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lunedì 5 dicembre 2011

Léonide Massine

One of the greatest dancers and choreographers ever (Moscow, 9 August 1895 - Borken, 15 March 1979). Librettist.
Dancer and choreographer: Ballets Russes, his company, Cinema.
Guest dancer and choreographer: American Ballet Theatre, Sadler's Wells Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, Cologne State Opera Ballet, Vienna Opera Ballet, La Scala in Milan, Paris Opera, Opera Comique, Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, Teatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro, Joffrey Ballet...

Final part of the wonderful ballet movie "Spanish Fiesta" (1942/19 min) danced and choreographed by Massine. Starring Tamara Toumanova, Alexandra Danilova, Frederic Franklin, Nathalie Krassovska, Andre Eglevsky and the ensemble (Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo).
Music by Rimsky-Korsakov (Capriccio espagnole).



Rumba Bomba
Amazing dance number which mixes Ballet and hispanic folklore, created by Léonide Massine and danced by Massine himself and Vera Ellen. From "Carnival in Costa Rica" (FOX,1947).


 
The beautiful "The Red Shoes" (1948) danced and choreographed by Massine and Robert Helpmann. Starring Moira Shearer.



The Gay Parisian (Warner,1941).
Another great ballet movie danced and choreographed by Léonide Massine. Starring Frederic Franklin, Milada Mladova, Igor Youskevitch, Nathalie Krassovska, Andre Eglevsky, Lubov Roudenko, Casimir Kokitch, James Starbuck and the ensemble (Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo). Music by Jacques Offenbach.
                                                                                                                                          
Vera-Ellen and chorus in "Wedding Dance", the other dance number of  "Carnival in Costa Rica".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nwK1okPJCk

Luck Be a Lady

The memorable gamblers' ballet in "Guys and Dolls" (MGM,1955). Choreography by Michael Kidd and music by Frank Loesser.

Silk Stockings (MGM,1957)

Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, Cole Porter, Rouben Mamoulian, Hermes Pan, Eugene Loring, MGM: one of the greatest musicals in the history.

"Fated to Be Mated".
Memorable modern and Jazz dance number performed by Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse.



"Red Blues".
Aaahhh, another incredible modern and Jazz dance number, performed by Cyd Charisse.



"All of You".
Beautiful modern dance number performed by Astaire and Charisse.



"The Ritz Roll and Rock".
Delightful dance number performed by Fred and chorus.


Gene Nelson

Unforgettable dancer (Theater, movies, TV). Actor, choreographer and director.
Seattle, 24 March 1920 - Los Angeles, 16 September 1996.
Filmography: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0625383/
Broadway: http://ibdb.com/person.php?id=54374

"A Farm Off Old Broadway".
Great Tap solo from "The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady" (Warner,1950).
https://www.facebook.com/GeneNels0n/videos/vb.1289077

"I'll Be Loving You".
Delightful dance duet with Virginia Mayo in "She's Working Her Way Through College" (Warner,1952). Choreography by LeRoy Prinz.



"What Is This Thing Called Love?".
With Janice Rule in a very nice dance number in spanish style to music by Cole Porter. From "Starlift" (Warner,1951). Choreography by LeRoy Prinz.



"This Is the Finale".
Excellent Tap solo in "The West Point Story" (Warner,1950). Choreography by Nelson himself and LeRoy Prinz.



"Looking for Someone to Love".
With Pat Horn in a great modern dance number created by himself and Lee Scott. From "So This Is Paris"(Universal,1955).
                                                                                                                       
                                                 
                                                                                    
"Tip-Toe thru' the Tulips with Me".
Great Tap number performed by Gene Nelson, Virginia Mayo and Virginia Gibson in "Painting the Clouds with Sunshine" (Warner,1951). Staged by LeRoy Prinz, with music by
Joseph Burke.



"The Toy Trumpet".
Beautiful Tap number in "The West Point Story" (Warner,1950). Music by Raymond Scott.



"Crazy Rhythm".
Beautiful dance number from "Tea for Two" (Warner,1950). The choreography is by Nelson with the assistance of LeRoy Prinz, and the music is by Roger Wolfe Kahn and Joseph Meyer.

