De Niro, the Philadelphia Eagles, and a killer dance routine.

6.

White Nights (1985)

Real-life dance legends Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines star in this Cold War thriller. The plot? A Russian dancer is trying to escape his communist country, but he needs the help of an American expat living with a Russian woman. Through the language of dance, they build a relationship that transcends international borders.

7.

You Got Served (2004)

Two friends, David and Rico, played by Omarion and Jarell Houston, need to win a dance contest to raise the money to open their dream recording studio. So, through the highs and lows of their own relationship, they must create the most incredible street dance routine ever to beat the competition.

8.

Honey (2003)

Before she was running her own billion-dollar company, Jessica Alba starred in Honey, the story of an insanely hot street dancer who dreams of a life as a famous choreographer. She’s noticed by a music director who, after being turned down by Honey for a sexual relationship, threatens to sabotage her career before it even gets off the ground. Spoiler alert? This one has a happy ending with some super-cute (and pint-sized) dancers.

Other Movies Like

Dirty Dancing That’ll Get You Moving

Dirty Dancing Havana Nights
Footloose
Saturday Night Fever
Fame
Save the Last Dance
Billy Elliot
Ghost
Can’t Buy Me Love
Grease
Shall We Dance
Burlesque
Mama Mia!
A Chorus Line
Step Up
La La Land
Stomp the Yard
Center Stage
And Then We Danced
Dance With Me
500 Days of Summer
Take the Lead
Frances Ha

This article was originally published on July 7, 2021

All Dances That Should Be Recreated On Show

By Lorianne Palinkas

Published Jan 29, 2022

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The Real Dirty Dancing is a series that will feature stars recreating dances from the film, Dirty Dancing. Some iconic dances should be included.

The upcoming celebrity dance competition The Real Dirty Dancing will premiere on FOX in February, and it's time to talk about the iconic dances that should be featured on the show. The series centers around the classic 1987 film, Dirty Dancing, which starred the late Patrick Swayze as Johnny Castle and Jennifer Grey as Frances "Baby" Houseman. In the movie, in the summer of 1963, Baby visits the Catskills resort, Kellerman's Lodge, and expects to spend a boring couple of months there with her parents and sister. However, she soon becomes the dance partner of Johnny, the resort's dance instructor, and they fall in love.

On The Real Dirty Dancing, eight celebrities, including Brie Bella, Corbin Bleu, The Bachelor alum Tyler Cameron, Cat Cora, Howie Dorough, Antonio Gates, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, and Loni Love, will compete to become the next "Baby" and "Johnny." They will be partnered with each other to learn the classic dance routines from the movie, and to recreate some of the scenes. The show will be set at Virginia's Mountain Lake Lodge, which was the real location for the fictional Kellerman's Lodge in the movie. The music and fashion from the original film will be incorporated. Each week, the show will feature guest judges who will help to decide who makes it through to the next week, and who will be "put in a corner." This is a reference to Johnny's classic Dirty Dancing quote, "Nobody puts baby in a corner." At the end of the competition, one man and one woman will be crowned the winning The Real Dirty Dancing's "Baby" and "Johnny."

Related: The Real Dirty Dancing: All About The Upcoming Dancing Competition Show

There are so many memorable dances from Kenny Ortega (the choreographer of Dirty Dancing) which should be incorporated into this new show. From the powerful mambos to the sexy dances performed at the underground party, the celebrities will have so many incredible moves to learn. Sources have already confirmed that the legendary lift from the end of the movie will be performed. The following is a list of classic dances that should be recreated on The Real Dirty Dancing.

Johnny's Mambo

The first time that Baby sees Johnny dance is during this passionate mambo, and she is captivated as Johnny and Penny set the dancefloor on fire. The crowd is enthralled by their mambo, which highlights high kicks and mesmerizing lifts.

Do You Love Me?

In the clip shown above, Baby follows Johnny's cousin Billy to a secret "dirty dancing" party for the resort's staff. Baby sees people dirty dancing for the first time. It is a much more sensual style of dance than anything that Baby has ever seen before or tried. Billy jokes with Baby, asking her if she could imagine dancing like that on the main floor, "home of the family fox trot. " He says that Kellerman would close the place down first. Johnny and Penny get all of the attention once again, dancing freely without the constraints of the traditional dances that they perform at the resort.

Love Man

At the party, Johnny dances over to Baby and asks why she is there. Baby from Dirty Dancing responds with the classic line, "I carried a watermelon." Johnny then curls his index finger (his signature sexy gesture) to call Baby onto the dance floor to dance with him. He teaches her how to dirty dance.

