Watch That's Dancing!

That's Dancing! is a 1985 American documentary film that celebrates the art of dancing in films, featuring highlights and excerpts from some of the most memorable dance scenes in cinema history. The movie is directed by Jack Haley Jr. and produced by David Niven Jr. The film showcases the evolution of dance in films through a series of clips spanning from the early 1900s to the mid-1980s.

The movie features legendary dancers and actors, including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Ray Bolger, Sammy Davis Jr., Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Cyd Charisse, Eleanor Powell, and many more. These performers represent distinct styles of dance such as jazz, tap, ballet, and modern dance.

Throughout the movie, the viewer witnesses how dance has evolved in cinema over the past century. From the silent films, where dance was used as a way to express emotions and tell stories, to the Hollywood musicals of the 1930s and 40s, where dance was a focal point to entertain audiences, to the emergence of dance as an art form in the 50s and 60s, and finally to modern-day dance movies.

That's Dancing! showcases some of the most fantastic dance scenes ever captured on film. The film highlights many of the most iconic dance moments in cinema, including the groundbreaking tap dance routine in the movie 42nd Street, the memorable dance sequence from Singin' In The Rain, the energetic and electrifying West Side Story dance scenes, and the hip-hop infused breakdance routines from the movie Breakin'. These dance scenes capture the spirit of the times and reveal how dance has always represented a form of escape and expression for people.

The film also features interviews with some of the most prominent figures in the dance world, including choreographers and dancers who are famous in their own rights. These interviews provide valuable insight into the art of dancing and give the viewer an appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into making a great dance routine.

Mikhail Baryshnikov is one of the lead dancers featured in the movie. He is a master ballet dancer and actor, known for his work with the American Ballet Theatre, the New York City Ballet, and his role in the movie The Turning Point. In That's Dancing!, Baryshnikov performs two dance routines, one classical ballet piece and another modern dance performance, that showcase his incredible skills and versatility as a dancer.

Ray Bolger is another prominent figure in the movie. He was a legendary performer known for his unique dance style and his role as the Scarecrow in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Bolger talks about his long career in show business and shares some behind-the-scenes stories from the making of the classic movie.

Sammy Davis Jr. is a standout performer in the film, known for his incredible tap dancing skills and his role in films such as Sweet Charity and Robin and the 7 Hoods. In That's Dancing!, Davis Jr. performs a tap dance routine that shows off his immense talent and the joy he brought to his audience.

In conclusion, That's Dancing! is a must-see for anyone who appreciates dance, music, and cinema. The film is a celebration of the art of dance and its evolution in films. The movie covers a wide array of styles, from the classical ballet to modern-day breakdancing, and features some of the most legendary dancers and performers in history. That's Dancing! is an outstanding tribute to the magic of dance and the wonder of cinema.

That's Dancing! is a 1985 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.