Right now, it seems like everyone is out on the dancefloor. The high ratings of television programs like "Dancing With the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance" prove that there is an attentive audience while films like Rize, Mad Hot Ballroom, and Roll, Bounce continue to shimmy their way into your local multiplex. Not since the mid-80's has dancing been such a popular spectator sport. The most successful of these movies and TV programs had a strong influence on pop culture, music, and of course, fashion. Sure, much has been written about the sparkly, feathery, and almost-non-existent dresses sported by Kelli Monaco on "Stars". However, that noteriety is nothing compared to a time when millions of girls took scissors to their sweatshirts to cop Jennifer Beal's style in Flashdance. The genre-conscious get-ups from "So You Think" may look great on television, but they'll never inspire teenagers to run out and buy t-strap heels the way Baby's (Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing) white tennis shoes sparked a Keds revolution. Even the less-successful movies often had actors outfitted in enviable ensembles (in flicks like Roller Boogie, what lacked in plot was more than made up for in costumes).
And since we are always in a dancing mood here, we were feeling nostalgic for a time when grooving on film was not an endangered species. So what follows is a list of some of our very favorite dance driven movies and television shows along with tips to make you look like a featured performer in each of them. Because you may not be able to pick up the moves, but you sure can look like you do!

	Saturday Night Fever Brief synopsis from IMDB: "A Brooklyn youth feels his only chance to get somewhere is as the king of the disco floor." Brief synopsis from DFF: Holy shit! John Travolta never looked or danced hotter (Madonna's "Hung Up" video was inspired by the film). Dress you up: Those super sexy dresses are now classics thanks to "Sex and the City". But whether your style icon is Carrie Bradshaw or Stephanie Mangano, just keep in mind that not all disco dresses are created equal (poly jersey knit is unforgiving and shows every bump). Also, the white poly suit may be a cultural icon, but the short leather jackets and tight flares sported by Tony and his mates are much sexier.
	Soul Train Brief synopsis from IMDB: "A pop music dance show with an African-American focus." Brief synopsis from DFF: It's still on the air, but it was at it's best in the early 70's when it showcased some of the best dance moves ever on film or tape. The "Soul Train" line is a classic unto itself that needs reviving. Dress you up: Big flares, big collars, big afros, big hoop earrings. Everything was just BIGGER here. And trust us, while busting out some funky soul-style grooves, nothing looks better than some floor-sweeping bell-bottoms.
	Flashdance Brief synopsis from IMDB: "A Pittsburgh woman with two jobs as a welder and an exotic dancer wants to get into ballet school." Brief synopsis from DFF: I still get all tangled up in my clothes when I try to take my underwear off without taking off my shirt first. Also, I've never eaten lobster that seductively (maybe 'cause I tend to drip the butter). Dress you up: Forget that askew sweatshirt and legwarmers with high heels thing (electro kids already revived that gear years ago and now that J.Lo stole the look for one of her videos, it's so over). Alex's thrift store military togs are so much cooler anyway.
	Dirty Dancing Brief synopsis from IMDB: "Spending the summer in a holiday camp with her family, Frances ('Baby') falls in love with the camp's dancing teacher." Brief synopsis from DFF: Loved the film at 12, but never realized how incredibly corny the dialogue was until we watched it again 15 years later. The soundtrack's mix of 60's classics and modern day hits was a bit disturbing too. Dress you up: You know the drill: get some skinny faded Levis and hack them off a few inches below the knee. Roll. Throw on some lace-up Keds. Hunt down hunky dance instructor. The end.