Speaking of dance movies

P

pygmalion

Well-Known Member
Can anyone recommend a good dance documentary or two? We spend a lot of time discussing fictional films for mass distribuition in the cinema, which is good, especially if the movies bring new people to the love of dance. But I bet existing dancers would benefit just as much, if not more, from watching a documentary. Any recommendations? 8)
 
There was one on Swing called "This Joint is Jumpin'". I think that it played a couple, few years ago on Bravo. Since their Irish dancing documentary (something about "Emerald Shoes") has replayed periodically, I would hope that "This Joint is Jumpin'" will also get replayed eventually.

I just now checked and found the DVD on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005B6KP/103-9131184-1243053?v=glance
I'll have to remember that for next time I order a book.

---------------------------------------------

"Lay your leather on the floor,
grab anybody's daughter!"
 
There is also one for salsa titled (I think) "Mambo Palladium: When Mambo was King" but it is not available on video/DVD to buy. The only 'sightings' of it have been when it was aired on US television :cry:
 
If we get a bunch of listings, I'll google for some. The films have to be out there somewhere. At least, many of them probably are. I hope. :?
 
I have a video I bought many years ago called Strictly Dancing. It's more a history of dance in films and predominantly covers Jazz and Ballet. However, it has some plenty of memorable scenes from Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire films. There are also scenes from West Side Story, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Carousel and other musicals. It's narrated by Gene Kelly and, unless there is an updated version, ends at around the period of Michael Jackson's Thriller release.
 
Our production company will be shooting two dance movies, the first is the life story starring Jimmy Smits and the second titled "Ballroom Hustle" later next year. Ballroom Hustle is sure to raise some eyebrows since it's a close-up of the life & times in the Ballroom Industry seen through the eyes of a dance insructor.
 
Don't recall the title, but TLC did a documentary on ballroom dancing that should be available on video.
 
I just remembered that a number of swing sites carry movie lists. Most of them are theatrical releases, but some are documentaries and shorts.

There used to be a site that carried several DivX [¿name?] clips of classic swing routines from movies (eg, "Hellzapoppin"), shorts, commercials, TV appearances, etc. But then they got a threatening letter ostensibly from a lawyer and they took it down. They even had the Arthur Murray film teaching Collegiate Shag; would you believe that you were to hold your partner at arm's length? And it was almost comical to see John Wayne dancing Lindy in "Fighting SeaBees"; when she told him to throw her, he literally did.
 
The "Swing without a partner" thread reminded me of another dance movie. "Out to Sea" (I think it was) with Jack Lemon and Walter Matthau as dancers on a cruise ship under the supervision of Brent Spiner.

Check out the credits at the end of the movie which features each of the cast members dancing solo. You'll have to rent the tape or DVD, since TV channels always scrunch the credits down to almost nothing.

I especially remember the moves put on by the actress who played Dyan Cannon's mother -- and that was before I started learning to dance, let alone started watching swing moves. Darn, now I've got to rent that tape just to see that part again!
 
While not a a documetary per say a ecent movie which is excellent is the Company by Robert Altman shot in a documentary style and based on real life and many sence were shot "live" such as the wedding it actually was the two ppls getting married in the films actual wedding. Excellent movie
 
Hmm. That just gave a a thought -- not partner dancing related, but a thought. I wonder if there are any films, documentary or otherwise, featuring traditional Asian dancing. I saw Monsoon Wedding when that was out, and had only a few scenes of traditional Indian dancing, but wow! It was beautiful and joyous music and dance. I'd love to learn more. 8)
 
:shock: Don't get me started on indian movies/dancing :lol:

My favourite indian movie is: Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (aka K3G)

Why? :lol: The beautiful eyes of the two young male leads :shock: I meant to say, the amazing dance scenes :lol: with dozens of dancers, the settings were, IMO, very elaborate and the colours of the saris and other traditional garments were so vibrant (when they weren't wearing black or white and even then :D ). I loved it so much, I bought the DVD and the CD, but didn't get around to buying the T Shirt as yet :lol:
 
I'm really lucky. There's a cinema within walking distance of my house which was bought by an Indian family last year. A lot of evenings, they play an Indian language film on one of the screens. Very nice films, some of them.
 
Yes, some of the movies are very nice and but they can have a lot of crying in them :shock: K3G sets me off all the time, especially if I am feeling abit hormonal :lol:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Dance Ads

Advertise on Dance Forums Reach dancers, teachers, studios, event organizers, and dance-friendly brands. View ad options
Back
Top