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They Don't Make Dance Movies Like They Used To: 7 Iconic Flicks from the Early 2000's to Rewatch
At one point or another, those who grew up watching these movies wanted to become dancers, too
Fact: the dance movies of the early 2000’s proved to be so successful, so iconic, each one spawned a sequel (and then some)
Years before CGI and impressive effects took over, long before fantasy, adventure and action dominated the entertainment scene, dance films thrived alongside comedies and romance. And these dance flicks paved the way for an entirely unique genre in film. Of course, there existed predecessors like Flashdance, Dirty Dancing and Footloose in the ‘80s. The 2000’s dance films, however, were in a league of their own: collaborative, experimental, about a team effort in most occasions and tied pressing social issues of the time so seamlessly into the storylines.
Be it ballet, cheer or hip-hop, these dance movies resonated with audiences everywhere at the time, striking a chord with aspiring dancers, dancers at heart and even just fans of the art form; they even had the ability to bring out a sense of appreciation in even the most unsuspecting moviegoers.
Here, we revisit the golden age of dance movies:
Bring It On (2000)
With a measly production budget and not enough buzz surrounding the premiere, the cast of Bring It On did not expect the teen comedy to become a hit…but it did. The movie made a whopping $90.4 million (eight times its production budget) and created such a high demand for the cheerdance movie franchise, it was followed by five sequels.
Stomp the Yard (2007)
Two rival fraternities face off in a step dancing competition. It is said that during dance rehearsals, the members of the fraternities (Mu Gamma and Theta Nu) were kept in separate studios on purpose in order for the actors to develop a genuine sense of competition when it was time to film their showdowns.
You can stream Stomp the Yard on HOOQ for a low rental fee of P125.
Step Up (2006)
A love story on film and in real life: it’s the dance movie that brought power couple Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Tatum together. Tyler Gage (played by Tatum) tries to work off his debt at a local dance studio after trashing the place with his delinquent buddies. Here, he meets Nora Clark (Dewan Tatum), whose chance at a dance scholarship hangs in the balance after her dance partner gets injured weeks before a major showcase. Realizing Tyler had dance experience (albeit unorthodox and a completely different genre,) Nora recruits him as her dance partner.
Stream Step Up for free on HOOQ when you sign up for a membership.
You Got Served (2004)
Pretty sure every fan of American R&B boy band B2K went to see this one.
Friends David (B2K’s Omarion Grandberry) and Elgin (Marques Houston) pursue their dream of opening a recording studio by first winning the grand prize at an underground street dance competition. True colors are found out. Loyalty is tested. Only one crew gets to emerge victorious.
Watch the full movie on HOOQ for only P125.
Center Stage (2000)
12 teenagers navigate through life, love and friendship at the American Ballet Academy. Each one of the major characters was played by a trained or professional ballet dancer (Amanda Schull, Zoe Saldana, Ethan Stiefel, Sascha Radetsky and Julie Kent), so the stunt doubles were kept to a minimum here.
You can stream Center Stage on HOOQ for only P125.
Save the Last Dance (2001)
Sara (Julia Stiles) puts her dreams of becoming a ballerina on hold after the death of her mother and finds it near impossible to bounce back from the loss. Moving to a new school in Chicago, however, changes all that: With the help of Derek (Sean Patrick Thomas), Sara learns to dance and love again.
Save the Last Dance is available on Netflix.
Honey (2003)
Honey follows the life of 22-year-old aspiring choreographer Honey Daniels (Jessica Alba), who gets her big break after being discovered in the nightclub she bartends in. As the big dance projects come pouring in, Honey is faced with a decision: Should she embrace the fame and the money even if it means abandoning her values or return to her roots?
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