With Scottish Ballet’s acclaimed These Violent Delights arriving in cinemas on 21 October for a special one-night event, there has never been a better time to celebrate the art of dance on film. Fresh from an acclaimed premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, where it earned a four-star review from The Guardian and secured a place in Peter Bradshaw’s festival top 10, the film joins a rich cinematic tradition of stories told through movement, performance and physical expression.
From timeless classics to boundary-pushing contemporary works, here are ten essential dance films that demonstrate the unique power of dance on screen.
1. These Violent Delights (2025)
Directed by Forest of Black | Produced with Scottish Ballet
A bold reimagining of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, These Violent Delights transforms one of literature’s most enduring tragedies into a cinematic dance experience. Combining striking choreography, evocative filmmaking and powerful performances, the film pushes dance cinema into exciting new territory while remaining emotionally accessible and visually stunning.
2. La Vague (2025)
Directed by Sebastián Lelio
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sebastián Lelio brings a fresh perspective to dance storytelling with La Vague. Blending movement, emotion and contemporary themes, the film demonstrates how dance remains a dynamic and evolving cinematic language capable of expressing experiences beyond conventional dialogue.
3. Creature (2022)
Directed by Asif Kapadia
Known for his innovative documentary work, Asif Kapadia applies his visual flair to this reworking of Akram Khan’s acclaimed dance production. Inspired by Frankenstein, Creature explores identity, isolation and humanity through a haunting fusion of choreography and cinematic storytelling.
4. Cunningham (2019)
Directed by Alla Kovgan
A fascinating portrait of legendary choreographer Merce Cunningham, this documentary combines archival footage, interviews and immersive dance sequences. Kovgan’s film captures both the creativity and revolutionary thinking that transformed modern dance.
5. Pina (2011)
Directed by Wim Wenders
Wim Wenders’ breathtaking tribute to choreographer Pina Bausch remains one of the defining dance documentaries of the modern era. Presented in stunning visual detail, the film celebrates the expressive possibilities of movement while honouring one of dance’s most influential figures.
6. Black Swan (2010)
Directed by Darren Aronofsky
Part psychological thriller, part ballet drama, Black Swan became a cultural phenomenon thanks to its intense exploration of ambition, perfectionism and artistic obsession. Natalie Portman’s Oscar-winning performance anchors a film where dance becomes both an art form and a battleground.
7. Billy Elliot (2000)
Directed by Stephen Daldry
One of Britain’s most beloved modern films, Billy Elliot tells the inspiring story of a young boy pursuing ballet against the expectations of his mining community. Combining humour, heart and unforgettable dance sequences, it remains a celebration of individuality and determination.
8. Swan Lake (1995)
Choreographed by Matthew Bourne
Matthew Bourne’s groundbreaking reinterpretation of Swan Lake challenged expectations and revitalised one of the world’s most famous ballets. Featuring an all-male swan ensemble, the production became a cultural landmark and remains a vital chapter in dance history.
9. The Turning Point (1977)
Directed by Herbert Ross
An elegant drama centred on the professional and personal lives of two ballet dancers, The Turning Point offers an insightful look into the sacrifices demanded by artistic ambition. The film’s dance sequences remain as captivating today as they were upon release.
10. The Red Shoes (1948)
Directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger
Powell and Pressburger’s The Red Shoes is a landmark in the relationship between ballet and cinema. Its celebrated extended ballet sequence demonstrates how choreography can be transformed by cinematic techniques, turning a stage performance into a fully realised filmic world.
A New Chapter for Dance Cinema
What unites these films is their ability to communicate emotion, conflict and beauty through movement. Whether rooted in classical ballet, contemporary performance or documentary storytelling, each demonstrates that dance on screen can be just as powerful as dialogue.
With These Violent Delights, Scottish Ballet adds a compelling new entry to this tradition, offering audiences a visually rich and emotionally resonant interpretation of Romeo & Juliet that showcases the continuing evolution of dance cinema.
These Violent Delights is in cinemas on 21 October for one night only, with select additional screenings thereafter.
