Dance School Pensacola, FL | Dance Studio, Dance Instruction & Wedding Dance
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Biography of Mr. Fred Astaire
Fred Astaire began his show business career in 1894, at the age of 5, performing on Broadway and in a vaudeville act with his sister, Adele. He soon headed to Hollywood where he and Ginger Rogers formed one of the most iconic dance partnerships in entertainment history.
He then continued his successful partnership with Ginger Rogers for nine movies. By 1976, he had starred in more than 30 musical films with the biggest male and female co-stars of the era, including Joan Crawford, Bing Crosby, Red Skelton, Rita Hayworth, Ann Miller, Debbie Reynolds, Gene Kelly, and Cyd Charisse.
In addition to his expertise as a dancer, Fred Astaire was also an accomplished actor, starring in a variety of dramatic and comedic roles on the big screen and television. His television work earned him multiple Emmys, and he earned an Oscar nomination in 1974 for his role in The Towering Inferno. He received an honorary Academy Award in 1950 for his "unique artistry and his contributions to the technique of musical pictures."
With his passing from pneumonia in 1987, we lost a true dancing legend, the likes of which may never be seen again. As Mikhail Baryshnikov observed at the time of his death, "No dancer can watch Fred Astaire and not know that we all should have been in another business."
Fred Astaire's Dance Partners
In addition to his legendary work with Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire also danced with the top leading ladies of his time, including Cyd Charisse, Lucille Bremer, Joan Leslie, Leslie Caron, Vera Ellen, Barrie Chase, Judy Garland, Eleanor Powell and Rita Hayworth.
"For ballroom dancing, remember that your partners have their own distinctive styles also. Cultivate flexibility. Be able to adapt your style to that of your partner. In doing so, you are not surrendering your individuality, but blending it with that of your partner."
- Fred Astaire from The Fred Astaire Top Hat Dance Album, 1936
Fred Astaire Films
Fred Astaire starred in 31 musical films, including his work with Ginger Rogers in the following films:
Flying Down To Rio (1933)
The Gay Divorcee (1934)