MovieChat Forums > Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) Discussion > The Barn Dancing Scene--WOW!

The Barn Dancing Scene--WOW!

posted 16 years ago by spqrclaudius
11 replies | jump to latest

I generally don't enjoy dancing in movies, but I was simply blown away by this sequence. Oh my God, how could dancers be so vibrant and athletic? This is the best dancing sequence I have ever seen in movies. I particularly love how masculine and vivacious the brothers are--there is no trace of the feminine about these athletic, spirited performances (though I don't mean to say that softer or more graceful dancing is bad--see West Side Story). The leaping on the pieces of plywood simply floored me!

[–] DryToast 16 years ago

You'll probably enjoy the dancing in other musical films choreographed by Michael Kidd, since his style was very masculine and very suitable for men in "masculine" environments. If you don't already know them, check out Guys and Dolls and The Band Wagon (specifically the Girl Hunt Ballet). Having said that, I'm sorry to hear that anyone's preconceptions of masculinity would interfere with an appreciation of great dancing. Even lyrical dancing requires great athleticism.

I've been married to one Marxist and one Fascist, and neither one would take the garbage out.

[–] spqrclaudius 16 years ago

I didn't mean to berate softer dancing--for example, certain ballet sequences seem more "feminine" in movement to me but can still be incredible to watch. I just thought that one of the particularly cool things about the barn dancing scene is how manly the dancers seemed.

[–] LionHearted99 16 years ago

The barn raising dance scene is among the best in the movies. Obviously just about all of the players were dancers..and athletic as well. The dance sequence was well choreographed and the music fits the dancing very well. Tommy Rall, as Frankincense, all but stole that sequence.

[–] spqrclaudius 16 years ago

I agree, Tommy Rall was the best dancer of the brothers. Funny that some man tried to imitate him for so many years.

I realize now Gideon was Riff in West Side Story--he did a great job in both films.

[–] catrionalowe84 15 years ago

Oh, this is my favourite dance out of all the movies - choreographers & dancers today should look at it for inspiration! I never watch the movie without rewinding this at least twice.

Yes, Tommy Rall was the best dancer overall, but Russ Tamblyn & the other three were all amazing too. How people do all that stuff...In the DVD documentary one of the brides says that while it's stunning to watch on screen, it was even more amazing seeing it live, cos there was a fair amount of danger involved, particularly in the bit after the dance where the brothers fight with the townspeople while putting up the barn, & the walls eventually fall down.

Catriona x

Love makes a poor man rich, & a beggar a prince

[–] Danusha_Goska 15 years ago

I love this scene as well, but I also love Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse "Dancing in the Dark." A very different dance.

[–] Adler-99 13 years ago

This scene is my favorite dance scene of any movie, any time. But I also enjoy Gene Kelly's dancing in many of his films. He was athletic and masculine and often had that devilish look in his eyes.

You might enjoy "Mao's Last Dancer" -- ballet story but with very athletic dancing.

[–] TANSD76 12 years ago

I love the dancing in this film and unlike in Gene Kelly films, I feel like it didn't detract from the plot. Everything felt motivated and helped tell the story. I feel like in Gene Kelly films, the dance pretty much communicates all you need to know and then goes on and on and on. Now, I like his dancing for the most part (I feel like the choreography isn't great in Brigadoon) but it stands separate from the film. Whereas here the dancing has momentum and moves the plot along.

[–] Tjcat 13 years ago

Agreed! The jumping on the 2x4 with the axe...my Gawd!
In "That's Entertainment" I believe Bing Crosby talks about this film and
makes a comment like, "For those who think dancing is for sissies, take a look at this!"

[–] dioro 10 years ago

Yep, they did a great job in the casting for this film. They got red-blooded, strong, women loving, rugged types.

[–] beverlym-76105 9 years ago

And the dancing on moving barrels! I agree!