How to dance like the step up movies


The Best Dance Movies of All Time

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Julia Stiles and Sean Patrick Thomas in 2001's "Save the Last Dance." Paramount

The INSIDER Summary:

• Compelling dance movies, like "Dirty Dancing," are hard to get right.
• These are the best dance movies of all time, from "Happy Feet" to "Step Up."



Dance movies are hard to get right. They need eye-popping (and frequent) dance breaks, but they also need a cast who can act, not just pirouette or break.

The worst dance movies require fast forwarding through all the parts that aren't dance. But the best ones aren't just watchable — they're classics.  

Here's our official ranking of the 17 most famous dance movies ever made.

INSIDER Note: This isn't a list of all dance movies — just the most popular. We also excluded movie-musicals. Even though they have lots of dancing, that's an entirely separate genre that deserves its own ranking.

17. Step Up 3D (2010)

Sharni Vinson in "Step Up 3D. " Walt Disney Studios via Youtube

In the third installment of the "Step Up" series, the franchise expands its universe to New York City, introducing a cast of mostly new characters.

Sadly, it also features some of the most forgettable dance battles (and a really annoying choice to add swishing sound effects to every dance step). Plus, the leads have next to no chemistry — and their silly slushie-drinking scene is a CGI catastrophe.

16. Stomp the Yard (2007)

The cast of "Stomp the Yard. " Screen Gems via Youtube

"Stomp the Yard" starts strong with a breathtaking krump-heavy battle, but it's mostly downhill after that. The storyline (featuring a teen who joins a highly competitive step team at his university) moves too slowly with too few dance breaks.

15. Step Up All In (2014)

Adam Sevani and Phillip Chbeeb in "Step Up All In. " Lionsgate via Youtube

The fifth installment of the "Step Up" franchise revives old characters who compete in a TV dance competition. But the choreography in the final dance scene is buried beneath layers of unnecessary spectacle (what's with the sand and fire?!) and the pop star villain is cartoonish even by dance movie standards.

The one saving grace? A small role for Parris Goebel, the New Zealand-born hip hop phenom who went on to choreograph the video for Justin Bieber’s “Sorry.” You'll spend most of this movie waiting for Goebel to start dancing again.

14. Step Up Revolution (2012)

The cast of "Step Up Revolution." Lionsgate via YouTube

Good thing the stunning choreography in this film makes up for the goofy storyline about a crew that organizes flash mobs to try and shut down an evil real estate tycoon.

Also, there is no way the cops would simply stand by and watch during this ridiculous final dance scene.

13. You Got Served (2004)

A battle scene in "You Got Served." Screen Gems via Youtube

The pros: This film's dance scenes are free of the distracting, overindulgent special effects that plague the later "Step Up" movies. It's just plain dancing — and incredible dancing at that. Bonus: Steve Harvey plays a fedora-wearing club owner named "Mr. Rad."

The cons: The plot — best friends have fight, form rival crews, then reunite to win huge battle — is stale. And how are we supposed to take the villian seriously when his hair looks like this? Even in 2004 that didn't look cool.

12. Flashdance (1983)

Jennifer Beals in "Flashdance." Paramount Pictures via Youtube

The tale of Alex Owens — welder by day, stripper by night, aspiring ballerina — has a compelling premise. Plus, it generated some of the dance movie genre's most iconic imagery. (See: The water soaked chair dance that opens the film.)

But the love story between Alex and her much older boss is hampered by a high creep factor — the actors who portrayed them (Jennifer Beals and Michael Nouri) were 18 years apart during production. And the film is so chock full of montages it sometimes feels like one giant montage with more close shots of scant leotards than actual dancing.

11. Step Up 2: The Streets (2008)

Briana Evigan in "Step Up 2: The Streets." Walt Disney Studios via Youtube

Alas, Channing Tatum only returns for one scene in this sequel to the original "Step Up. " The rest of the story focuses on Andie (played by Briana Evigan), a high school student who assembles a ragtag troupe of street dancers to compete in an underground dance battle.

The story is forgettable, but the rain-soaked routine at the end is one of the sexiest five minutes of cinematic history.

10. Save the Last Dance (2001)

Julia Stiles and Sean Patrick Thomas in "Save the Last Dance." Paramount

Julia Stiles plays a ballerina who must relocate to an inner city school after her mother dies. There, she meets a hip hop dancer who captures her heart and (almost) teaches her how to loosen up on the dance floor.

