Dance on Film: The 1970’s
“Dance is one of the most revealing art forms.”
The Boy Friend (1971)
I Could Be Happy With You/ Record Player- Twiggy & Christopher Gable
Very much Ken Russell’s ode to Busby Berkeley, these two scenes are fun, glitzy, and tongue-in-cheek as they toe-tap their way around a moving record. Choreographed by Christopher Gable, with music by Peter Maxwell Davies.
Tales of Beatrix Potter (1971) | The Tale of Mr Jeremy Fisher- The Royal Ballet
Certainly a ballet film like no other, charmingly bringing to life all Beatrix Potter’s delightful characters. Choreographed by Frederick Ashton.
Cabaret (1972) | Mein Herr- Liza Minelli
A seductive ‘musical hall’ dance performed while balancing precariously on wooden chairs, certainly proving the strength of the dancers’ core muscles. Choreographed by Bob Fosse.
The Ruling Class (1972) | The Varsity Drag- Peter O’Toole
Nothing more than a rather small but deliciously cheeky and somewhat out of the blue prance around a living room. Choreographed by Eleanor Fazan.
Young Frankenstein (1974) | Puttin’ On The Ritz- Gene Wilder & Peter Boyle
Another comic dance scene, with Dr Frankenstein attempting to prove the civility of his monster by getting him to perform a Fred Astaire style tap dance in full coat and tails. Choreographed by Alan Johnson.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) | Time Warp- Everyone
Over the top and ridiculous but lots of fun nonetheless. Seemingly everyone comes together to perform a big ‘time warp’ extravaganza, featuring an impressive tap dance by Nell Campbell. Choreographed by Nathan M. Wright.
The Turning Point (1977)- Mikhail Baryshnikov & Leslie Browne
A beautifully elegant and romantic pas de deux from one of the most memorable ballet films there are. Choreographed by Alvin Ailey and George Balanchine.
Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Tango ‘Hustle’ - John Travolta & Karen Gorney
A tango rehearsal that seems more sweet and adorable than sexy and seductive. Choreographed by Deney Terrio.
You Should Be Dancing- John Travolta
Absolute disco fun as Travolta performs a striking solo on a light-up dance floor. Choreographed by Deney Terrio.
Grease (1978) | Grease Lightning- John Travolta & Chorus
Extravagant movie-musical magic as the hugely upbeat and acrobatic mechanics jump and leap over their beloved vehicles. Choreographed by Patricia Birch.
All That Jazz (1979)
Take Off With Us - Sandahl Bergman & Chorus
A jazz dance rehearsal full of fun, very free, and perhaps a little suggestive. Choreographed by Bob Fosse.
Jagger & Gideon- Anne Reinking & Erzsebet Foldi
Who wouldn’t want to dance around the living room in Top Hats like the old-school Hollywood performers?