                                                

Beale Street Blues

Amazing Jazz dance number performed by Gwen Verdon, Marc Wilder, Matt Mattox and dancers. Choreography by the great Jack Cole. From "The I Don't Care Girl" (FOX,1953).

                      

The Gal with the Yaller Shoes

Cyd Charisse, Dan Dailey and dancers (Marc Wilder, Dickie Humphreys, Buddy Spencer etc.) in "Meet Me in Las Vegas" (MGM,1956). Beautiful, very original choreography by Hermes Pan. Music by Nicholas Brodszky and lyrics by Sammy Cahn.

DREAM BALLET (Anything Goes)

Beautiful ballet by Roland Petit set to music by Cole Porter, danced by Zizi Jeanmaire, Marc Wilder, Buzz Miller and chorus in "Anything Goes" (Paramount,1956).

     

Not Since Nineveh

Masterpiece dance number created by Jack Cole and performed by Jack Dodds, Marc Wilder, Reiko Sato, Patricia Dunn and Wonci Lui in "Kismet" (MGM,1955). Hindu Swing!

Adam and Eve

Shirley MacLaine, Marc Wilder, Juliet Prowse and chorus: beautiful modern dance number created by Hermes Pan to music by Cole Porter for the movie "Can-Can" (Fox,1960).

sabato 3 dicembre 2011

The Johnson Rag

Extraordinary, delightful dance number created by Jack Cole and performed by Mitzi Gaynor, Matt Mattox and Nick Navarro in "The I Don't Care Girl" (FOX,1953). Music and lyrics by Jack Lawrence, Guy H.Hall and Henry Kleinkauf.

domenica 27 novembre 2011

The Tina Lina

Sublime modern dance number created by Eugene Loring and performed by James Mitchell and
Rita Moreno. From "The Toast of New Orleans" (MGM,1950).
                                                                                                                                           

It

Memorable, wonderful Tap number, in my opinion the best Tap solo by Ann Miller. From the movie "Deep in My Heart" (MGM-1954) directed by Stanley Donen. Music by Sigmund Romberg and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and Otto A.Harbach.

venerdì 28 ottobre 2011

Dancing

Beautiful modern dance number created by Michael Kidd and performed by chorus dancers in
"Hello, Dolly!" (FOX,1969). Among the male dancers, the famous Tommy Tune (6' 6½"-1.99 m!).
Direction by Gene Kelly and music by Jerry Herman.

Royal Wedding (MGM,1951)

Nice musical with a cool four memorable musical numbers created by Fred Astaire and Nick Castle. Direction by Stanley Donen.

"You're All the World to Me".
Very original dance number performed by Fred Astaire on the ceilings!


"Sunday Jumps".
Terrific solo by Astaire.



"How Could You Believe Me".
Excellent Tap duet performed by Fred and Jane Powell.



"I Left My Hat in Haiti".
Wonderful dance number performed by Fred Astaire, Jane Powell and chorus.

Shakin' the Blues Away

The wonderful Tap solo performed by Ann Miller in "Easter Parade" (MGM,1948). Music and lyrics by Irving Berlin.



I Won't Dance

The first supreme movie Tap solo by Fred Astaire, from the musical "Roberta" (RKO,1935). The choreography by Astaire is with the assistance of Hermes Pan, and the music is by Jerome Kern.

Slaughter on 10th Avenue

The unforgettable modern ballet created by Gene Kelly and performed by himself and Vera Ellen in "Words and Music" (MGM,1948). Music by Richard Rodgers.

Damn Yankees (Warner,1958)

One of the most beautiful musicals ever. Direction by Stanley Donen and George Abbott, choreography by Bob-bie Fosse, music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross.

"Heart".
Delightful song number performed by Nathaniel Frey, Russ Brown, James Komack and Albert Linville.



"Who's Got the Pain".
Amazing Mambo Jazz dance performed by Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon.



"Two Lost Souls".
Human heritage! Memorable Jazz dance number performed by the wonderful Gwen and chorus.


"Whatever Lola Wants".
Gwen Verdon overcomes Tab Hunter. Very nice.

