By: Vidal D’Costa –
It’s probably just the desi girl in me, but personally speaking, no movie or show ever feels complete without a big, emotionally charged song and dance number.
Of course, one that aids in plot progression is better and it’s even more so enjoyable when the actors/performers have a sense of rhythm!
Here’s a six pack of just some of the dance sequences in film and telly that I find highly memorable and of repeat value!
1) Milo and Maggie dance to an 80s bop in The Skeleton Twins (2014)
This highly captivating dance scene features Bill Hader and Kristen Wiigg, in and as their respective characters Milo and Maggie, lip syncing and dancing with reckless abandon to the eighties classic “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by the rockband Starship.
Much like many other wholesome moments in this overlooked indie feature, this scene is one that lives in my head rent free and also one that conveys to viewers the strength of a wholesome sibling bond through thick and thin, and through multiple heartbreaks as well as hardships.
2) The Haka Thriller from Boy (2010)
Much like the celebrated Jojo Rabbit that wrapped up with a memorable dance scene set to the German rendition of Bowie’s “Heroes”, Boy is yet another venture by Taika Waititi that features an equally uber cool dance scene that’s soaked in swag as part of its end credits, this time set to the hit song “Poi E” by the Patea Maori Club.
This is also probably a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch Waititi, who also essays the role of deadbeat dad Alamein in the movie, don a replica of Michael Jackson’s iconic red “Thriller” jacket (in reference to the titular character being a Michael Jackson stan) and vigorously pay homage to his culture by performing the Haka (a ceremonial Māori war dance) with the rest of the ensemble cast.
It is also endless fun to watch some key characters from the movie portray zombies with comical flair in the background, while the younger cast members jokingly channel their inner King of Pop as well. This was also a culturally immersive experience for me since it was my very first tryst with the Haka.
3) The rain dance in Raavanan (2010)
Protagonist Veera (compellingly played by Vikram) is in a festive mood as he dances in the torrential rain, surrounded by his fellow muddy and rain-soaked forest-dwelling brethren.
The choreography in this scene is very intricate, grandiose, and feels very reminiscent of a musical street play, with Vikram’s fluid and energetic footwork, captivating facial expressions, and the foot-tapping music adding to its rewatch value.
The song accompanying it- “Kodu Poatta” (composed by the Mozart of Madras, AR Rahman) further complements this energetic vibe and its powerful lyrics further brilliantly capture the undying love of the forest-dwellers towards Mother Nature as well as the undying unity within their community, simultaneously conveying the growing hatred towards corrupt authority figures who pose a threat to them and their natural resources.
4) The Sajanaji Vaari Vaari scene in Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd (2007)
Who knew Kay Kay Menon could move like that? I certainly didn’t! The versatile actor who is moreso known in the Indian film industry for his ‘serious’ and at times antagonistic roles, plays Partho, a cynical and introverted but ultimately sweet and supportive husband in this feel-good film that’s centred around newlyweds from all walks of life embarking on a trip to Goa .
This particularly dance scene is played for laughs and set to the upbeat track “Sajanaji vaari vaari” sung by Sunidhi Chauhan. It involves Partho channeling his inner drunk dad/uncle on the upper deck of a cruise boat after accidentally ingesting a large amount of drug-laced fizzy drink earlier on, flailing his arms around in a silly fashion to the rhythm of the music before the rest of the passengers join him on the dance floor.
While certainly unexpected, this scene is just a treat to watch. Whew!
5) Howard dances like a man in In & Out (1997)
Kevin Kline absolutely eats and leaves no crumbs in this scene with his sense of rhythm (and those hip thrusts… I could just disintegrate!).
Kline plays Howard, a closeted high school teacher who attempts to ‘prove his masculinity’ by listening to a self-help tape. One of the steps in said tape involves abstaining from dancing as it is considered to be an ‘unmanly’ trait.
But as everyone and their mums will tell you, Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” is simply an earworm and Howard, too, just can’t resist strutting around the living room and losing himself to the music when it starts to play. And honestly, who can blame the man?
6) Doug and Holly’s first date in Love Birds (2011)
Rhys Darby plays an ardent Queen fan in this simplistic yet endearing indie romcom about Doug, a construction worker who’s recuperating from a breakup, and his pet duck who acts as his, ahem, wingman in a quest for true love. When Doug crosses paths with a vet and single mum named Holly (Sally Hawkins) at the local zoo while attempting to re-home his feathered pal, sparks fly instantly.
This cute scene features the couple on their first date, sharing a mutual love for Queen as they both match steps to “Don’t Stop Me Now”, and this robust sequence further acts to cement a cute, budding romance.
Do stay tuned for part two…
