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Our Musical Theatre Dancing Heroes

Fred Astaire

Born Frederick Austerlitz, May 10, 1899. Died June 22, 1987 -- Astair first danced on Broadway with his sister Adele before turning to Hollywood, his first movie appearance being Dancing Lady (1933). Soon after he joined up with Ginger Rogers for a series of dance-filled romantic comedies including Flying Down to Rio (1933), The Gay Divorcee (1934), Roberta and Top Hat (1935), Follow the Fleet (1936), Swing Time (1936), Shall We Dance (1937), Carefree (1938), and The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939). He also starred in Daddy Longlegs (1955), and Funny Face (1957) as well as others, with other partners. He was a perfectionist who often spent a lot of time choreographing his own dances. In 1949 he won a special Academy Award for "Raising the standards of all musicals." His autobiography, Steps in Time, was reprinted in 1988.

Ginger Rogers

Born Virginia McMath, July 16, 1911. Died April 25, 1995 -- Ginger was best known for her many musicals with Fred Astaire. She played vaudeville in teenage years, and made her debut on Broadway at the age of 18. She began work in feature films the next year. By the time she was twenty two she and Fred Astaire started their dancing sensation with Flying Down to Rio. She also took on some dramatic roles, and won an Academy Award for Kitty Foyle (1940) Her later appearances in musical comedy include Hello, Dolly (1965) and Mame (1969). Her autobiography, Ginger: My Story, was published in 1991.

Gene Kelly

Born Eugene Curran Kelly August 23, 1992 -- Gene Kelly was not only an amazing dancer, singer, and actor - he was also a master choreographer. He created his own style, combining the elements of tap, jazz, and fun. Some of his successes were The Pirate (1948), On the Town (1949), An American in Paris (1951), Singin' in the Rain (1952), Brigadoon (1954). His later directing successes include Hello Dolly (1969). He was also principal in the MGM reprises That's Entertainment (1974), That's Entertainment Part Two (1976), and That's Dancing (1985). He won the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement award in 1985.

Cyd Charisse

Cyd's dancing is so memorable that Singin' In The Rain is often referred to as starring Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse rather than Debbie Reynolds even though Cyd had none-speaking dance roles in only two scenes. She also starred with Gene Kelly in Brigadoon.

 

Savion Glover [submitted by David Cox]

"A God, a soon to be legend. One so talented that at the age of 6 he appeared on Seseme Street. Now has a musical of his own on Broadway that has changed tap completely! "Bring in Da' Noise, Bring in Da' Funk". This musical has and will change tap as we know it, completely. "Hit It!""

 

 

Ann Reinking [submitted by Dqofthestage]

Played Grace in the movie version of Annie in 1981. Choreographer on Broadway. Ann is one of the legends that will remain an influence on dance forever. She's absolutely fantastic as a performer.

Jeff Hyslop Online

I have little doubt that anyone who visits this site that has not yet had the pleasure of seeing Jeff Hyslop perform will immediately rush out and buy a ticket for something - Anything! - that he can be seen in. Site info includes recent projects, career biography, solo recordings, quotes from colleagues, links, photo gallery, newspaper articles, fan stories, cards, and info about Jeff's one-man show. Kelly has done an excellent job of generating interest about "Canada's Triple Threat".

Agnes DeMille

Multiple Exposure of Agnes DeMille

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