The co-stars have adorable chemistry, and this is one of the few dance movies with a compelling love story. But Stiles never quite looks comfortable in her own skin while she’s dancing — and her awkward final audition dance fails spectacularly in its attempt to fuse ballet and hip hop.

9. Honey (2003)

Jessica Alba in "Honey." Universal Pictures via Youtube

Even when it's stuffed to the gills with mind-blowing choreography, sometimes a dance movie's greatest failing is that the protagonist isn't likable. But that's not the case with Jessica Alba in "Honey."

Her dance teacher/choreographer character has magnetic charm and great moves, even if the story of her quest to teach dance to at-risk kids is a little syrupy-sweet. Missy Elliot's sassy cameo is a nice bonus, too. 

 

7. Fame (1980)

Mauren Teefy in "Fame." MGM via Youtube

"Fame" deserves a rewatch if only for the rainbow of '80s leotards and legwarmers worn by the cast.

The story of teens fighting for stardom at a New York City performing arts high school is melodramatic — but hey, so is high school in real life. Plus, the young performers in this film are supremely talented. If you don't want to enroll at a peforming arts high school after watching the "Hot Lunch" scene then there is something amiss in your soul. 

8. Footloose (1984)

Kevin Bacon in "Footloose." Paramount Pictures via Youtube

Yeah, it's hokey. That's part of the dance movie package! The only problem with Footloose is that there isn't much dancing.

The few dances scenes we do get are great, though. Kevin Bacon's spazzy warehouse freakout is a refreshing departure from rigidly choreographed numbers typical of dance movies. And the final prom scene is pure fun. (Our condolences to whoever had to clean up all that glitter.)

6. Black Swan (2010)

Natalie Portman in "Black Swan." Fox Searchlight via Youtube

Natalie Portman won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Nina, a ballerina who suffers a psychotic implosion as she fights for the lead role in a major performance.

The ever-heightening tension between Nina, her overbearing mother, and her fiercest ballet rival make for some irresistible drama. It's truly difficult to tear your eyes away from this film. (The ballet sequences are gorgeous, too.)

5. Happy Feet (2006)

Elijah Wood voiced Mumble in "Happy Feet." Warner Bros. via Youtube

Mumble is a misfit in his emperor penguin community because he likes to tap dance instead of sing. Even if you don’t love the tap sequences (choreographed by living dance legend Savion Glover), you'll melt over the fuzzy baby penguin scenes.

4. Dirty Dancing (1987)

Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in "Dirty Dancing." Vestron Pictures via Youtube

Romance, teenage rebellion, shirtless Patrick Swayze — "Dirty Dancing" has it all. The sweet-but-sensual tale of Swayze and co-star Jennifer Grey's budding romance and ballroom dance partnership ends on such a triumphant note (that lift!) you can't help but smile. 

3. Billy Elliot (2000)

Jamie Bell in "Billy Elliot." Universal Pictures via Youtube

When 11-year-old Billy falls in love with ballet instead of boxing, it causes a major rift with his coal-miner dad — but his love of dance is too strong to keep him away from the barre.

This is one of the few dance movies that also functions as a major tearjerker. Try not to sob during the final scene when Billy gives a performance as a grown-up ballet pro.

2. Center Stage (2000)

Amanda Schull in "Center Stage." Columbia Pictures via Youtube

There is so much to love about "Center Stage": The forbidden jazz class, the close-up of Cooper Nielsen’s butt, the awkward sex ballet in the final dance.  

This tale of ballerinas fighting for a spot in a fictional elite company has everything viewers want in this genre: Great music, great dancing, and mostly passable acting that's still cheesy enough to laugh at.

1. Step Up (2006)

Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum in "Step Up." Buena Vista Pictures

The first installment of the "Step Up" franchise ticks off every item on the dance movie essentials list: a training montage, a club scene where everyone somehow knows the same choreography, a steamy love interest duet, and a final performance that comes together at the last possible second.

So what does "Step Up" have that "Center Stage" doesn't? Chemistry. Co-stars Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan eventually fell in love and got married — and when you watch them dance together in this film, it's impossible to miss the early sparks of their attraction.

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Features Dance Movies

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The 10 Best Dance Routines, Ranked

The Step Up franchise had the same pizzazz at the Bring It On films. It involved a lot of the same characteristics except the Step Up franchise was all about dancing, choreography and battles. While the first film, starring Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, always hits number one in fans' hearts, the following films had their own unique charm.

RELATED: 10 Best Dance Movies On Netflix (According To IMDb)

The franchise had a total of five films that each centered around two main love interests. Them, along with their crew, band together to battle the best of the best in the world of dance. The films had a lot of memorable moments, but fans went ga-ga over the intense dance routines. It made audiences want to get up and dance.

