Dance has a long history in Hollywood, and dance movies have frequently been huge hits with the public. But the new wave of dance flicks represents a major step backward, both for serious dance and serious moviemaking, says Sarah Kaufman. “When the dancing feels as essential as breathing: that’s the hallmark of the best dance movies… Over the last several decades, Hollywood seems to have lost the ability to capture dance on the big screen with any degree of skill and expressiveness. Perhaps it’s the box office power of celebrity faces over gifted gams. Whatever the reason, it’s bad for dance fans.”