A24’s storied reputation as the ultimate movie studio du jour is spilling out into the realms of books too. Having released horror cooking guides, hardback screenplays, and homages to Florida, they’re continuing their exciting publishing run with a book dedicated to the beauty of dance on screen.
On The Dance Floor: Spinning Out on Screen is their latest offering; what A24 themself call a “visual and literary compendium of nightclub revelries and sweat-soaked gymnasiums on-screen and off”. Everyone from Cher (who also wrote the foreword) to Gaspar Noé to Kate Beckinsale have contributed to the book, the contents of which extends beyond A24’s filmography, with essayists and artists crafting odes to Pulp Fiction and Phantom Thread.
Another star involved is Charli XCX, who made a dance floor banger for the score of A24’s Bodies Bodies Bodies. In an exclusive excerpt from the book, you can read the frenetic-pop artist’s thoughts on dancefloor scenes in movies, how she dances on stage, and how her own prom was not far from the manic, bodily fluid-soaked scene from Carrie.
What’s a dance floor scene in a film that has stayed with you, and why?
Even though there’s not much dancing in it, the prom scene in Carrie (1976) has always stuck with me. It looks so heavenly and beautiful, right before all the blood and guts come down. I always try and recreate that setting whenever I throw my own parties: balloons and stars hanging from the ceiling—a sort of whimsical feel.
How would you describe how you, personally, dance? Do you have a signature move?
My dancing is quite aggressive! It’s very jerky and spontaneous.I don’t always look good, but I definitely confidently commit to a style, which I like. I honestly just like to feel the music, and react instinctually.
Describe your favorite outfit to go dancing in (from top to toe).
I like baggy clothes when I dance: something to hide my arms, as well as make them bigger, so that the shapes I throw become more extreme and exaggerated. I think clothes can really emphasize how you move, and make even the smallest movements look massive.
What’s one of your earliest memories associated with dancing?
Perhaps something to do with your parents, your friends, or the movies.I used to dance to the Spice Girls all the time as a kid and sing into my hairbrush. My family still has lots of home videos of that. It’s very sweet.
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What was your prom like?
Our prom was on a boat. With our parents. Unfortunately, it wasn’t an iconic dance floor moment. I think everyone was seasick.
Name your favorite dance partner.
My best friend Twiggy. I know that when she’s all-out dancing, she’s truly lost in the moment and feeling so much joy. It always makes me happy to watch her move.
Why do dance floors matter?
For me, dance floors are essential to my life. They provide me with a space to physically move, to literally shake out emotions and feelings, or physically connect with them. Dance floors are cathartic and therapeutic. I’ve made some of my deepest emotional connections on a dance floor. I’ve cried, I’ve laughed, I’ve fallen in love. Dance floors have been defining settings in my life, and I probably wouldn’t be the same person without them.
On The Dance Floor: Spinning Out on Screen is available to buy on the A24 website here.