Step Up 3D (2010): The Tango

This dance scene was invigorating, sexy and gave you chills. Luke (Rick Malambri) and Moose (Adam G. Sevani) are invited to Natalie's (Sharni Vinson) birthday bash without her knowing. It was a trick by Julian (Joe Slaughter), her brother and Luke's rival.

What made this scene mesmerizing was the masquerade element combined with the sultry tango dance routine. Audiences could feel the tension and romance between Natalie and Luke. The song choice matches each step perfectly.

Step Up Revolution (2012): The Gallery

In Step Up Revolution, the whole concept of the film was a dance group called "The Mob" who perform elaborate dances in public. They later do so to stop the redevelopment of where they live. In the gallery scene, Sean (Ryan Guzman) convinces Emily to attend.

This is when "The Mob" appears and the galleries paintings come to life. Literally. The best part comes when in a darkened room displaying glowing jellyfish, ballerina's emerge. It's a lovely mix of ballet and a white light show with strong techno music.

Step Up 2: The Streets (2008): Moose's Stair Dance

Moose is a recurring character throughout the Step Up franchise and he becomes part of the MSA crew. But before all this occurs, he shows off his moves to Andie (Briana Evigan) when they first meet. He does so with style.

With "The Way I Are" by Timbaland playing, Moose wows andy with his dancing skills. This is when Moose solidifies himself as a valuable dance member for the following films. A star was born on the stairs of MSA and Moose isn't afraid to let his moves speak for themselves. 

Step Up 3D (2010): The Final Battle

The final battle in Step Up 3D is a major deal for the film. The House of Pirates goes up against the House of Samurai. Leading up to this moment there was a lot of turmoil and a rift between Luke and Natalie. The battle is intense, to say the least.

RELATED: Dance Moms: The 10 Best Dance Routines From Season 8

The two groups aren't far behind from one another and its a close call until Natalie makes an appearance.  Luke and Natalie's solo brings a level of intensity. But the real star was the crew's end light up routine and their youngest members, earning them a victory.

Step Up 3D (2010): Surprise Water Battle

It's not exactly ideal when the dance floor starts to flood with water. In the "Battle of Gwai" the Pirates had to improvise and it ended up elevating their routine. Moose takes initiative and brings the dance battle to a new level. The water added extra movement to each step.

It also stops the other team from being able to perform, but it doesn't stop the Pirates. To finish things off strong, Moose sprays water out of his mouth in slow-motion. The Step Up franchise wouldn't be where it is without Moose.

Step Up: All In (2014): Sean And Andie Theme Park

It's common for the Step Up films to reuse past characters. For Step Up: All In, Andie makes her return and so does Sean. They create a new crew called LMNTRIX, to win a dance competition called the Vortex. One of the best moments isn't a battle, but a fun choreography between Andie and Sean in a vintage amusement park.

The scene was almost perfect with the perfect music, timing and dance. Sean and Andie come clean about their past. It leads to an impromptu dance full of bright lights, colors and "Every Little Step" by Bobby Brown playing to top it off. The routine is fun and flirty and the beginning of a possible romance.

Step Up (2006): Senior Showcase

Audiences went wild for Channing Tatum's moves when he played the main role of Tyler Gage in Step Up. His role is hard to beat and Tatum showed the world he has what it takes as a freestyle dancer. In the film, the best dance scene occurs a the very end, the senior's showcase.

This is what the film has been building up to and it doesn't disappoint. The routine broke the rules and combined modern music and freestyle with contemporary dance. It was the combination of two distinct worlds. Tyler, who grew up in the streets and Nora (Dewan) who lived a life of privilege. Despite their differences, they cohesively meld together.

Step Up: All In (2014): The Final Battle

LMNTRIX stepped up their game for the final battle in the Vortex. What made the routine special was their steampunk theme that added a unique touch that hasn't been seen before in the franchise. It was full of hard-hitting moves and choreography. For added effect, sand fell from the sky when Moose had his solo moment.

RELATED: 10 Best Uses Of Songs In Footloose, Ranked

The routine only got better as a fire element was included. The use of multiple song remixes hit every change in routine perfectly. Every Step Up film has a signature move and Sean and Annie's blew every other move out of the water. Sean tosses Andie into the air where she flips and lands with her legs around his waist.

