Over the last several decades, the popularity of dance has
grown as it continues to be recognized as a way to improve one’s
self-expression, health, and communication. Read on to learn about some of the
most iconic dancers of the last century.
Shirley Temple
Shirley Temple was born in Santa Monica, California, on
April 23, 1928. As a child, Shirley Temple began to take dance steps almost as
soon as she began to walk. Naturally, her mother took her to dancing school when
she was about three and a half years old, where she formed the foundation of
her skillset.
She became an internationally popular American child star
of the 1930s, as well as Hollywood’s greatest box-office attraction of the time
at the age of seven appearing in sentimental musicals. Shirley Temple was a
favorite of many and truly a household name.
In recognition of her acting career and public service
performed as an adult, the Screen Actors Guild presented Shirley with a
lifetime achievement award in 2005.
Fred Astaire
Fred Astaire, originally named Frederick Austerlitz (born
May 10, 1899, Omaha, Nebraska, U.S), was an American dancer of stage and motion
pictures who is best known for a number of highly successful musical comedy
films in which he starred with Ginger Rogers. He is regarded by many as the
greatest popular dancer of all time.
The magnitude of his success is a great social phenomenon,
as his popularity made dancing more respectable in a country with a Puritan
heritage. He quickly became a national symbol with his flashing feet and
fantastic stage presence. This not only made him America's most popular dancer,
but it also set standards for motion picture musical comedies that arguably have
rarely been met.
Ginger Rogers
Ginger Rogers (born Virginia Katherine McMath; July 16,
1911 – April 25, 1995) was an American actress, dancer, and singer. She was
known for acting in dance films in which she was partnered with Fred Astaire as
well as appearing in successful stage productions. She also gained popularity
through radio and television programs throughout much of the 20th century.
Ginger Rogers’ popularity grew intensely once she began
partnering with Fred Astaire. As a team, Fred and Ginger made nine musical
films worldwide, and by some are considered the most famous dancing duo of all
time. Not only were they featured on the silver screen with their impeccable
dance moves, but they were dazzling audiences with their unique routines of
extraordinary stature. These routines were performed with music especially
composed for Fred and Ginger by some of the greatest and most popular composers
of that time period.
Gregory Hines
Gregory Oliver Hines, commonly known as Gregory Hines
(born Feb. 14, 1946, New York, N.Y., U.S.—died Aug. 9, 2003, Los Angeles, Calif.),
was an American tap dancer, actor, and choreographer who was a major figure in
the revitalization of tap dancing in the late 20th century.
Hines’ humility and charisma were only part of what made
him such a legendary tapper, and a truly iconic role model for tappers today.
Patrick Swayze
Patrick Swayze was born August 18th, 1952, in Houston,
Texas. After college, he left school to tour with the Disney on Parade ice
show.
Patrick Swayze was known for dancing in fluid motion,
being light on his feet and exuding unique style. Although classically trained
as a ballet professional, it was Swayze’s style that inspired a generation to
let loose and really move freely. Swayze’s signature form of dance was a
combination of several types, and served as a form of expressive movement. He
starred in the film “Dirty Dancing”, which was and still remains wildly popular
for dancers worldwide.
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