Dancing can be so romantic – that’s why we have a first dance at a wedding where the new couple take to the floor together. The movies are also filled with examples of romantic, memorable dances that we all secretly dream of recreating in our own way. Or just to watch, armed with a tissue!
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching here are 10 of our favourites:
Dirty Dancing
It is impossible to have a list of romantic dances in movies without featuring the most iconic of all. The dance at the end of the movie to the Oscar-winning song I’ve Had the Time of My Life is always the first dance people think of when you ask them to name romantic dances from the movies.
The Sound of Music
While there’s plenty of dancing and singing in the movie, the most romantic dance is actually to a European folk dance called the Landler. This is where Captain von Trapp asks Maria to dance and is the point where the two start to realise their feelings for one another.
Beauty and the Beast
Okay, it is a cartoon but that doesn’t mean it can’t be romantic! The waltz that Belle persuades the Beast to dance with her in the ballroom is the pivotal moment where she sees him in a different light.
Top Hat
This classic from the 1930s includes a song Cheek to Cheek where Fred Astaire dances with Ginger Rogers. It is another classic story of love blossoming during a dance, where Astaire’s character realises that while Rogers was in love with him, he is also in love with her.
Titanic
Titanic is a memorable movie for lots of reasons, but the A Real Party dance is one that can be forgotten. Rose is taken down to the third-class level and experiences a dance that completely different to what she is used to, full of cheer and great music.
Grease
You’re the One That I Want is one of the best-known songs from the movie and the transformation it brings in Sandy is also worth watching for. Unlike the traditional romantic dance, this one is full of activity and electrifying.
The Mask of Zorro
Not always considered for its dancing, this movie has a great scene where Zorro takes to the dance floor with Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones) in a passionate Paso Doble – Ole!
West Side Story
The Dance at the Gym where Tony and Maria meet is a classic ‘love at first sight’ situation set to a wonderfully choreographed dance where the two of them are the only people in the world.
Funny Face
Another classic, this one features Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn as a photographer and bookstore clerk who falls in love. The dance is so romantic with Hepburn in her wedding dress as if waltzing to her wedding day.
Love Actually
The Christmas party where Sarah and Karl finally get together is during a romantic dance and is one of the highlights of the film, apart from Sarah’s brother!