Greatest Dancing in the Movies

Who are the greatest dancers of the silver screen? What are the top dance films and routines? In honor of the upcoming National Tap Dance Day, Movie Addict Headquarters revisits a lively discussion featuring avid dance fan Fausta Rodriguez, co-host Jazz Shaw, producer Nikki Starr -- and host Betty Jo Tucker, a former tap dancer. The encore presentation is dedicated to Derek Hough, one of today’s most dynamic dancers and star of the movie Make Your Move. Fortunately, Derek has recovered enough from his Dancing with the Stars injury to go on tour this summer with his sister Julianne Hough.    

Which dancers will be named the best by the show’s diverse panel? Among the contenders are: Gene Kelly, Cyd Charisse, Gregory Hines, Eleanor Powell, Fred Astaire, the Nicholas Brothers, Ginger Rogers, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Connor, Leslie Caron, Vera Ellen, Christopher Walken and Bill Robinson, whose birthday is celebrated on May 25 – a date established by the U.S. Congress as National Tap Dance Day in his honor.

Some of the films under consideration during this episode include: Assassination Tango, The Bandwagon, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Singin’ in the Rain, Shall We Dance, Billy Elliott, West Side Story, Take the Lead, Flashdance, Hairspray, Easter Parade, Step Up, Footloose, Dirty Dancing and Tap.