Pull up a seat — these cinematic performances turned ordinary chairs into unforgettable co-stars. Join us as we spotlight the most memorable movie dance numbers that put furniture front and center, from the sultry silhouette of Flashdance and the tap‑fueled chaos of Singin’ in the Rain to Fosse’s cool control in Cabaret, Leslie Caron’s ballet in An American in Paris, and Christina Aguilera’s burlesque flair. Which chair stole the scene for you?
00:56Showing off their cool confidence with those recognizable vintage moves, the characters use the furniture to slide through formations and pull off a series of impressive tricks and skills.
01:06We just ride, ride, ride all day. We're not gonna live any other way.
01:12Number 9. Lazy. There's no business like show business.
01:16Hello. Here we go.
01:23No, sorry, not tonight.
01:25That was quick.
01:26In this scene, Donald O'Connor, Mitzi Gaynor and Marilyn Monroe stage a comedic musical number on a plush red chaise.
01:33The song features a woman and her personal peanut gallery as she reluctantly takes phone calls from her many admirers.
01:39Monroe's slow and sultry movements anchor the scene.
01:42Out in the sun, with nowhere to be done.
01:51Gaynor and O'Connor use the seat to create levels, strike poses, and transition between sitting and standing sequences.
01:58The genius of Lazy is its combination of high energy tapping with the starlet's slow drawl.
02:03The chair is the centerpiece that brings it all together.
02:13Number 8. Express. Burlesque.
02:15E-X-P-R-E-S-S. Love, sex, ladies, no regrets.
02:24After being cast in her first major film role as burlesque dancer Ally, Christina Aguilera's performance cemented her triple threat status.
02:31Dressed in fishnets and sequins, Ally and her fellow dancers set the stage for a Fosse-inspired chair dance.
02:37While showing off her impressive vocal runs, Aguilera and the dancers managed to make balancing and twirling on furniture in heels look easy.
02:54Not only do the seats act as seductive props, but they're also incorporated into the choreography and even used as percussion throughout the routine.
03:02Number 7. The final audition. Save the last dance.
03:25In this classic modern dance film, Julia Stiles plays teenage ballerina Sarah,
03:29whose unexpected move introduces her to a whole new world of dance.
03:33She starts to learn the basics of hip-hop.
03:35And in one scene, her boyfriend uses a chair to teach her to loosen up her movements.
03:40Inspired, Sarah decides to take a new approach to her Juilliard audition.
03:44When it comes time for the performance, she sets up a folding chair on stage before beginning the routine.
03:49Blending classical training with her newly learned grooves, the prop makes the fusion choreography a standout.
04:04No. 6. Astaire's Piano Dance. Let's Dance.
04:19Fred Astaire was always pushing the boundaries as a performer, whether it was tapping in roller skates or dancing on the ceiling.
04:34This scene is no exception, as the actor performs an impressive routine on top of a piano.
04:39After stepping down to grab his hat and coat, he still manages to make his exit just as spectacular.
04:53Showcasing his incredible skill, he steps onto the backs of chairs, gracefully riding the momentum as they tip over.
05:00Though this isn't his most well-known role, the tricky stunt is still one of his more recognizable dance moments.
05:06Number 5. Le Jeune Homme et la Mort. White Nights.
05:27Many have hailed Mikhail Baryshnikov as the most legendary modern ballet dancer.
05:31His popularity is partially due to his success in both film and television.
05:36In the opening sequence of this 1985 movie, the dancer shows off why he's so well revered with a breathtaking performance.
05:43Gliding through a sequence from the French ballet Le Jeune Homme et la Mort,
05:47Baryshnikov dances effortlessly on, over and around a set of chairs.
05:52Treating the seat as if it were an extension of his own limbs, the performance is an incredible feat of both strength and grace.
06:12Number 4. Leslie Caron's Chair Dance. An American in Paris.
06:30After discovering Leslie Caron in a ballet company abroad,
06:44Jean Kelly offered the young French woman the opportunity to make her Hollywood debut in An American in Paris.
06:50The dancer shines in the ballet heavy musical, including a memorable sequence where she acts out a series of characteristics.
06:56While portraying an exciting girl, she puts on a slower, more sultry display with an ornate purple chair.
07:11However, according to Caron, the sensual routine ran into trouble with the censorship board.
07:16In response, the actress remarked, quote,
07:18But what could go on with a chair? Not very much.
07:25She seems to be a lusty young lady.
07:27Oh no, she's sweet and shy.
07:31Number 3. Moses Supposes. Singing in the Rain.
07:34This 1952 movie musical is full of incredible dance performances.
07:48And several of the numbers are well known for incorporating set pieces.
07:51This scene is no exception.
07:53As Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor turn a tongue twister into an all out tap dance.
07:57Nothing in the room is off limits.
07:59And the dynamic duo eventually hop up onto a set of chairs.
08:11Continuing to tap, they expertly jump on and off the wooden seats, never missing a beat.
08:16Together, Kelly and O'Connor's mastery of the choreography makes the difficult steps flow together seamlessly.
08:22Hey!
08:29Number 2. Mine Hair. Cabaret.
08:33My knee bad.
08:37Thanks to legendary choreographer and director, Bob Fosse, this movie musical's unique dance style is unmistakable.
08:44In this scene, Liza Minnelli and the background dancers perform with a set of chairs.
08:49It's one of the more memorable visuals from the Oscar winning film.
08:52Rather than showing off with complicated stunts, the routine takes a more subtle approach.
08:57But now it's over.
09:00And though I used to care, I need the open air.
09:05You're better off without me mine hair.
09:08Fosse's signature slow burning choreography is a master class in control, dynamics and visual interest.
09:15Expertly perched and posing on her own seat, Minnelli turns a tricky balancing act into a confident and seductive performance.
09:31Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
09:35We both reached for the gun, Chicago.
09:38The routine uses chairs to create the illusion of puppetry.
09:42That's the thought that you came upon me!
09:46When we both reached for the gun!
09:48You're all the world to me, Royal Wedding.
09:52Fred Astaire dances up a lounge chair to begin his gravity defying routine.
09:56Pony, Magic Mike XXL.
10:07Channing Tatum reprises his famous choreography with a workshop stool.
10:11What's my name, Descendants 2.
10:23The pirate crew dances with Uma's seashell throne.
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10:48Number 1.
10:49She's a Dream.
10:50Flashdance.
10:51Not only was this 1983 film a box office smash, but it also created one of the most legendary dance scenes of all time.
11:08To this day, the silhouette of a woman with her back arched across a chair is instantly recognizable, though the role is played by Jennifer Beals.
11:16This routine is also the work of Maureen Jahan, an uncredited dance double.
11:20From the start, the number builds from sensual and energetic choreography to that iconic handle pull that sends water cascading down onto the stage.
11:29Sexy, powerful, and perfectly 80s, this chair's starring role has become a timeless cinematic moment.
11:44Which of these chair choreographies had you on the edge of your own seat?
11:53Let us know your top picks in the comments below.
11:55Let us know your top picks in the comments below.
11:56Let us know your top picks in the comments below.
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