John Travolta reminds us he’s still got it with a lively dance demonstration for James Corden and Aaron Taylor-Johnson
John Travolta, much like a fine wine, has only improved with age, embodying the essence of a true legend. At 65, he delighted audiences by giving James Corden a playful dance lesson, showcasing that his dance moves remain as sharp as ever. During the episode, Corden kicked things off by asking English power couple Aaron and Sam Taylor-Johnson about their impressive Halloween transformations into the iconic Pulp Fiction characters portrayed by Uma Thurman and John Travolta. The conversation soon turned into a celebration of the beloved film, highlighting its memorable dance sequence featuring Travolta and Thurman.
Corden then requested Travolta to teach them some of his iconic dance moves. Known for his legendary performances in Saturday Night Fever and Grease, Travolta once ruled the dance floor, and he proved that he still had the groove. Travolta guided the trio through a variety of dance moves, including the mashed potato, the hip shaker, the twist, the swim, and, of course, the Batman. Though the steps were simple, Travolta’s natural charisma made the entire segment a joy to watch.
On December 5, 2019, The Late Late Show with James Corden featured Travolta in a dance class segment that quickly became a viral sensation. Uploaded to Corden’s YouTube channel, the heartwarming video garnered 18.9 million views, resonating deeply with fans. Admirers flooded the comments with praise, expressing their excitement at seeing Travolta back in action, with sentiments such as “You never lose class, John Travolta,” and “John Travolta should be recognized as a national treasure.” His enduring charm, legendary status, and upbeat energy were once again on full display.
The dance sequence between Travolta and Thurman in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction is one of cinema’s most iconic moments. In the film, Travolta portrays Vincent Vega, a seasoned criminal tasked with entertaining Mia Wallace, the boss’s wife, played by Thurman. Upon arriving at a venue, Mia insists on entering a dance contest, leading to the famous scene where they groove to Chuck Berry’s “You Never Can Tell.” The moves Travolta showcased on Corden’s show are a direct nod to this unforgettable scene.
In the segment with Corden, Travolta revealed intriguing insights into his role in shaping the Pulp Fiction dance scene. He shared that Quentin Tarantino was initially set on both of them doing the twist, a fun dance, but one that can only captivate an audience for so long.
Travolta suggested to Tarantino that they incorporate other novelty dances from his youth, such as the swim and the Batman, to add variety. Tarantino was convinced by Travolta’s suggestion, and this decision ultimately led to the creation of the legendary dance scene that has since become etched in cinematic history.