Technically Astaire: Innovations in Film and Dance

Fred Astaire is not only remembered as one of the greatest dancers and entertainers of all time, but also as a pioneer who revolutionized the way dance was filmed and presented on screen. Astaire's meticulous attention to detail, innovative ideas, and collaborations with filmmakers and choreographers resulted in some of the most memorable and technically groundbreaking dance sequences in film and television history.

The Importance of the Long Take

Fred Astaire believed that dance should be filmed in long takes, with minimal cuts, to preserve the integrity and fluidity of the performance. This philosophy was a departure from the then-common practice of using multiple cuts and close-ups, which Astaire felt disrupted the flow and diluted the impact of the dance.

In many of his films, Astaire worked closely with directors to ensure that the camera captured full-body shots of his routines. He famously quipped, “Either the camera will dance or I will!” This technique allowed audiences to appreciate the choreography in its entirety, showcasing Astaire’s precision and elegance. For example, in Top Hat (1935), directed by Mark Sandrich, the camera often remains fixed, or moves smoothly to follow Astaire, allowing viewers to fully experience the intricate dance numbers like "Cheek to Cheek" and "Top Hat, White Tie and Tails."

Fred and Ginger on the set of *Shall We Dance?* 1937

Royal Wedding and the "Dancing on the Ceiling" Number

One of Fred Astaire's most iconic and technically challenging dance sequences is the "You're All the World to Me" number from the 1951 film Royal Wedding. Directed by Stanley Donen, this sequence features Astaire seemingly defying gravity as he dances on the walls and ceiling of a rotating room. The illusion was achieved through a meticulously designed set and camera work.

The set was constructed as a large rotating cube, with the camera and furniture bolted to the floor. As the set rotated, Astaire danced in sync with the movements, creating the illusion that he was dancing on the ceiling. This groundbreaking use of a rotating set and synchronized camera work was a marvel of engineering and choreography. The sequence remains a testament to Astaire’s willingness to push the boundaries of what was possible in film.

Rotating Set of “You’re All the World to Me”

Special effects and Dance in The Barkleys of Broadway

The "Shoes with Wings On" number in Fred Astaire's 1948 film The Barkleys of Broadway is a prime example of his innovative approach to dance on screen. In this sequence, Astaire dances alongside animated shoes that seem to have a life of their own. This groundbreaking scene combined live-action footage with animation, requiring meticulous planning and precise timing. Astaire had to perform his dance routine multiple times, with careful attention to the placement and movements of the animated shoes. The result was a magical, whimsical dance number that seamlessly blended reality with fantasy and create a visually stunning, imaginative performance by Astaire.

Innovations in Television

Fred Astaire’s influence extended beyond film into the world of television, where he continued to innovate and elevate the art of dance. His television specials in the 1950s and 1960s were groundbreaking in their production values and creative use of the medium.

An Evening with Fred Astaire (1958)

An Evening with Fred Astaire, which aired on NBC in 1958, was a landmark in television history. The special was one of the first programs to be recorded on color videotape, a new technology at the time. This allowed for greater flexibility in filming and editing, and the ability to preserve the program for future broadcasts.

Astaire collaborated with director and choreographer Hermes Pan to create a series of dance numbers that took full advantage of the television format. The special featured innovative camera angles, special effects, and seamless transitions between live-action and pre-recorded segments. An Evening with Fred Astaire won nine Emmy Awards, including one for Astaire’s performance, and set a new standard for television variety shows.

Thirty years later, An Evening with Fred Astaire won yet another Emmy in 1988 for Ed Reitan, Don Kent, and Dan Einstein for restoring the original videotape to a modern format.

The follow up show in 1959 Another Evening with Fred Astaire was equally celebrated and won an Art Direction Emmy Award. Astaire’s commitment to excellence and innovation was evident in every aspect of the production, from the staging of the dance numbers to the use of color, lighting, prerecorded tapes, and editing.

