“13 Going on 30” is easily one of the greatest rom coms of the early 2000s, and like many of the other films of that genre, it features a memorable dance scene. But while many dance scenes try to make the protagonists look good, this scene embraces Jenna’s awkward teenage-like mannerisms as she and her love interest Matt dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”.
From her brightly-colored outfit to goofy dance moves, the scene reminds us just how fun it is to dance like no one’s watching.
Shirley Temple and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson Dancing in “The Little Colonel”
As one of Hollywood’s most famous child stars, Shirley Temple provided us with many adorably enjoyable musical numbers. One of the most beloved was the staircase dance between her and film star and legendary tap dancer, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson.
In addition to being groundbreaking as the first onscreen interracial dance, it is simply a joy to watch. Seeing little Shirley learn to master Bill’s graceful tap dancing routine is heartwarming, to say the least. In later years, Shirley referred to the scene as “magic” and we completely agree!
Ferris Bueller Crashing the Parade in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”
From the quotable lines “Bueller…Bueller” to Ferris frequently breaking the fourth wall to talk to the audience, there’s no doubt that this film is a fan favorite.
In one of the most popular dance scenes in the movie, Ferris decides to crash the Von Steuben Day parade and serenade the audience with an energetic lip-sync of “Twist and Shout” in an elaborately filmed sequence. Though their fun is quickly over as Ferris races to get home in time without getting caught, the scene still makes us smile, even decades later!
“Stayin’ Alive” Bar Scene in “Airplane”
"Airplane" is often called one of the funniest films ever made. Not content with just making fun of the popular disaster films, the creators of this satire film also poked fun at the disco craze of the ‘70s with their infamous “Stayin’ Alive” dance scene.
Though Robert Hays is no John Travolta, audiences couldn’t stop laughing at his over-the-top dance routine at the dive bar. From hilarious tosses in the air to zinging one-liners, this dance scene is just as funny today as it was when the movie premiered!
Bumble’s Bold Moves in “Happy Feet”
It's not just humans that can show off their moves! Using the slippery ice of Antarctica as his dance floor, Mumble the penguin danced his way across the frozen landscape and into the audience’s hearts in the animated film “Happy Feet."
What makes his flipper-tastic performance of “Boogie Wonderland” so amazing is that the dance scene was actually performed by real dancers whose moves were animated using motion capture technology. Mumble’s performance is actually acted out by tap dance and choreography legend, Savion Glover. It’s hard not to fall in love with this memorable scene!