Step Up Revolution (2012): Office Mob

The Mob has had its fair share of impressive mob routines, but the routine that was done in a cooperate building hits number one.  The routine is synchronized and sharp combined with tempo music that hits every beat. It's a combination of techno and smooth guitar.

The Mob, combined with the music, has futuristic feel like the much like in TheMatrix. Things pick up with a faster beat that's edgier as fake dollar bills fall from the sky. Unlike other films, Step Up Revolution had a more artistic approach.

Step Up 2: The Streets (2008): The Final Rain Battle

The final battle in Step Up 2: The Streets gave audiences chills and had people whishing it was real life. The MSA crew proves themselves even if it means getting soaked in the rain. Fans can't help but marvel over the effect the rain had on the hard-hitting moves.

The male and female solos were tantalizing and grabbed the viewers' attention. The pivotal moment that defined the routine was between Andie and Chase (Robert Hoffman). He mimicked breathing moments that Andie flawlessly followed. It made audiences catch their breath.

NEXT: 10 Greatest Action Sequences In The Indiana Jones Franchise

GEOPRO: Geometria Step Up: Dance Like Adam

It is in the dance that a person can feel
to express those real feelings that live in the heart. Dance gives a boost of energy, makes you awaken special feelings and gives rise to unforgettable emotions. Before the brilliant Adam Sevani, the actor from the “Step Forward” series of films, will show his best moves to Krasnoyarsk dance lovers at a master class, we decided to recall our hero and his wonderful films.

Adam Sevani is a true professional.
How brilliantly he slides up and down the stairs in one of the episodes of the movie "Step Up 2"! Adam started dancing from an early age when his choreographer father started his own dance studio called "Synthesis Dance Center". In the film, Elk's repertoire is incredibly diverse. The actor's dance style mixes bottom and top breakdancing, popping, hip-hop and other new directions. Adam is liberated and puts out all his soul in the process of dancing. The firmness of performance, self-confidence, variety of movements and the ability to communicate through his body - all this makes us revisit his films again and again.

It all started with Step Up, released
on screens in 2006. All five parts of the incendiary franchise did not leave the audience indifferent. The history of hip-hop style immediately sunk deep into our hearts. The plot inserts continue with dancing in a variety of styles: sensitive tango coexists with an episode in the spirit of old musicals, and, of course, street dances. The main task underlying the films is to show all kinds of dance styles, b-boys appear in turn in the plot - break dancers, vogers, poppers - dancers of such a style as popping, tap dancers and others.

The main idea of ​​Step Up 5: All or Nothing,
as in all previous parts - street dancing, which is not just a hobby for the characters, but the meaning of life. Heroes gather in a team and with the help of their strength and perseverance achieve great results, changing life for the better. Proving that a happy future is in our hands. It only takes desire, determination and a little talent. The heroes demonstrate a team spirit, they know that only together they are strong, individually they are just dancers. They face rapport issues but seek compromise and do their best to prove to themselves and others who is the best at what they do.

The filmmakers transfer the characters they love
by the public, into new parts from the previous ones. So we can see Adam Sevani (“Step Up 2: Streets”), Ryan Guzman (“Step Up 4”), Alison Stoner (“Step Up”), Brian Evigan (“Step Up 2: Streets”), Maria Koda (“ Step Up 2: Streets) and also introduce us to new actors.

The franchise is rich in dance battles,
large-scale flash mobs, vivid episodes, unique movements combined with entertaining stories. No one has forgotten the episode with the dancing gang on the roofs of American retro cars. An unattractive traffic jam on an American street. But only the signal of one of the retro car, and the road is blocked. Everyone is confused. What's this? Mayhem on the streets? Call this bright and spectacular flash mob whatever you like. Everything happens pretty quickly. Setting the music, the participants instantly leave the car interiors and are already performing pirouettes on polished hoods and roofs. The dancers demonstrate their synchronicity, sense of rhythm, perfection of movements and sometimes acrobatic tricks to the stunned bystanders. And jumping cars like horses on a leash add spectacularity to this episode. As for the movie "Step Up 5: All or Nothing", the final dance caught the eye of the audience with its eccentricity. The dance of the pirates, saturated with various special effects: light, fire, flying up sand, amazed the audience with the movements of the robot, sliding along the floor and supporting the dancers.