Record of *Another Evening with Fred Astaire*

Collaboration with Technicians and Filmmakers

Fred Astaire’s technical innovations were often the result of close collaboration with directors, choreographers, and technicians. He understood the importance of working with skilled professionals who could help bring his creative vision to life.

Working with Hermes Pan

Hermes Pan was Astaire’s longtime collaborator and choreographer. The two worked together on numerous films and television specials, creating some of the most memorable dance sequences in history. Pan’s understanding of Astaire’s style and his ability to translate it into innovative choreography was instrumental in many of their successful projects.

Collaboration with Directors

Astaire’s work with directors like Stanley Donen and Mark Sandrich was crucial to the success of his innovative dance sequences. These directors were willing to experiment with new techniques and take risks to achieve the desired effect. Their collaboration with Astaire resulted in groundbreaking films that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in musical cinema.

Use of Special Effects and Technology

Fred Astaire was not afraid to embrace new technology and special effects to enhance his performances. His willingness to experiment with different techniques and incorporate them into his dance routines set him apart from other performers of his time.

The Use of Rear Projection

Rear projection was a technique commonly used in Hollywood musicals to create the illusion of movement and depth. Astaire utilized this technique in several of his films to create dynamic and visually stunning dance sequences. For example, in the film Shall We Dance (1937), Astaire and Ginger Rogers perform a dance number on the deck of a ship, with the moving background created using rear projection. This technique allowed the filmmakers to create a sense of movement and realism, enhancing the overall impact of the dance.

Innovative Slow Motion

The "Steppin' Out with My Baby" number in Easter Parade is a remarkable example of his innovative use of film techniques to enhance a dance performance. In this sequence, Astaire employed slow motion to create a striking visual effect. As he performs his smooth, intricate dance steps, the background dancers move at normal speed, creating a surreal contrast that emphasizes Astaire's graceful precision. This innovative use of slow motion not only highlighted Astaire's extraordinary skill but also added a dynamic, almost dreamlike quality to the routine. The technique required careful choreography and timing, showcasing Astaire's ability to blend technical precision with artistic expression, and further cementing his reputation as a visionary in the world of dance on film.

Influence on Future Generations

Fred Astaire’s technical innovations in film and television have had a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. His willingness to push the boundaries of what was possible and his commitment to excellence set a new standard for dance on screen. Future generations of dancers, choreographers, and filmmakers have drawn inspiration from Astaire’s work, building on his legacy and continuing to innovate in the field of dance.

Influence on Gene Kelly

Gene Kelly, another legendary dancer and choreographer, was greatly influenced by Fred Astaire’s work. Kelly admired Astaire’s elegance and technical skill and often cited him as an inspiration. Kelly said of his friend, “If Fred Astaire is the Cary Grant of dance, I’m the Marlon Brando.” Kelly’s own innovations in dance and film, such as the use of location shooting and his incorporation of athleticism into his routines, were built on the foundation laid by Astaire.

Impact on Modern Musicals

Fred Astaire’s influence can be seen in modern musicals and dance films. Directors and choreographers continue to draw inspiration from Astaire’s techniques, incorporating long takes, innovative set designs, and special effects into their work. Films like La La Land (2016) and television shows like Dancing with the Stars pay homage to Astaire’s legacy and demonstrate the enduring appeal of his style.

Conclusion

Fred Astaire’s technical innovations in film and television have left an enduring legacy in the world of entertainment. His commitment to excellence, willingness to embrace new technology, and collaborations with skilled professionals resulted in some of the most memorable and groundbreaking dance sequences in history. From his innovative use of long takes and rear projection to his pioneering work in television specials, Astaire continually pushed the boundaries of what was possible, elevating the art of dance on screen.

Astaire’s legacy continues to inspire and influence future generations of performers and filmmakers, ensuring that his contributions to the world of dance and film will never be forgotten. As we look back on Fred Astaire’s remarkable career, we are reminded of the timeless elegance and technical brilliance that defined his work and solidified his place as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.