The formula for a dance movie is really quite simple. An unconventional love story, dance battle, at least one super cool move and an ending that almost makes you believe that you can dance. "Step Up 2 The Streets," sequel to ridiculous dance movie "Step Up," debuted Thursday. To commemorate another wacky dance movie, here's a list of five "hot" dance movies:
"You Got Served"
Starring: A bunch of C-list rappers and Omarion
Plot: A group of drug-dealing hip-hop breakdancers bet $5,000 on a dance battle. They lose, even though they thought it was going to be easy money. The group's leader Omarion falls for his best friend's sister, which eventually splits up the group. The friends each form their own crew, neither as good as the collective. At the biggest battle of the year, Omarion's group loses, while his friend ties in the finals against the archenemy's crew.
Dance battle: "Big Bounce," a $50,000 dance competition sponsored by MTV - a clash of the three best crews in town. The end is a face-off with no rules, even allowing people from eliminated crews to join the battle.
Best ridiculous dance move: In the opening scene, a guy slides across the dance floor on his head. Not anyone can do that - it takes talent.
Sequel: Sadly, "Backdown" is planned - yes, we've been served again.
"Step Up"
Starring: Channing Tatum and that's all that matters
Plot: Tatum's character, Tyler, along with some friends, breaks into the Maryland School of Arts. Unfortunately, he gets caught and has to serve hard time - 200 hours of community service within the school. While working, he notices Nora, a student, preparing for her senior showcase. Conveniently, Nora's partner hurts his ankle, and Tyler steps in. As they rehearse together, each takes on elements of the other's style - the worlds of ballet and street combined.
Dance battle: "Step Up" actually has two dance battles. First is "in da club" in which the dance floor breaks into a synchronized dance with everyone on the floor knowing all the moves. The second is a final amazing showcase that combines classical music and hip-hop beats, and it's directed by R&B star Mario.
Best ridiculous dance move: In the final show, there are lifts reminiscent of "Dirty Dancing," of course, with a hip-hop twist. But the best move is when Tatum dives into a shirt, flips on his hat and then continues the routine as if nothing happened.
Sequel: Released yesterday, "Step Up 2 The Streets" is the best use of a number in a movie title since "2 Fast 2 Furious."
-Kelina Imamura,
asst. copy editor
"Bring It On"
Starring: Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union
Plot: In this nontraditional dance movie, Dunst's Torrance Shipman takes over the five-time national champion cheerleading squad, the Toros. Oh, the pressure. Little do they know that all of their routines and cheers were stolen from a nearby high school that was never able to compete on a national level, the Clovers. Ambitious in her leadership, Shipman scrambles to come up with a completely original routine before the finals. Hiring a leather-clad choreographer to aid the squad proves to be yet another bad decision. Then the squad has to decide: forfeit its winning record or plow forward and try to win.
Dance battle: At the national cheerleading championships, the Toros and the Clovers face off. Both teams "bring it" in their skimpy uniforms.
Best ridiculous dance move: Spirit fingers are the hallmark of the routine by professional choreographer Sparky Pulastri. It's almost as cool as the "loser sneeze."
Sequel: Actually, three sequels - it's already been broughten.
--Kelina Imamura,
asst. copy editor
"Take the Lead"
Starring: Antonio Banderas and that Paige girl from "Degrassi"
Plot: An after-school program taught by Antonio Banderas changes a class of poor-performing high school delinquents into an inner city ballroom dance class. The students are (surprise, surprise) reluctant to the idea of learning ballroom dancing, but Banderas soon convinces them it's a true art. They have to prove, not only that anyone can dance, but that ballroom is not about class, but passion.
Dance battle: "Take the Lead" chooses a different face off - tuxedos and gowns. The rich snobs at the annual ballroom dance competition are disturbed by the presence of Banderas' class and how they don't fit in.
Best ridiculous dance move: The tango, at the end of the competition is, well, different. The dance centers on the relationship between lover, dance partner and jealous boyfriend - a three-way tango full of sexual tension that is too provocative for the uptight crowd.
-Carolyn Clark,
Contributing writer
"Stomp the Yard"
Starring: Ne-Yo and Chris Brown - neither in a lead role
Plot: After a rough background, a troubled youth named D.J. goes to Truth University in Georgia for a new start. He finds out that "step," a type of hip-hop dance, is central to the school and, coincidentally, his biggest talent. He joins the second-rate frat step team and tries to bring his street style to the brotherhood. Along the way, he just so happens to fall in love with the girlfriend of his biggest rival on campus.
Dance Battle: The two major step teams on campus go head-to-head in the finals, and D.J. has the chance to break his rival's long-standing winning streak and win the heart of the girl. If he wins, he gets the title, the bragging rights and the girl. If he loses, he will be the laughing stock of the crew.
Best ridiculous dance move: Taking inspiration from a bouncy ball, during the battle one of the dancers bounces on the open floor from his feet to his back.
kmimamur@syr.edu
cjclar02@syr.edu
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