The Young Man with a Horn

Nice song number, one of the best in the movies, performed by June Allyson and Harry James in
"Two Girls and a Sailor" (MGM,1944). Music by George Stoll and lyrics by Ralph Freed.

Give a Girl a Break (MGM,1953)

Great musical with terrific choreographies by Gower Champion and great direction by Stanley Donen.

"Challenge Dance".
Marge and Gower Champion in the amazing Jazz dance on the rooftops of New York.



"In our United States".
Bob Fosse and Debbie Reynolds in a fine Tap number in Central Park.



"Give a Girl a Break".
Marge Champion, Helen Wood and Debbie Reynolds practice for the audition. Excellent.
                                                                

                                                                                                                
"Puppet Master Dance".
The great Helen Wood in a delightful dance number which mixes Ballet and Jazz.

                   

"It Happens Every Time".
Thrilling modern dance number performed by Marge and Gower.
http://www.tcm.com/mediaroom/video/310504/Give-A-Girl-A-Break

Take Me To Broadway

Great Tap solo by Bobby Van in "Small Town Girl" (MGM,1953). Music by Nicholas Brodszky and lyrics by Leo Robin.

Ray Bolger

The greatest comedic dancer ever (Theatre, movies, TV). Actor and singer.
10 January 1904, Dorchester - 15 January 1987, Los Angeles.
Filmography:http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001961/
Broadway:http://ibdb.com/person.php?id=32422

"Who?".
Terrific Tap number in typical Bolger's style: a rare mix of comic quality and technical skill. From
"Look for the Silver Lining" (Warner,1949). Music by Jerome Kern.


"I'm Gonna Ring the Bell Tonight".
Beautiful musical number (first part performed with Doris Day) from "April in Paris" (Warner,1952). Music by Vernon Duke.



"Carolina in the Morning".
From "Look for the Silver Lining" again, the other amazing Tap solo. Music by Walter Donaldson.


"Life Is Such a Pleasure".
The great Tap solo in "April in Paris".

Frankie and Johnny

One of the greatest film musical numbers. Unforgettable Jazz ballet created by Hermes Pan and danced by Cyd Charisse, John Brascia and Liliane Montevecchi in "Meet Me in Las Vegas" (MGM,1956). The song is traditional, here sung by Sammy Davis Jr. with special lyrics by Sammy Cahn.

domenica 11 settembre 2011

Invitation to the Dance (MGM,1956)

In my opinion a top ten, absolutely not to be missed. Conceived, directed, choreographed and performed by Gene Kelly, it won the Berlin Film Festival! It's divided into three parts: "Circus" (modern and Ballet) with Kelly, Igor Youskevitch and Claire Sombert. Music by Jacques Ibert.
"Ring Around the Rosy" (Jazz,Tap,Ballet) the most extraordinary part, starring Gene Kelly, Tamara Toumanova, Igor Youskevitch, Claude Bessy, Tommy Rall, Irving Davies and Diana Adams. Music by André Previn.
"Sinbad the Sailor" (modern and Tap) live action and animation, performed by Kelly and David Kasday. Music by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.


lunedì 5 settembre 2011

You Wonderful You

The legendary Tap solo by Gene Kelly in "Summer Stock" (MGM,1950). Music by Harry Warren.

Mr.Beebe

Terrific Tap number by Harold Nicholas in "Carolina Blues" (Columbia,1944). Music by Jule Styne.

Clap Yo' Hands

Fred Astaire and Kay Thompson, delightful Tap and Jazz dance number in "Funny Face" (Paramount,1957). Choreography by Astaire himself to music by George Gershwin, and words by Ira Gershwin.

Alter Ego

The famous, brilliant Tap number by Gene Kelly in "Cover Girl" (Columbia,1944). Music by Jerome Kern.

Begin the Beguine

Memorable big musical number in "Broadway Melody of 1940" (MGM,1940) by Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell. Divided into two parts, dance duet in spanish style and Tap number, to music by Cole Porter.


