Who Compares To Astaire?
Puttin’ On The Ritz
Fred Astaire was a legendary dancer and entertainer who shaped so much of the cinematic landscape in the twentieth century. His screen presence spanned almost 50 years until his death in 1987, but his presence continues to resonate across multiple facets of popular culture. From movies to dance to music, Astaire's influence remains palpable, inspiring generations of artists on the silver screen and the dance floor. In the lead up to the podcast Astaire: Footnotes in a Legacy, let’s explore the profound impact of Fred Astaire on movies, dance, and pop culture that continues today more than 30 years after his death.
Astaire's Cinematic Legacy
Fred Astaire's contributions to the making of movie musicals are nothing short of transformative. With his effortless charm and rigorous rehearsals, Astaire awed audiences with innovative dance numbers. Films like Top Hat, Swing Time, and Easter Parade showcase not only Astaire's remarkable dancing abilities, but his technical work in changing the way movie musicals were filmed. He famously said, “Either the camera will dance or I will!” In 1950, he would win an Honorary Oscar for his “unique artistry and his contributions to the technique of musical pictures”, which was of course presented to him by Ginger Rogers.
Dance as an Art Form
Fred Astaire's influence extends beyond the silver screen and permeates the world of dance itself. His innovative choreography and impeccable technique revolutionized the way dance was portrayed and appreciated in film, setting a new standard of excellence that continues to inspire choreographers and dancers to this day.
Relentless Rehearsals
Astaire's mastery of various dance styles, from tap to ballroom, showcased his versatility and artistry, earning him admiration and respect from his peers and audiences alike. His influence can be seen in the work of contemporary dancers and choreographers who draw inspiration from his iconic routines and innovative approach to movement.
Since his passing, Fred Astaire has been the subject of countless homages and tributes in popular culture. From references in films and television shows to parodies and commercials, Astaire's presence remains relevant in the collective imagination of audiences in the twenty first century.
a musical master
Fred Astaire introduced more standards in the Great American Songbook than any other artist including vocal powerhouses like Frank Sinatra. Today songs he introduced in his movies like “The Way You Look Tonight”, “Night and Day”, and “They Can’t Take That Away” have been covered hundreds of times over by modern artists like Harry Connick Jr and Michael Bublé. Even pop superstar Lady Gaga made an album with Tony Bennett highlighting standards like “I Won’t Dance”, “Let’s Face the Music”, and the eponymous “Cheek to Cheek”.
Facing the Music
Fred Astaire Dance Studios
Fred Astaire's legacy lives on through the Fred Astaire Dance Studios, which were established by Astaire in 1947 and have since become a global franchise. These dance studios offer a wide range of classes and training programs inspired by Astaire's legendary style and technique, ensuring that his influence continues to be passed down to future generations of dancers.
a tip of the top hat
Fred Astaire’s impact on movies, dance, and pop culture endures more than three decades after his death. From his iconic performances on the silver screen to his lasting influence on the world of dance, Astaire's legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
With over six hours of dancing captured on film over more than 30 films, Fred Astaire’s impressive work on screen stands in a class by itself. Even Gene Kelly, an innovative dancer and filmmaker in his own right, has less than half of the recorded dancing screen time of Fred Astaire. However, some of the screen time they do share together will be featured in next week’s blog highlighting the Top 10 Dance Numbers of Fred Astaire. Some of them might not be what you expect.
