Dance movies are an inexplicably popular aspect of our culture. It's difficult to explain their appeal to audiences - for the most part, they tend to retread over well-traveled territory, and the acting isn't what you might call stellar. When you consider the amount of people who are actively interested in dance, it seems like they should have only a really small niche demographic, one that could hardly support dozens upon dozens of films. But for some reason, they thrive. We're captivated by the abilities that the stars possess, wishing that we weren't the kind of people who could trip over our own shoelaces. And for those of us who actually have dance training, these types of movies have an added appeal. It's an opportunity to watch professionals working at their craft with the added bonus of a story that they can likely relate to quite well. Just as people with a singing background get a kick out of seeing which of their favorite actors can actually carry a tune, it's a lot of fun for dancers to see actors with a unique combination of skill and rhythm. Dance movies may be enjoyable fluff, but they're also an opportunity to look past all the flashy moves and see what actual dancers recognize as legitimate technique.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
