Dance films started out as rather classy productions, with Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly dancing in top hats, tails & spats… and often, with a lovely & talented leading lady. In later years, dance movies got downright racy as they were taken to the streets. Let’s see how much you know about some very popular dance films!
1. In which city does the first “Step Up” take place?
A. New York
B. Baltimore
C. San Francisco
2. Jennifer Grey’s character in “Dirty Dancing”, Frances Houseman, has what nickname?
A. Lady
B. Missy
C. Baby
3. In what iconic dance film does a Chicago teen relocate to a small town where dancing and rock music are banned?
A. “Footloose”
B. “Fame”
C. “Hairspray”
4. What is the first title in Baz Luhrmann’s film trilogy: ______, “Romeo & Juliet” and “Moulin Rouge”.
A. “Australia”
B. “Bewitched”
C. “Strictly Ballroom”
5. Where does Julia Stiles’s character, Sara Johnson, want to go to school in “Save the Last Dance”?
A. Royal Academy of Dance
B. The Juilliard School
C. L.A. Dance School
6. How old is Billy, the aspiring ballet dancer, at the start of “Billy Elliot”?
A. 7
B. 14
C. 11
7. What is Stephanie Mangano’s job in “Saturday Night Fever”?
A. Secretary
B. Singer
C. Model
8. Which well-known break dancer has a role in “StreetDance 3D”?
A. Tobias Mead
B. George Sampson
C. Glen Murphy
9. Jennifer Beals’ character in “Flashdance” is an exotic dancer by night – what is her day job?
A. Aerobics Instructor
B. Construction Worker
C. Steel Mill Welder
10. “Singin’ in the Rain” is directed by Gene Kelly, but he also plays which character?
A. Cosmo Brown
B. Don Lockwood
C. R.F. Simpson
11. What dance do Scott and Fran perform at the end of “Strictly Ballroom”?
A. The Tango
B. The Macarena
C. The Paso Doble
12. Which sizzling Spanish star plays a Dance Instructor in “Take The Lead”?
A. Antonio Banderas
B. Penelope Cruz
C. Javier Bardem
ANSWERS: 1)B, 2)C, 3)A, 4)C, 5)B, 6)C, 7)A, 8)B, 9)C, 10)B, 11)C, 12)A
What we love most about dance movies (besides the dancing, of course) is that the plot lines so often revolve around much more than dance. In between the dance scenes, these stories communicate skill, determination, passion and a dancer’s steely resolve to keep working on achieving their dreams despite the challenges thrown their way. At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we can help you discover YOUR dance story! Contact us today.
This story was reprinted from the Winter 2014 issue of inSTEP Magazine, Fred Astaire Dance Studios’ quarterly student publication. For more info on FADS’ inSTEP Magazine, visit our Facebook page.