Ever since the first movie in the history of films was showed on the screen, people are captivated and fascinated by the moving pictures. A whole new element of art was born and the possibilities of expressing emotions, stories and characters opened a new world for aspiring artists and filmmakers. Especially since dance is one mof the most expressive art forms, its impact also reached the movie industries.

Storytelling in movies through dancing:
The element of dancing is very powerful and can be used as an expressive tool that goes beyond cultural, linguistical and national boundaries. Without the use of a single word, a story can be conveyed only by the movements. This choreography is maybe even better understandable for the spectators and more expressive than words could never express in the same way. Of course, it is necessary to know every step really well in order transfer the right meaning, for example relatioships between characters, character development and internal and external emotions.

Visual perception:
For the audience when watching a movie, the most important part is the image. And we all probably know scenes of some movies that will stay forever in the back of our heads maybe because it was a very touching and emotional scene or a scene of great importance. So, when a dance scene appears in a movie then sometimes, they specially stick with us and stay in our memory.

A special way of telling a story:
In some movies, dancing is not only a part of expressing the plot, but it is the plot. Movies like “Billy Elliot” are all about dancing, and the social issues that are intertwined with it. Also, it can inspire the audience to make them comfortable with not fitting into the norms and standards that society puts on us. The audience can get encouraged about the situations in their own livesby the massages and important values that get transferred by the movie.

Expansion of cinematic tools:
Since choreographers, dancers and actors work hard to create the one perfect dance scene for a movie, it is not only important to create and perform the dance perfectly but also to capture it in the right way. Cinematographic skills have been enhanced and brought to perfection just to give the audience the perfect watch experience. With special tricks and skills like slow-motion recordings, creative camera angles or long takes, the enjoyment of the audience can get raised and also the appreciation of the camera work.

Spread of various dance styles through movies

The combination of the movie and dance industry led to dance movies accentuating most of the times, one particular dance genre. While “Black Swan”, starring Natalie Portman was focused on the challenging and strict rule world of ballet, movies like “Step Up” promoted street dance style.

Inspirational source for many young talents

The audiovisual media of film is an inspiration for so many people because it is really expressive way to convey messages. Also, the dance scenes that are so precisely choreographed and studiedcan be a great place to learn for aspiring dancers and choreographers. Furthermore, to every good dance film there belongs a prfessional and strategiacal camera work, in order to capture all the movements of the dancers and highlight the most important steps.

Sources:
https://xaviertu.medium.com/the-impact-of-dance-on-film-production-a-creative-fusion-bddcaddd355a
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roundhay_Garden_Scene#:~:text=Roundhay%20Garden%20Scene%20ist%20ein,der%20%C3%A4lteste%20Film%20der%20Filmgeschichte.