Kindergarten Conga

Delightful Tap duet performed by Hermes Pan and Betty Grable in "Moon Over Miami" (Fox,1941). Choreography by Pan himself. He was a genius. Music by Ralph Rainger.

domenica 4 settembre 2011

"Broadway Melody of 1938" finale

Terrific Tap number by Eleanor Powell in "Broadway Melody of 1938" (MGM,1937). Music by Nacio Herb Brown.

The Heather on the Hill

Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse in the sublime modern dance number of "Brigadoon" (MGM,1954). The choreography is by Kelly himself to music by Frederick Loewe.



Thinking of You

Magic dance number by Astaire. His partner is the great Vera-Ellen. From "Three Little Words" (MGM,1950); music and lyrics by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby.


sabato 3 settembre 2011

Anchors Aweigh (MGM,1945)

Great musical dominated by Gene Kelly, actor, singer and, above all, dancer in three memorable musical numbers choreographed by himself! Direction by George Sidney.

"La Cumparsita".
Amazing musical number where Gene Kelly mixes his style with Flamenco. Music by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez.



"The King Who Couldn't Dance".
Genius and...Jerry mouse! Music by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Arthur Freed.



"The Mexican Hat Dance".
Great dance number performed by Gene Kelly and Sharon McManus. Music by Felipe A.Partichela.



"If You Knew Susie".
Good song number performed by Kelly and Sinatra. Music by Joseph Meyer and lyrics by Buddy G.DeSylva.

mercoledì 31 agosto 2011

Flash,Bang,Wallop

Brilliant choreography by Gillian Lynne. Performed by Tommy Steele and chorus in "Half a Sixpence" (Paramount,1967). Music and lyrics by David Heneker.



domenica 28 agosto 2011

The Band Wagon(MGM,1953)

After "Singin' in the Rain", it is probably the greatest musical ever. Everything is excellent, the direction by Minnelli, the script, scenery and colors, and above all, obviously, the incomparable ballets and dance numbers performed by Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse. The choreography is by Michael kidd and Astaire himself, music by Arthur Schwartz and lyrics by Howard Dietz.

"A Shine on My Shoes".
Amazing Jazz Dance by Astaire.



"Dancing in the Dark".
Beauty supreme! The incomparable modern dance number performed by Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse in Central Park.



"Girl Hunt".
Another masterpiece: Jazz and modern ballet danced by Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse and chorus.



"Two-Faced Woman".
Cut number! Choreographed by Michael Kidd and performed by Cyd Charisse and chorus. Music by Arthur Schwartz.
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1978093727121

"That's Entertainment".
Good musical number where Fred Astaire, Jack Buchanan, Nanette Fabray and Oscar Levant sing one of the american hymns of the show business.

domenica 21 agosto 2011

venerdì 19 agosto 2011

Dream Ballet(Yolanda and the Thief)

The best of Fred Astaire. Memorable modern ballet in "Yolanda and the Thief" (MGM-1945) choreographed by Astaire himself and Eugene Loring. Lucille Bremer is wonderful. Music by Harry Warren and magic atmospheres by Vincente Minnelli.

giovedì 7 luglio 2011

Ziegfeld Follies(MGM,1946)

Nice movie directed by Vincente Minnelli with a cool three memorable musical numbers and other good numbers.

"This Heart of Mine".
Superb modern dance number performed by Astaire with Lucille Bremer. Music by Harry Warren.



"The Babbitt and the Bromide".
Essentially, the only work of Fred Astaire with Gene Kelly. A masterpiece danced in two styles to the tune of Gershwin song.



"Limehouse Blues".
Another sublime modern dance number created by Eugene Loring and Fred Astaire and performed by Fred and Lucille Bremer. Music by Philip Braham.


"A Great Lady Has an Interview".
Nice song number performed by Judy Garland and boys. Music and lyrics by Roger Edens and Kay Thompson.

An American in Paris(MGM,1951)

One of the greatest musicals ever. The final ballet is probably the best ballet or musical number in the movie history. But the film contains other three memorable musical numbers. The choreography is by Kelly, of course, the direction is by Vincente Minnelli, music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin.

"I Got Rhythm".
Great Tap solo by Gene Kelly.



"An American in Paris".
Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron and chorus in this masterpiece incredibly danced in four different styles (Jazz,Modern,Tap,Ballet!!) those kind of things that only these artists in the world can do.



