Dance on Film: The 1950’s
“You dance love, and you dance joy, and you dance dreams.”
Tea for Two (1950)- Charleston | Gene Nelson
An effortless, elegant and acrobatic tap dance making full use of a staircase. Choreographed by Gene Nelson.
The Tales of Hoffmann (1951)
The Yellow Pas de Deux- Moira Shearer & Robert Helpmann
A gorgeous and colourful production, in which the choreography and the music fit together so perfectly. This film is actually seen as the sequel to The Red Shoes from 1948, also starring Moira Shearer. Choreographed by Sir Frederick Ashton.
Epilogue- Moira Shearer & Robert Helpmann
An elegant scene which explores the magic of cinematography within the choreography itself, creating effects not possible on stage. Choreographed by Sir Frederick Ashton.
An American in Paris (1951)
Embraceable You | Leslie Caron
An enchanting collection of brightly coloured film fragments that showcase Leslie’s variety of dancing talents and styles. Choreographed by Gene Kelly.
An American in Paris Ballet | Leslie Caron & Gene Kelly
This 17 minute dance scene is the captivating climax of the film, however, as the full footage is not shared online, I cannot link it to this post. So, you’ll have to watch the film- you won’t regret it! Choreographed by Gene Kelly.
Royal Wedding (1951) - Fred Astaire
Fred has style, precision and grace as he tap dances up the walls and on the ceiling. Choreographed by Nick Castle.
Singin’ In The Rain (1952)
Singin’ In The Rain | Gene Kelly
Probably one of the most memorable dance scenes in any musical-film ever made. Gene is sprightly, optimistic and loveable. Choreographed by Gene Kelly & Stanley Donen.
Make ‘Em Laugh | Donald O’Connor
This joyous and somewhat athletic number is delivered by Donald in such a fun jester-like manner. Choreographed by Gene Kelly & Stanley Donen.
Broadway Melody Ballet | Gene Kelly, Cyd Charisse
Full of 1950’s glamour and romantic drama, this dance scene certainly has style. Choreographed by Gene Kelly & Stanley Donen.
Give a Girl a Break (1953)- Debbie Reynolds, Marge Champion & Helen Wood
A charming dance number featuring three girls reading a newspaper while rehearsing their dance. Choreographed by Gower Champion & Stanley Donen.
I Love Melvin (1953)- Donald O’Connor (Rollerskates)
Another rather cheeky performance by Donald as he tap dances on roller-skates. Choreographed by Robert Alton.
White Christmas (1954)- Vera Ellen, John Brascia
Here, Vera and John perform an energetic and thrilling tap dance in what is certainly a Christmas classic. Choreographed by Bob Fosse.
Funny Face (1957)- Basal Metabolism | Audrey Hepburn
Jazzy, quirky and stylish, Audrey’s dance is one of the most iconic, especially as it seems to be so different from what was usually seen in this decade. Choreographed by Eugene Loring.
Silk Stockings (1957)- Silk Stockings | Cyd Charisse
A graceful and enchanting dance depicting a girl’s love of her silk stockings as she gets changed in her room. Choreographed by Eugene Loring & Hermes Pan.
Bonus:
Small Town Girl (1953)- I’ve Gotta Hear That Beat | Ann Miller
A tap dance full of pizazz and charisma rather unusually danced around the dismembered body parts and instruments of an orchestra. Choreographed by Busby Berkeley.
Et Dieu Créa La Femme (1956)- Brigitte Bardot
A rather more sexy and sensual dance by Brigitte that contributed to the ‘boundary pushing’ perception of the film on its release.
