Dancing Supercuts

Occasionally I find myself procrastinating the things I really should be doing and sort of inadvertently start new, short projects for myself. This is one of those projects.

I recently watched The Umbrella Academy (2019-) and although I don’t think it’s one of the best shows I’ve ever seen it felt like it had a lot of heart. One scene through which this immense feeling seemed to be present was a scene in which each main character danced separately in a room of the house they all grew up in. It really took me by surprise. The way it’s shot doesn’t really figure with the rest of the show and it really just focuses on characterising each player through how they danced. It was kind of magical. But this led me to think back to all the times dancing in film has really made me want to join in. I’m absolutely no dancer, but at times there’s something so irresistible about it.

So, I decided, I’d compile the clips that have made me feel like that at one time or another. I’ve got two of these compilations and I think they have two very different styles. The first is rather the more dance-y of the two and is more of a celebration of how it feels to move. The second is a little bit more narrative-based and self-conscious, I feel. At times leaning back into the spectator’s shoes and empathising with the outsider unable to fully join in (something I’ve certainly felt before.)