"Our Love Is Here To Stay".
Beautiful modern pas de deux danced by Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron.



"Tra-La-La".
The other memorable Tap solo by Gene Kelly.


Top Hat (RKO,1935)

Great Astaire-Rogers musical. Choreography by Fred Astaire himself and Hermes Pan, music by Irving Berlin.

"Isn't This a Lovely Day".
Wonderful Tap duet.


"Top Hat,White Tie and Tails".
Amazing Tap number performed by Fred Astaire and chorus.


"The Piccolino".
The other beautiful Tap duet.

lunedì 4 luglio 2011

The Continental

In my opinion the first memorable dance number of the movies, performed by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in "The Gay Divorcee" (RKO,1934). Choreography by Astaire himself and Hermes Pan.

It's Always Fair Weather(MGM,1955)

A top seven in my opinion. Direction by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, choreography by Kelly himself and music by André Previn.

"Thanks a Lot But No Thanks".
Nice song number performed by Dolores Gray.



"The Binge/Trash Can Dance".
The Tap and modern dance number by Gene Kelly, Michael Kidd and Dan Dailey through the streets of New York. One of the top in the art of dance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1InfoCfipM

"Baby You Knock Me Out".
The memorable dance number performed by Cyd Charisse with the boxers.



"I Like Myself".
Delightful Tap number on the skates(!) by Gene Kelly. Very original.



"Love Is Nothin' But a Racket".
Beautiful "cut number" by Kelly and Charisse.


Gipsy Dance

Thrilling modern dance number created by Hermes Pan and performed by Cyd Charisse in "Sombrero" (MGM,1953).

Kiss Me Kate(MGM,1953)

Great musical. Direction (by George Sidney) and script are good, sets, costumes and colors are beautiful, and the song numbers are nice, but above all, the dance numbers are masterpieces. Music by Cole Porter.

"Tom,Dick or Harry".
Superb Tap Jazz dance performed by Tommy Rall, Ann Miller, Bob Fosse and Bobby Van. Choreography by Hermes Pan.



"From This Moment On".
Incomparable dance number in three styles (Jazz,modern,Tap!) created by Hermes Pan and Bob Fosse and performed by Fosse himself and Carol Haney, Tommy Rall and Ann Miller, Bobby Van and Jeanne Coyne.



"Why Can't You Behave".
The beautiful dance number performed by Tommy Rall and Ann Miller. Choreography by Hermes Pan.


"Brush Up Your Shakespeare".
Amusing musical number performed by Keenan Wynn and James Whitmore.

Singin' in the Rain (MGM,1952)

Simply the number one. Incomparable musical numbers (choreography by Gene Kelly), great direction by Kelly himself and Stanley Donen, nice story and script, good colors. The best.

"Moses Supposes".
Unmatchable Tap number performed by Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor. Music by Roger Edens, lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green.



"Good Morning".
Delightful dance number performed by Kelly, O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds. Music by Nacio Herb Brown and lyrics by Arthur Freed.



"Singin' in the Rain".
Sublime Tap solo by Gene Kelly. Music by Nacio Herb Brown and lyrics by Arthur Freed.



"Broadway Rhythm".
Human heritage! Unforgettable ballet in four styles (Jazz,Tap,modern,Ballet!!) danced by Gene, Cyd Charisse and chorus. Music by Nacio Herb Brown and lyrics by Arthur Freed again.
Gene Kelly is the most all-around artist ever: supreme dancer and choreographer, great actor and director, good singer. The only one of its kind in the history.


"Make 'em Laugh".
Funny musical number by Donald O'Connor.

Waiting for the Robert E.Lee

Amazing Texas Tommy danced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Music by Lewis F.Muir. From "The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle" (RKO,1939).

http://www.tcm.com/mediaroom/video/459018/Story-Of-Vernon-And-Irene-Castle

You'll Never Get Rich(Columbia,1941)

Great musical starring Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth. Extraordinary choreography by Astaire himself and Robert Alton. Music by Cole Porter.

"Boogie Barcarolle".
Wonderful dance scene with Fred Astaire and chorus (featuring Rita Hayworth).