Related: Bachelorette: Tyler Cameron Will Compete On The Real Dirty Dancing

De Todo Un Poco

In this dance, Baby stands in for Penny, performing "Mambo Magic," a version of the mambo that is similar to the one that was seen earlier in the film. It is a simpler dance for the less-experienced Baby, with fewer kicks and lifts. She makes some mistakes during the dance, and cannot complete the lift at the end of the song. However, the dance move she does instead is one of the most comical and classic in the movie.

Love Is Strange

This is one of the most recognizable scenes from the film. Baby and Johnny rehearse a cha-cha routine. Baby is gaining confidence and mimics Patrick Swayze's character's instructions. They then lip-sync to "Love Is Strange," playing the roles of the singers, Mickey and Sylvia. The scene of them crawling toward each other on the floor is a signature moment in the film.

(I've Had) The Time Of My Life

The finale of the movie is one of the most beloved musical numbers in cinematic history. In this inspiring scene, Johnny says his classic line, "Nobody puts baby in a corner." He then makes a speech on the stage, saying that he always does the last dance of the summer, but explains that this year, somebody told him not to. He then announces that he is going to do his kind of dancing with a great partner, "Frances Houseman." Baby from Dirty Dancing is no longer a baby; she now's a strong, confident woman. They then take center stage to perform the iconic dance, concluding with the legendary lift. As all of the guests join in to combine traditional and modern dance styles, a new era of dance dawns on the resort, all thanks to Baby and Johnny.

The Real Dirty Dancing will be a treat for fans of the original film. Hopefully, the show will incorporate these dance numbers into the competition. It will be exciting to see them recreated for a new audience. The celebrities will surely have the time of their lives. This show will bring so much retro feel, and remind fans of why the original film that inspired the reality show is a true classic. By giving celebs the chance to test their mettle out on the dance floor, while calling to mind the nostalgia that so many Dirty Dancing fans feel, the series may really win fans over. It won't be long before viewers can see their favorite Dirty Dancing moves on their screens, and they may want to try them out at home.

Next: DWTS: How Brian Austin Green Feels About Ex Megan Fox's Engagement To MGK

The Real Dirty Dancing premieres on Tuesday, Feb 1. at 9 p.m. EST on FOX.

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Dirty Dancing: Dance to the Heartbeat

Dirty Dancing is a 1987 cult American melodrama starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. social dances.

This is how sparingly and uncomplicatedly Wikipedia describes the film, after which the name of Patrick Swayze became the catalyst for red cheeks and stupid giggles among young ladies. Watched it in the late 80s and early 90's only in the circle of close friends and friends, hiding from their parents as far as possible. Now times have changed, but the goosebumps from Dirty Dancing continue to tickle your back.

Baby and Johnny are in the center of the audience's attention. Baby is a girl from a wealthy family of a doctor who personifies the American dream. Johnny is just Johnny. A free dancer who earns a living by entertaining the public.

What is Dirty Dancing?

Dirty dances in the film are dances performed at a service staff party in a small American boarding house where the main character is resting. There, Baby is faced with the other side of her own life: people who plow until they pass out during the day, and in the evening splash out emotions in dances. Half-naked, tart, very intimate. There she meets Johnny, who will become her partner, first in dancing, and then in life.

“Yes, I am afraid of everything, I am afraid that I will leave this room and not feel what I feel now. Dance with Me.

— Here?

- Yes.

In fact, classic dirty dancing is shown in only one scene - just at the very party in the boarding house. They are not tied to any of the styles, although they have much in common with Latin American genres. They were performed spontaneously, many movements were invented directly in front of the camera.

Everything that starts after the party - training and performance - is a Cuban mambo with a splash of salsa and other Latin American revelations.

Mambo in Dirty Dancing

Mambo is a Latin American dance brought to the New World by African-American black slaves. It was performed in stuffy rooms to rhythmic music (4 by 4) after a hard day's work. In the middle of the 20th century, it also spread among the white population, but until the end of the era of racism in America, it was customary to hide its social origin.

The name of the dance comes from the name of the militant deity "mambo", and some of the movements are references to the ancient ritual dance.

Dirty Dancing staging

Baby and Johnny's performances were choreographed by Kenny Ortego, the most famous Hollywood choreographer, who became famous not only for Dirty Dancing, but also for staging Michael Jackson's show tours.

The film's final dance, which is especially complex and especially intimate, used unique supports that are used in modern. These supports became the highlights of the production. The frame is rhythmic steps, rotations, hugs, characteristic of mambo, rumba, salsa.

Today the final dance was dismantled every second and put together again to be staged at weddings, festivals, dance studios. It is complex, but its beauty is worth working on yourself and your movements.

However, it is easy to create your own "dirty dance": it is enough to get acquainted with Latin American programs a little and memorize a couple of movements. Dirty Dancing is only possible when it comes from the heart.

