Ever since the nominees for the first annual Golden Pointe Awards were announced, we can’t stop dancing along to the incredible music and reliving our favorite movie moments. Join us in celebrating the glitz, glamour, and pointed toes of cinema’s finest ballet and dance films with these selections.
- “Another Day of Sun” – La La Land (2016)
Choreographed by Mandy Moore, the opening dance number of this romantic comedy-drama features many different styles of dance (like tap, jazz, krumping, and flamenco) as drivers wile away time while stuck in a traffic jam. - “Dance at the Gym” – West Side Story (1961)
In this face off between the rival gangs of the Sharks and the Jets at a local dance, choreographer Jerome Robbins uses mambo, cha-cha, and contemporary to capture the tension in the air. - “He Loves and She Loves” – Funny Face (1957)
Performed by Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire, this graceful, romantic pas de deux choreographed by Eugene Loring is filled with elegant ballroom steps and lifts. - “When The Sun Goes Down” – In the Heights (2021)
Choreographed by Christopher Scott, this nod to Fred Astaire and Royal Wedding features Nina (Leslie Grace) and Benny (Corey Hawkins) dancing amidst the fire escapes on the side of a New York City building. - “Rewrite The Stars” – The Greatest Showman (2017)
The complex love story between playwright Phillip (Zac Efron) and trapeze artist Anne Wheeler (Zendaya) is brought to life in this number, as the choreography embodies both their desire and affection as well as the societal pressures keeping them apart. - “Swan Lake Suite” – Billy Elliot (2000)
An adult Billy achieves his dream of being a ballet dancer, starring as the lead in Matthew Bourne’s iconic Swan Lake. While we only get a glimpse of choreography, the dramatic music and camera work make this an unforgettable moment. - “Footloose” – Kenny Loggins, Footloose (1984)
After their small town’s ban on dancing is lifted, Ren (Kevin Bacon) leads his fellow high schoolers in a jubilant celebration of dance, featuring a variety of styles. - “Overture/And All That Jazz” – John Kander & Fred Ebb, Chicago (2002)
Choreographed by director Rob Marshall, this opening number features jazz, burlesque, and vaudeville styles, with slow, sensual moves contrasted with quick, sharp ones. - “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” – Dirty Dancing (1987)
Who can forget the final dance between Baby and Johnny, with its iconic final lift? Set in the summer of 1963, the film—and this dance—capture the moment when teenagers are leaving behind traditional ballroom dances like the foxtrot and embracing “dirty” dancing, where moves are more sexually suggestive and couples dance much closer together. - “What A Feeling” – Irene Cara, Flashdance (1983)
Alex (played by actor Jennifer Beals and dancer Marine Jahan) pours her heart out in the final dance audition, showcasing the precision of her technique, her variety of movement from ballet to breakdancing, and her raw passion for the art form. - “Top Hat, White Tie And Tails” – Irving Berlin, Top Hat (1935)
In this solo number from the musical comedy, Fred Astaire shows off his tap abilities, including his incredible ability to change tempo within a phrase, and introduces his iconic cane—a prop he would go on to use again throughout his career. - “The Jumpin’ Jive” – Cab Calloway, Stormy Weather (1943)
The tap number performed by the Nicholas Brothers (Fayard and Harold) has gone down in cinema history. Filled with acrobatics, it includes the two traveling down both stairs and slides while in the splits. - “Prove Me Wrong” – David Pack, White Nights (1985)
Choreographed by Twyla Tharp and featuring Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines, this duet combines the styles of the two characters (and performers), mixing ballet, tap, and contemporary. - “I Got Rhythm” – An American In Paris (1951)
This beloved film features a 17-minute ballet sequence as well as other wonderful dance moments like this one. Gene Kelly choreographed and starred in this jazzy tap number set in a flower shop and surrounded by children. - “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing” – White Christmas (1954)
Every time Vera-Ellen dances in this beloved holiday film is unforgettable, but this pas de deux with Danny Kaye shows off her incredible technique as she swings from the poles of the dock and taps on the top of an upturned boat. - “Canned Heat” – Jamiroquai, Center Stage (2000)
The finale of the workshop performance, where Jody (actor Amanda Schull, who trained at San Francisco Ballet School) leads a line of red pointe shoe–clad ballerinas in this fusion of pop, rock, and classical ballet. - “Red Light” – Linda Clifford, Fame (1980)
Although it begins with shots of dancers at the barre, this audition scene is all about Leroy (played by Gene Anthony Ray)—his syncopated movements and raw energy. He perhaps isn’t the greatest partner, though, as he ends up upstaging his friend Shirley. - “Everything Old Is New Again” – Peter Allen, All That Jazz (1979)
Based on the life of Bob Fosse—and directed by the man himself—this sequence features his iconic choreographic style of turned-in knees, rolled shoulders, and jazz hands, performed by Ann Reinking and Erzsebet Foldi. - “Born To Hand Jive” – Sha Na Na, Grease (1978)
This highly energetic song forms the backdrop to the National Bandstand contest. While it begins with a standard set of moves, the dancers break off into more complex variations, all while maintaining that infectious pace. - “Dancing Through Life” – Wicked (2024)
Fiyero (actor Jonathan Bailey) leads an incredible ensemble of Shiz students as they slide on books, dance on library tables, and move through the “Tornado Wheel” (3 rotating wheels with ladders) in a kaleidoscope of musical theater dancing, hip-hop, and parkour.
- “Another Day of Sun” – La La Land (2016)