"March Milastaire".
Magic Tap solo by Astaire.



"So Near and Yet So Far".
Superb dance number performed by Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth.

On the Town (MGM,1949)

One of the three greatest musicals ever. Choreography by Gene Kelly to music by Leonard Bernstein and Roger Edens, direction by Kelly and Stanley Donen, screenplay and lyrics by Adolph Green and Betty Comden.

"Miss Turnstiles".
Beautiful modern dance number performed by Vera-Ellen and chorus. Music by Leonard Bernstein.



"Prehistoric Man".
Amazing Tap number performed by Ann Miller. Music by Roger Edens.



"A Day in New York".
One of the top in the art of dance. Incomparable modern ballet set to music by Bernstein danced by Gene Kelly, Vera-Ellen, Carol Haney, Alex Romero, Marie Grosscup and Lee Scott.


"Main Street".
Delightful Tap duet performed by Genius and Vera Ellen. Music by Roger Edens.



"New York New York".
Good song sequence with Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Jules Munshin. Music by Bernstein.



"On the Town".
Another nice song number, performed by the entire cast. Music by Roger Edens.

Les Girls

From the homonymous movie (MGM-1957) the fantastic Jazz dance created by Jack Cole and performed by Gene Kelly, Mitzi Gaynor, Taina Elg and Kay Kendall. Music by Cole Porter.

domenica 3 luglio 2011

You Excite Me

The exotic dance number created by Jack Cole and performed by Rita Hayworth and chorus in "Tonight and Every Night" (Columbia,1945). Music by Jule Styne.

Someone To Watch Over Me

Wonderful modern dance number by Marge and Gower Champion in "Three for the Show" (Columbia,1955). Music by Gershwin.

The Rumble

Thrilling modern and Jazz dance number created by Eugene Loring and performed by Matt Mattox (red jumper) Michael Callan and Shirley Jones. From the movie "Pepe" (Columbia,1960). Music by André Previn.

http://www.tcm.com/mediaroom/video/669247/Pepe-Movie-Clip

domenica 12 giugno 2011

S'posin'

Beautiful dance duet by Donald O'Connor and Penny Edwards, from the musical "Feudin',Fussin' and A-Fightin'" (Universal,1948). The choreography is by Louis Da Pron to music by Paul Denniker.

He's My Friend

Amazing dance number created by Peter Gennaro and performed by Debbie Reynolds, Gus Trikonis and Grover Dale in "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" (MGM-1964). Music by Meredith Willson.

lunedì 23 maggio 2011

Something To Dance About

Terrific dance number choreographed by Robert Alton and performed by Vera-Ellen and Donald O'Connor in "Call Me Madam" (FOX,1953). Music by Irving Berlin.

domenica 8 maggio 2011

Cheek To Cheek

Gregory Hines and Suzzanne Douglas, beautiful Tap duet in "Tap" (1989,USA). Choreography by Hines himself and Henry LeTang, music by Irving Berlin.

mercoledì 13 aprile 2011

Everybody Wants To Be a Cat

Absolutely the best musical sequence in the cartoon history. From
"The Aristocats" (Disney,1970).


Dance of Fury

Cyd Charisse and Ann Miller in the thrilling dance number in spanish style of "The Kissing Bandit" (MGM,1948). Choreography by Robert Alton. The guy is Ricardo Montalban.


Do I Love You?

The first great movie dance number by Gene Kelly, a fine Tap solo in the musical "Du Barry Was a Lady" (MGM,1943). Music by Cole Porter.

lunedì 11 aprile 2011

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

Marge and Gower Champion in the wonderful dance number of "Lovely To Look At" (MGM-1952). Choreography by Hermes Pan and Champions themselves, music by Jerome Kern.

domenica 10 aprile 2011

Steam Heat

Great! Memorable Jazz dance number choreographed by Bob Fosse and performed by Carol Haney,
Buzz Miller and Ken LeRoy in "The Pajama Game" (Warner,1957). Music by Richard Adler and lyrics by Jerry Ross.

