5 Dance Performances to Get You Excited for the 4th of July
July 4, 2018

While it’s certainly a polarizing time in U.S. politics, one thing we can all get behind is fabulous dancing. Set to a range of American themes, these five pieces include the kind of performances that we LIVE for. Watch them to get pumped for whatever rad Independence Day activities you have planned this week. Hopefully a dance party is on your agenda and you can bust out one of these award-winning moves.

Let us know what you think, and tell us over on our Facebook page if we missed any other America-themed, dance-centric videos!


1. Stars and Stripes

In this ballet, George Balanchine pays homage to his adopted country. Traditionally performed by the New York City Ballet around the fourth of July, it’s about as patriotic as it gets!

2. West Side Story’s “America”

The dancing is pure magic! We could literally watch this ALL day long.

(The piece dances back and forth between a love for America and a criticism of anti-immigrant prejudice—a topical number for current times.)

3. “This Is America”

Rapper Childish Gambino (also known as Donald Glover) broke the internet with this visceral music video about gun violence in America. If you haven’t seen it already, this is a must-watch. Choreographer Sherrie Silver did an excellent job.

4. Alvin Ailey’s Revelations

As stated in this 2017 article, “[Revelations] is a powerful piece of dance that reflects African-American heritage and culture and takes the viewer on an emotional journey, from sorrow to elation to hope.” We can’t overemphasize this enough: WATCH THIS.

5. Footloose Line Dance

What screams American more than a country line dance set in middle America? Julianne Hough and Kenny Wormwald are a dance match made in heaven, and we can’t help but jam out with them to this bad boy!

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