La La Land (2016)

The opening number, “Another Day of Sun,” is a living celebration of film dance history. Stuck in a Los Angeles freeway traffic jam, the frustration turns into bliss as dancers spin, stomp, and swing. I often listen to this song in my car and am always uplifted by the dance memories that go with it.

Stormy Weather (1943)

They were the miracle in tap shoes. See the Nicholas Brothers, Fayard and Harold, in the “Jumpin Jive” number from this movie–captured in one take. Their daring leapfrogging, graceful tapping, and gliding moves made them the favorites of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. From The Cotton Club to Hollywood, the Nicholas Brothers astounded everyone fortunate enough to see them. Anytime you can watch The Nicholas Brothers, give yourself a gift of “how’d they do that?” Nobody has done it since.

The Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940)

Eleanor Powell has been called the screen's greatest tap dancer. Tapping queen Ann Miller told me she thought so, too! Powell and Fred Astaire are the perfect dancing duet in the "Begin the Beguine" number—spinning, turning, tapping, and spiraling with exact but giddy ease. Powell shows her solo skills in many films, such as the "I'll Take Tallulah" number in 1942's Ship Ahoy. Working with Tommy Dorsey's Orchestra and the great Buddy Rich on drums, she cartwheels, swan-dives, wings, and spins. As the daughter of a drum lover, I watch this number regularly.

All That Jazz (1979)

Time to go sexy with Bob Fosse's brilliant semi-autobiographical movie. The scene: a rehearsal of a flight attendant number heading for Broadway. It has all the Fosse trademarks—tight small steps, tension, control, snapping, and hats. It's sizzle and sexuality set to dancing. Not for kids.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

Choreographer Michael Kidd, dancer Russ Tamblyn, ballet's Jacque d'Amboise, and studly others give us the classic Barn Dance (seven years before West Side Story). From a picnic table to rolling beams of wood, the dance is athletic yet graceful. Adding macho competition to the amazing balancing bodies, it's still discussed in dance circles, making this one for the ages.