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Gene Kelly - in Singing in the Rain, this was done with impeccable timing, and apparently it was not even raining and there had in fact been a drought. His whole dance routine in this scene, bouncing his umbrella about and opening it up and teasing the policeman and you could see that the suit that he was wearing was actually shrinking on him as he got soaked by the pretend rain that was being poured down on him from above, went to make this for me one of the best dance scenes.

Also his scene with Cyd Charise in the same film was just a joy to watch with their effortless style and timing.

Shirley McClaine - in Sweet Charity, where she sings with a group of soldier musicians to "Somebody Loves Me". Her little quirky character with marching and swaying of arms to the sound of the marching band really made me feel I wanted to do this scene myself. Such an uplifting dance routine.

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in Shall We Dance - despite their stormy and tempestuous relationship, I do not think that any dance partners could compare to this duo. They were so precise, fast and absolutely brilliant in all their dance scenes in this film.

John Travolta - Saturday Night Fever - dancing to "You Should be Dancing" this just revolutionised the dance scene and tight fitting trousers. Never seen anyone who could do both and still look cool coming off the dance floor.

Fred Astaire - The Royal Wedding 1951. He starts dancing on the walls and ceiling, holding on to the ceiling light at one point upside down. Just so very clever and proved what a genius he was and perfectionist and choreographed all the routines himself. I do not know anyone present day who can do such professional choreography that looks absolutely effortless.

Rita Morena - West Side Story - America - this particular scene is the Puerto Rican men and women taunting each other on the roof just before a dance they were going to go to. Wonderful choreography here and fabulous costumes for the women to really show their dance off as well as their wonderful figures. As well as great dancing, excellent lyrics to this modern day Romeo & Juliet presentation.

Michael Jackson - Smooth Criminal - although not a proper film, was actually the start of great videos made which told a story and has to be the most amazing dance routine performed by Michael Jackson with scenes of swaying from side to side so far its a matter of balance that is beyond belief. There is also a version of this performed by Fred Astaire.

As a keen dancer myself there have been many dance scenes I have come across both on stage and in film, but I suppose the ones I have mentioned have struck a chord with me over the years and made a lasting impact on how dance really can influence your technique.

Learn more about this author, Holly Golightly.
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