Watching any part of Step Up
one gets the impression that before you are not actors, but masters of their craft, namely dances. How professionally it was possible to perform all the dance performances. I would like to note that for such a successful synchronous mastery, a lot of time and patience of the actors was required. However, in Step Up 4, rehearsals for the dance routine began a month before the actual production of the film began. Power loads were also added to the movements, which made it even more difficult for actors without much dance experience, as well as actors with great experience, such as Alyson Stoner and Adam Sevani, referred to as "Moose" in the film. Jamal Sims took on a variety of choreographic movements. He accurately portrayed modern street dancing and gave the actors the real character of a professional dancer.

After watching any part of the amazing
movie "Step Up" there is a great desire to gather your dance team and stand on the dance floor. Although it is possible that after watching this film, many viewers found themselves in dances, which soon became life for them.

Step Up is a great movie to learn how to dance: 10 scenes from the iconic franchise that will make you want to get up and try some moves

13.06.2020 12:17

The Step Up franchise has some truly amazing dance programs. It is dedicated to choreography, dances and "battles". The first film, which starred Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, became a real hit and will forever remain in the hearts of fans. This film has its own special and unique charm.

The Step Up franchise has several films, all of which have quite a few memorable moments. There are quite interesting and exciting dances in the cinema that literally make the audience want to get up and dance. It's a kind of dance class.

Step Up Movie (2014): Sean & Andy's Theme Park (Main Photo)

The Step Up Movies show a reuse of characters from before. For the "Sean and Andy's Theme Park" part, Sean and Andy returned. They formed a new team called LMNTRIX to win a dance competition. One of the highlights is the choreography in the old amusement park.

The stage was almost perfect, with great music and dancing. Sean and Andy talk about their past. This leads to an impromptu dance full of bright lights.

Step Up Movie 3D (2010): "Tango"

This dance scene was quite invigorating, sexy and even chilly. Luke and Moose are invited to Natalie's birthday party without her knowledge. It was the trick of Julian, her brother and rival Luke.

What made this scene incredible and mesmerizing was the element of masquerade combined with a sultry tango. Viewers could feel the tension and romance between Luke and Natalie. The choice of music matches every step perfectly.

Film Step Forward (2012) Revolution. Gallery»

The whole concept of the film is based on the movements of the dance group The Mob, which performs complex dances in public. Later, they act to stop the demolition of the block where they live.

When a dance group appears on stage, all the paintings in the gallery come to life. The best moment comes when a ballerina appears in a shaded room. A beautiful combination of ballet, light show and techno music is shown.

Step Up 2 (2008) "The Streets"

Robert "Moose" is a recurring character throughout the Step Up franchise and becomes part of the MSA team. He dances with a special style. "Moose" simply surprises everyone with their dancing skills.

This strengthens him as a valuable member of the team. He is not afraid to take risks and his actions speak for themselves.

Step Up Movie 3D (2010) "Final Battle"

In the movie, the House of Pirates rebels against the House of Samurai. Leading up to this moment, there was a lot of turmoil and disagreement between Luke and Natalie. The battle was quite intense.

Two warring clans are not far behind each other. A real battle begins, which continues until the appearance of Natalie. The dance of Luke and Natalie captivates and captivates with its plasticity and charisma.

Step Up Movie 3D (2010) Water Battle Surprise

It's not good when the dance floor is literally flooded with water. In the "Water Battle" Pirates had to improvise: "Moose" takes the initiative and takes the dance battle to a new level. The water added extra movement to each step.

This also prevented the other team from performing normally, however, this did not prevent the Pirates from putting on a spectacular show.

"Step Up" (2006) "Spooky Window"

Audiences went crazy over the fluid motions of Channing Tatum, who co-starred in "Step Up."

He is very hard to beat and Tatum has shown the world that he has what it takes to be a successful dancer. In the movie, the best dance scene happens at the end.

Step Up Movie (2014) "Final Battle"

The LMNTRIX group has strengthened their team and worked out new dances for the final battle in Vortex. This made the usual dances just unique and incredible. It was a real incredible show full of choreography that just blew up the dance floor.

To add to the effect, sand fell from the sky when Musa had a solo moment in the performance. Also, elements of fire were included in the show, and it all looked incredibly stylish and modern.

His dance literally took the world by storm as he combined contemporary music and freestyle with dance. It was a combination of two completely different worlds. The result is literally stunning and very bright.

The film "Step Forward" (2012) "Revolution"

In this part, the dances impress with their music, which is quite sharp and synchronized. It's a combination of techno and guitar.

Counterfeit dollar bills fall from the sky during the dance. Unlike other films in Step Up. Revolution" had a more artistic approach.

Film Step Forward (2008) Streets. Final Battle

The final battle in Step Up 2: The Streets made the audience plunge into a real adventure.


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