Author:

Dirty Dancing Style

STYLE IN THE MOVIE:

Dirty Dancing

A 1987 melodrama about forbidden love and dancing on the edge (then twerk had not yet been invented) is one of the main cinematic guilty pleasures.
Plus a visual aid to classic American summer style.

At the end of the 80s, mass cinema was occupied by beefy guys with weapons in their hands and developed fighting skills. First, at the cinema, and then at home at the video, the audience watched with pleasure,
as alpha males like Stallone and Schwarzenegger fight for justice. In the world of this hypertrophied masculinity, women were usually given the place of the protagonist's beloved - nothing more. Therefore, the melodrama "Dirty Dancing" with a ridiculous budget of 6 million was predicted to be a complete failure: who wants to watch how an innocent and naive teenage girl from a good family falls in love with a "bad guy" and becomes a first-class dancer for him in a short time? But marketers were mistaken: the picture instantly fell in love first with American women, and then with viewers on the other side of the ocean. The film provoked a massive interest in Latin American dances. After watching, the girls ran to dance studios and asked to be taught how to dance "like Baby". About the same a couple of years ago, after watching Rihanna and Nicki Minaj, everyone suddenly wanted to master the art of twerking.

Interestingly, Dirty Dancing costume designer Hilary Rosenfeld found a way to integrate the style of the 60s and 80s into the context of the film. Baby's personal transformation after meeting Johnny is emphasized by the change in her style: from the calm and measured 60s to the bold and exuberant 80s. At the beginning of the tape, we have a modest father’s daughter Francis: a lush cloud of hair, a “correct” sundress with wide straps and a discreet striped print, and a voluminous blue cardigan so large that it can be classified as a “boyfriend”. Then the heroine gets to an underground party, where her consciousness changes. Baby sees liberated youth dancing an unknown dance (as the Black Eyed Peas sing in the song of the same name for the Dirty Dancing 2: Havana Nights soundtrack: “When I dance with you, from the outside it looks like we are having sex”). And the party-goers are dressed in a way that Baby never imagined before.

Girls in crop tops (the second wave of popularity of which came at the end of the 90s - zero, when every fashionista dreamed of a Tommy top, and the third began a couple of years ago, with the introduction of brands with street roots like Nasir Mazhar, and continues until still: girls in short denim shorts, T-shirts with thin straps, and guys in white
jeans and T-shirts - such a white mono-look gained particular popularity in the 2000s - and slinky trousers. To her first rehearsal with Johnny, the heroine arrives in a white shirt tied under the bust and high-waisted denim shorts, a look (only with a skirt) that a few years later elevated to cult status by Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman "and which designers are still inspired by (for example, Simon Jacquemus recently released similar white blouses). Another time, the girl masters pas already in an alcoholic T-shirt and a light layered peach skirt - like th, but more fluffy skirt ten years later, the heroine of Sarah Jessica Parker appeared in the credits of "Sex and the City" - and you know what effect it had. In one of the scenes, we see Baby training alone near the bridge. She is wearing a pink bodysuit with a deep cutout on the chest and back (Beyoncé and Rihanna perform in such swimsuits at concerts
and the same ones worn by fashionists a couple of years ago), short fringed denim shorts and white sneakers (and sneakers of the same color seem to have replaced the little black dress from the first line of the must-have of any wardrobe in recent years).

The style of the surrounding Baby is also, as they say, from the category of Inspirations. Here are blouses
with dropped shoulders: three years ago, designers from Kenzo to Vika Gazinskaya began to convince everyone to walk in this way and, in fact, they continue to this day - bare shoulders are in the latest collections, for example, from Proenza Schouler.
And in another frame, a girl in cropped light trousers - you can find such in the latest collection of Diane von Furstenberg, and in any mass market.

The style of the dancers also deserves close attention. Johnny's go-out uniform - black flared trousers, low-heeled shoes, a white blouse unbuttoned to the waist - migrated to the women's wardrobe. Recently in Cannes, Charlize Theron presented her new film in the same way, only throwing a jacket over her shoulders. And a reference to the form of dancers for training in the hall can be found in the collections of the Ivy Park brand from Beyoncé and Philip Green.

Costume designer Hilary Rosenfeld put together a mix of the 60s when the film was set and the 80s when the film was made. As a result of the synthesis of two important
eras for the fashion world, the quintessence of a textbook American summer style was obtained: high-waisted shorts, faded jeans, light-colored sneakers, white shirts, crop tops, etc. This “summer uniform”, although it is called American, has long been sold with a bang around the world. Girls in California and Russia dress in such a simple and easy way in the warm season.

And, of course, everyone remembers Baby's pale pink dress, in which she performs in the final dance, but we really like another one - also pink, but in a fuchsia shade and with a silver belt, in which the heroine appeared at the competition.