Top 10 Classic Dance Numbers Featuring Props and/or Special Effects

Last weekend, when we watched Easter Parade with the kids, I was faced with my shameful lack of classic movie parenting skills when the children were confused by Fred Astaire's solo dance number to Steppin' Out With My Baby. They couldn't figure out where Judy was or why he was doing this dance with a bunch of other people randomly in the middle of the movie. Naturally, I had to explain to them how most of these old musicals have the big climactic dance scene, typically featuring Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly using some sort of prop or special effect. Clearly, I need to watch more of these with the kids!

But that got me thinking about all my favorite big climactic dance numbers. I can imagine how fun it would have been for 1940's me to show up at the movie theater and wait with anticipation through most of the film for the big moment. There are so many good ones! 

 So here are my top 10 favorite dance numbers featuring a prop or special effect:

10. Gene and the trash can lids. So creative and I'm sure I would have seriously injured myself attempting such a thing.

9. Fred and the hat rack. Simple and wonderful.

8. Fred and the shoes. If you're into disembodied feet, this is the one for you.

7. Gene and the newspaper. Listen, we all know that the Portland Fancy is the best dance number in Summer Stock, but Gene is adorable here with his newspaper.

6. Donald and the dummy. And the wood plank. And the brick wall. And the hat. This one does make my son laugh!

5. Gene and Jerry. High tech.

4. Fred and the slo-mo. Lots going on in this one!

3. Gene and the rain. Obviously.

2. Fred on the ceiling. Mesmerizing. I could watch this all day.

1. Gene and Cyd and ... the hat? Ok this one maybe doesn't have a stand out prop or special effect but there's a hat. Glasses? The guy flipping his coin? Anyway, it's just my favorite dance scene ever. What does it have to do with the rest of the movie? Basically nothing. But we know these guys (Fred and Gene) need their moment to shine and this takes the cake!

I know this is not a comprehensive list at all. What are your favorites?