Fastidious Horses

Great dance solo by Mikhail Baryshnikov in the movie "White Nights" (Columbia,1985). The song is written and performed by Vladimir Vysotsky.

sabato 9 aprile 2011

La croqueuse de diamants

Fine pas de deux performed by Zizi Jeanmaire and Dirk Sanders in the ballet (music by Jean-Michel Damase) "La croqueuse de diamants". This ballet is the first of four in the movie
"1-2-3-4 ou Les collants noirs" (France-1961) choreographed by Roland Petit.

Coffee Time

Sublime masterpiece created by Fred Astaire (as a dancer and choreographer) Lucille Bremer (Fred's partner) Eugene Loring (co-choreographer) Vincente Minnelli (director) and Harry Warren (music). From "Yolanda and the Thief" (MGM,1945).


venerdì 8 aprile 2011

Casbah

Marge and Gower Champion in an amazing Jazz dance number choreographed by Gower himself.
From the musical "Everything I Have Is Yours" (MGM,1952). Music by Richard Priborsky.

It's De-Lovely

Great Tap duet performed by Donald O'Connor and Mitzi Gaynor in "Anything Goes" (Paramount,1956). Choreography by Nick Castle and music by Cole Porter.

West Side Story (USA,1961)

Musical with three memorable dance scenes. The rest of the movie is controversial (dubbed singers, Nathalie Wood out of role etc.) but the dance numbers are not to be missed. The choreography is by Jerome Robbins, also director with Robert Wise, and the music is by Leonard Bernstein.

"Dance at the Gym".
Thrilling Jazz and modern dance number performed by Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, Gina Trikonis and dancers.



"America".
Beautiful modern dance number performed by Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, Gus Trikonis and dancers.



"Cool".
Another great modern dance number, performed by Gina Trikonis, Tucker Smith, David Winters, Robert Banas, Harvey Evans, Tony Mordente and others.


martedì 5 aprile 2011

I Dug a Ditch

Second memorable movie musical number by Gene Kelly, a great Tap solo to the tune of the song by Burton Lane. From "Thousands Cheer" (MGM,1943).

lunedì 4 aprile 2011

Why Am I So Gone About That Gal?

The magic Jazz dance created by Gene Kelly and performed by Kelly himself and Mitzi Gaynor in "Les Girls" (MGM,1957). Music by Cole Porter.

One Alone

Wonderful modern dance number performed by Cyd Charisse and James Mitchell in "Deep in My Heart" (MGM,1954). Choreography by Eugene Loring and music by Sigmund Romberg.



Eugene Loring:
One of the greatest dancers and choreographers ever(Milwaukee,2 August 1911 - Kingston,30 August 1982).Actor.
Styles:Modern,Jazz,Ballet.He was a genius!
Dancer in the company of Fokine,American Ballet,on Broadway.
Choreographer:Ballet Caravan,Broadway,Hollywood.
Charter member:Ballet Theatre.
Founder:Dance Players company;American School of dance in Hollywood;Dance department at the University of California at Irvine.

mercoledì 30 marzo 2011

Daddy Long Legs (FOX,1955)

The best musical by 20th Century Fox. Wonderful choreographies by Fred Astaire and Roland Petit, music and lyrics by Johnny Mercer.

"Guardian Angel".
Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron in a fine dance number which combines Astaire style and Ballet.



"Sluefoot".
Astaire and Caron, great!



"Something's Gotta Give".
The leading couple again in a wonderful dance sequence.

Alley Dance

Amazing modern dance number created by Bob Fosse and performed by Fosse himself and Tommy Rall, in the musical "My Sister Eileen" (Columbia,1955).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ItaESaGWMk

Carefree (RKO,1938)

Nice Astaire-Rogers musical. Choreography by Astaire himself and Hermes Pan, music by Irving Berlin.

"Change Partners".
Wonderful dance number performed by the famous couple.



"Since They Turned Loch Lomand Into Swing".
Brilliant Tap number by Fred on the golf course!



"The Yam".
Masterpiece danced by Fred and Ginger. Great!


martedì 29 marzo 2011

Hellzapoppin' Lindy Hop

The amazing Swing dance by the Whitey's Lindy Hoppers in "Hellzapoppin'" (Universal,1941). The group leader is the famous Frankie Manning, and the music is played by the Slim and Slam all stars.

lunedì 28 marzo 2011

You Were Never Lovelier(Columbia,1942)

Lovely musical starring Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth. Choreography by Astaire himself and music by Jerome Kern.

