AfterElton's Trending Topics: Shall We Dance?

A dance can say a lot. It can tell us about a character's personality, it can set the mood for a scene and it can convey emotion in its own unique way. Because of this, sometimes a character dancing in a movie can stick in our memory better than a really powerful line.

We've been talking about dancing in pop culture in the AfterElton break room, especially with Travis Wall's reality series coming soon, so the hot topic of discussion has become: What are your favorite TV or movie dance sequences?

We got a wide range of responses, from the well-known to cult-favorite scenes, from iconic moments to scenes from a variety of eras.

But we don't just want to hear from AE writers. We'd love to hear our readers' take on the greatest dance scenes. In the comments, tell us which movie or TV dance sequence is your favorite.

Rantasmo

I have been watching a lot of Blossom recently. I am not at all sure why. It, um... it doesn't hold up all that well, though there is the odd funny line. ("When I get back, I'm gonna make you some chicken soup. How does that sound?" "Jewish.")

The thing I miss most about those ultra-wholesome, mildly unfunny family sitcoms that we so rarely see anymore is that they always had the best opening sequences, complete with catchy theme songs. And Blossom had some of the best.

My favorite was the one from Season 3 onward, with Blossom and her posse busting a move in front of some sort of photo studio drapery. Joey Lawrence dancing in a wife beater and leather jacket with a flannel shirt that was clearly never intended to be anywhere but tied around his waist? Mayim Bialik and Jenna von Oÿ in quirky hats doing 90's hiphop maneuvers? Yes. Always yes. Twelve kinds of yes every day forever.

Mayim Bialik in the season two opening of Blossom.

Follow @Rantasmo

Eliana Horeczko

My favorite dance sequence of all time is neither glitzy nor over-the-top, but I love it all the same. In fact, I took the time to learn the moves over a night of popcorn and wine coolers. I'm a sucker for a good ol' song and dance routine and the adorable sequence between Robin Williams and Christine Baranski in The Birdcage stole my heart. It was just so honest and sweet and easy to learn. Plus The Birdcage is one of the movies in my three month cycle of movie favorites.

It's an impossibly catchy song that I suggest everyone try with a loved one, since a partner is paramount in the number, and a wine cooler. Or three.

Robin Williams and Christine Baranski from The Birdcage

Follow @megaboomradio

Michael Jensen

Okay, here goes. I know some folks around here don't think I'm gay enough because I can't recite the complete history of Broadway showtunes or list Barbra Streisand's filmography in alphabetical order. But I have two favorite movie dance sequences that should shut most of you up!

The first is one of the most unabashedly romantic yet tragic same-sex dances ever seen on TV or in the movies. Yes, I'm talking about the scene from Torchwood when our Captain Jack (John Barrowman) dances with the doomed Air Force pilot from whom Jack took his name. It's a heartbreaking moment given that the doomed Captain Jack has only just fallen in love for the first time and not only is Captain Jack leaving him, but the original Captain Jack is going to die the next day. Nonetheless, as the two men dance, and eventually kiss in front of a 1940s civilians and military officers, it's so sweet and tender that I challenge anyone not to tear up. (Note: the dance starts at about the 1:30 mark.)

from Beautiful Thing when Jamie and Ste dance together in front of everyone in the council estate where they live. It's very sweet and unlike the expected "movie" moment when everyone else joins in and is suddenly tolerant, only Jamie's mum and one of his friends joins in. That makes it both more realistic and more meaningful that Jamie and Ste aren't afraid to show the world they love each other.

My second favorite dance sequence is from The Sound of Music when Julie Andrews sings "Do Re Mi" to the Von Trapp brats and they proceed to dance around the Alps and Vienna. No, it's not a typical dance sequence, but it is an awesome moment and one that never ceases to make me smile.