The 1930s to the end of the 20th century saw the release of some classic tap dancing movies.

Here’s Aliya’s pick of the 10 best…

If you hate them, youre in luck they pretty much dont exist in modern film any more.

So what makes a tap dance a tap dance?

Still, it didnt dent audience enjoyment.

It also has a fun and not too taxing plot.

MGM released a number ofBroadway Melodymovies, and this was the fourth and last one.

It features Fred Astaire and the magnificent Eleanor Powell.

When he dances with Eleanor Powell, you see something quite different.

Eleanor Powells career started on Broadway, and she soon became famous as the worlds greatest tap dancer.

Just watch the finale,Begin The Beguine,and youll see what I mean.

Yankee Doodle Dandyis the story of composer and patriot George M Cohan.

Theres a moment at the end ofYankee Doodle Dandywhere Cagney does an amazing feat in tap dancing.

And quietly smiling away.

Hes morally ambiguous in a way you dont often see in musicals.

Both films are stirring stuff.

Imagine sitting through those in the cinema during 1942.

You would have waved your flag and bought war bonds too.

If you want to see Mr Bojangles do his stuff, heres your chance.

And then there are the Nicholas Brothers.

Their sheer strength and energy enabled many moves that would defeat others; in the Jumpin Jive!

Fred Astaire called it the greatest musical dance number ever filmed.

Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) is a silent movie star.

Hes adorned by millions.

But he got results.

Tap dancing saw a resurgence in the 80s, with Gregory Hines leading the charge.

Tying together the old and new is done so well here.

Its a great fusion.

Fear of embarrassment at record levels, Mavis forms The Mavis Turner Tappers, and work commences.

He feels trapped in his life, as if he doesnt really belong there.

And theres no other way to express this feeling but through dancing.

Basically, itsKeswith the bird taken out and ballet shoes put in.

Its great to see a modern film that incorporates dancing as part of the emotional landscape.

Billy dances to keep from bursting.

Its as if tap can be wilder, freer, more of a release.

I, for one, am hopeful for more films like the ones listed here.

Heres hoping weve not seen the end of film tap-dancing yet.