Here’s a classic guaranteed to bring nostalgia and a smile.
One of the most well known and popular on screen love teams would be Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. They made nine films together and though there were many other on screen partners, their chemistry was unmatched.
Fred was a popular actor and dancer and Ginger a stage and film dancer herself.
Astaire was born Frederick Austerlitz from Omaha, Nebraska.
There have been many classic couples but none have the presence and magic of Fred and Ginger.
When they danced together, they seemed to express so many moods of love.
From courtship and seduction, to teasing and giddy exhilaration, there seemed to be a spirit about them and they brought a perfect blend and balance to the art. You would be surprised at the stories your grandparents would tell you about them.
Rogers was born Virginia Katherine McMath from Independence, Missouri. That mutual bond can be seen from the very start. Obvious delight on their faces as they look at each other, warming up their feet and legs to the intro of the music.
They even share a little laugh as Fred taps Rogers on her chin before they swing back and proceed to tap dance together.
There is so much nostalgia in this one.
As charming as on screen romances come.
There’s even a voice over of Mr. Astaire as he shares a short story of the last time they worked together and how he feels this was one of their best routines they did together.
It’s incredible how they can express emotion through dance. Just look at those faces.
The dancing is as dynamic as the presence of Fred and Ginger together.
There is so much skill and so much creativity it would be foolish to dismiss tap dancing and say it’s easy. Imagine the stamina required to last a few minutes.
They jump and spin and use their hips to emphasize the rhythmic rolling of drums and the crashing cymbals.
All while keeping those smiles!
They can definitely move.
Back in the day when there was no internet nor social media, you had to have an incredible amount of talent to have your name spread across the country.
They tap and glide across the room and when the piano and wind instruments come on, they clap to the melody and it’s hard not to smile and dance along.
Fred and Ginger can’t help it. They’re not even trying to hide the joy on their faces.
And the way they spin! Are they even on solid ground? It is such a riveting performance and yet those colors they’re wearing add even more glamour to an already fascinating show.
It was Fred who set the standard for tap dance. He insisted the camera follow him around while shooting from head to toe with very few cutaways. One take and he would light up the place with his charisma. Just look at him go!
No special effects, no filters, no extra shoots required.
Nearly a century now and these two are still captivating young viewers with their stunning performances and a magic all their own.
For Fred and Ginger, something as simple as tap dancing has captured the minds of young and old alike and for that, the world is grateful.
Relive and experience the captivating duo in the video below.
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Source: YouTube, Britannica, nytimes
