Dance on Film: The 1940’s
“Dancing is like breathing- missing a day doing either is very bad”
Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940)- Begin the Beguine | Fred Astaire & Eleanor Powell
Beautifully shot in black and white with a shiny black floor and twinkly lights, old school tap dancing at its best. Choreographed by Bobby Connolly.
Second Chorus (1940)- Fred Astaire
In this scene, Fred juggles tap dancing with conducting a band. Choreographed by Hermes Pan.
Lady Be Good (1941)- Eleanor Powell & Buttons
A marvellously elegant and adorable pas de deux between a lady and her dog. Choreographed by Eleanor Powell.
You’ll Never Get Rich (1941)- Boogie Bacarolle | Rita Hayworth & Fred Astaire
A tap dancing extravaganza, with Fred Astaire taking the lead inside a crowded dance rehearsal. Choreographed by Robert Alton.
Stormy Weather (1943)- Jumpin’ Jive | The Nicholas Brothers
Known for their acrobatic techniques and flash dance style, The Nicholas Brothers offer a virtuosic and sometimes death defying performance that had been unrehearsed and shot in one-take. Choreographed by Nick Castle.
The Gang’s All Here (1943)- Miriam Lavelle
Another dancer that was prone to acrobatics, this scene demonstrates just how effortless Miriam made all of her moves seem. Choreographed by Busby Berkeley.
Thousands Cheer (1943)- Gene Kelly
A renowned performance in which Gene Kelly dances while cleaning the bar, alongside all sorts of mops and brooms. Choreographed by Gene Kelly.
Blue Skies (1946)- Puttin’ On The Ritz | Fred Astaire
Another of Fred’s famous dance segments, in which he dances with nine versions of himself. Choreographed by Hermes Pan.
The Red Shoes (1948)- Moira Shearer, Léonide Massine & Robert Helpmann
This film famously features a 17 minute sequence that is exclusively ballet, portraying the Hans Christian Anderson fairytale. Choreographed by Robert Helpmann & Léonide Massine.
On the Town (1949)
A Day in New York | Gene Kelly & Vera Ellen
An artistic duet, visually focussing on three colours- black, white and red- and making full use of a ballet bar. Choreographed by Gene Kelly.
On the Town | Vera Ellen
A more comical dance that sees Vera act out the various facets of her character, Ivy Smith. Choreographed by Gene Kelly.