"The Shorty George".
Memorable Tap duet.



"Audition Dance".
Wonderful Tap solo by Fred Astaire.



"I'm Old Fashioned".
Sublime masterpiece by Astaire and Hayworth.

I'm Feelin' Like a Million

Fifteen years before "Singin' in the Rain", a beautiful Tap number in the rain performed by Eleanor Powell and George Murphy in "Broadway Melody of 1938" (MGM,1937). Music by Nacio Herb Brown.

domenica 27 marzo 2011

J.T. Jive

Louis Armstrong and his orchestra play, Sally Forrest, Lee Scott, Bert May and Jack Regas dance. Amazing Jazz musical number from the movie "The Strip" (MGM,1951). Choreography by Nick Castle and music by Louis Armstrong himself.

sabato 26 marzo 2011

venerdì 25 marzo 2011

Broadway Rhythm

Great Tap solo by Eleanor Powell in the finale of "Broadway Melody of 1936" (MGM,1935). Music by Nacio Herb Brown.

giovedì 24 marzo 2011

My Shining Hour

Sublime dance number created by Fred Astaire and performed by Astaire himself and Joan Leslie in the movie "The Sky's the Limit" (RKO,1943). Music by Harold Arlen.

mercoledì 23 marzo 2011

Me and My Shadow

Memorable Tap number performed by Donald O'Connor in "Feudin',Fussin' and A-Fightin'" (Universal,1948). The choreography is by O'Connor himself with the assistance of Louis Da Pron, whereas the music is by Al Jolson and Dave Dreyer.

http://www.tcm.com/mediaroom/video/238589/Feudin-Fussin-and-A-Fightin

The Pirate (MGM,1948)

One of the greatest musicals of the movie history. Great direction by Minnelli, nice script, beautiful sets, costumes and colors, good song numbers, but above all, masterpiece dance numbers created and performed by Gene Kelly. Music by Cole Porter.

"Niña".
Unforgettable tour de force by Kelly 🎺 🎼 🎭 🎻 🎥


"Be a Clown".
Gene Kelly with the Nicholas brothers, memorable modern dance number.



"Mack the Black".
Good song number by Judy Garland.



"Love of My Life".
Another nice song number performed by Judy Garland.



"Be a Clown" (reprise).
Enjoyable finale with Judy and Gene.

domenica 20 marzo 2011

Barn Dance

The amazing dance number of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" (MGM-1954) created by Michael Kidd and performed by brothers, brides and town suitors. A lot of terrific dancers: Matt Mattox, Tommy Rall, Marc Platt, Jacques d'Amboise, Dante DiPaolo, Kelly Brown, Norma Doggett, Julie Newmar, Virginia Gibson etc...


giovedì 17 marzo 2011

The Barkleys of Broadway(MGM,1949)

Top ten musical, including unforgettable dance numbers performed by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Choreography by Hermes Pan, Robert Alton and Astaire, direction by Charles Walters.

"Bouncin' the Blues".
Sublime Tap duet.



"Shoes With Wings On".
Brilliant Tap number by Fred Astaire.

                   

"Manhattan Downbeat".
Great finale with Fred, Ginger and chorus.

lunedì 14 marzo 2011

The Jumpin' Jive

Famous Tap number by Nicholas brothers in "Stormy Weather" (FOX,1943).

A Star Is Born (Warner,1954)

Music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and Ira Gershwin (except "Born in a Trunk" number), great direction by George Cukor.

"You Gotta Have Me Go With You".
Nice scene with Judy Garland, boys and James Mason.



"The Man That Got Away".
Probably the most beautiful song number in the movie history.



"Born in a Trunk".
Nice big song number performed by Judy and chorus.

http://www.nicozon.net/player.html?video_id=sm16604394&k=

Swing Tap

Great Tap duet by Louis Da Pron and Eleanore Whitney in "Three Cheers for Love" (Paramount,1936).

sabato 12 marzo 2011