2024 was a giant yr for dance on the Oscars, together with a history-making efficiency, a heart-pumping ensemble quantity, and a shock addition to the “In Memoriam” phase.

We’re nonetheless rooting for a “Greatest Choreography” class as dance continues to be an integral half to every yr’s nominated movies. However till then, we nonetheless get pleasure from seeing our beloved artform on the Dolby Theater stage.

“Wahzhazhe” from Killers of the Flower Moon

Eight Osage Nation dancers joined Scott George and the Osage Tribal Singers in a historic efficiency of “Wahzhazhe (A Track For My Individuals)” from Killers of the Flower Moon. George made Oscars historical past as the primary Native American to obtain a nomination for greatest authentic music with “Wahzhazhe.” He’s additionally the primary member of the Osage Nation to be nominated by the Academy. 

Because the dancers and singers adopted the drum in opposition to a sundown backdrop, they invited the worldwide viewers to witness a concurrently intimate and boundless celebration. A groundbreaking efficiency, it marked the primary time members of the Osage Nation, or of any indigenous group, has danced on the Oscars stage.

“I’m Simply Ken” from Barbie

It’s protected to say that the Oscars felt the “Kenergy” after Ryan Gosling and his ensemble of Kens took to the stage with Barbie’s tongue-in-cheek energy ballad, “I’m Simply Ken,” which was additionally nominated for greatest authentic music. The quantity, choreographed by Mandy Moore, featured a number of members from the movie’s authentic forged, together with Simu Liu and Kingsley Ben-Adir, and was full with a kickline, unapologetic melodrama, cardboard cutout–ography, and on-the-nose references to Jack Cole’s choreography for “Diamonds Are a Lady’s Greatest Buddy.” Oh, and Slash.

Greatest Actress winner Emma Stone later pointed to the efficiency because the perpetrator behind her tearing her costume. (Don’t fear, Emma, we had been dancing too.)

The “In Memoriam” Phase

A welcome shock for some and an irritating visible distraction for others, this yr’s “In Memoriam” tribute featured an ensemble of dancers that accompanied Andrea and Matteo Bocelli as they sang the previous’s hit “Time to Say Goodbye.” This was not the primary time dance has appeared within the phase; in 1996, Savion Glover tapped to “Singin’ within the Rain” in a tribute to the late Gene Kelly, who handed away that yr. This yr’s efficiency included a delicate and touching second for the late Chita Rivera, who died on January 30—a easy weight shift and slow-motion hip sway, dealing with Rivera’s photograph on the projection display screen. 

Whereas the dancers introduced beautiful synchronicity and reverent artistry to Moore’s second choreographed work of the evening, the efficiency has earned pushback from viewers members who discovered them and the Bocellis distracting.