20 Greatest Dance Scenes In Movie History

When it first originated on Broadway, West Side Story took audiences by storm. This was a show like no other that came before it – never had the stage utilised storytelling, dance and music all at once to create an amazing musical which was thematically rich and written in a way that would incorporate showstoppers as part of a narrative.

And when West Side Story finally made it to cinema, it was just as exciting and thought-provoking as its theatre predecessor. The film ended up sweeping nine Oscars at the Academy Awards for its extraordinary cinematography, dynamic ensemble and artistic style. What clinched it was how the songs married to the choreography in such an enchanting way that drove the narrative forward.

It was Broadway directly transferred to screen. Movie goers already knew they were in for something special with the opening prologue. Setting up the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, it’s amazing how the performers can convey such emotion and expression with very little dialogue, communicating through dance instead.