A Seaside Fantasy - Susan Luckey, Jacques d'amboise

[douglasmatley]

When I was a questioning gay youth in my teenage years in rural Nevada i saw this film on network TV and instantly fell in love with Mr. Jacques D'Amboise. I have extremely flat feet (there are --photos-- in medical journals). He was my teenage heart throb. He could dance, something my feet has kept me from. I would imagine I was as handsome, talented and gifted as he. D. Alexandr D'Maddalena

[varadero1839]

@douglasmatley Honored to hear from you, and know your feelings for Mr. JD are sincere. When I was very young I saw him dance live in New York at City Center. I was a fan for life, thus this video clip. Sometimes, things we wish for most ardently are denied us. I studied dance for a while, but dropped out knowing I couldn't measure up. I suggest you are as handsome, talented and gifted as Mr. d'amboise! None of the 3 aformentioned talents are always on display; some just are seen by our peers!

[douglasmatley]

@varadero1839 Thank you for your kind words. One always wonders what kind of comments one will receive when one comes out on the internet. I'm pushing 60 now and have a lifetime to be adjusted to my feet. Still admire Mr. JD'A. very much. I sign my name with my paternal gradfather's original last name, D'Maddalena. Maybe I will return to that name. douglas Alexandr D'Maddalena matley. Grandfathers whole name was Giovanni Andrea Benjamin Della Maddalena a mouthful to remember. Thanks again.

[cindchan]

In truth, I never much cared for this musical. But I do LOVE this ballet! I think it's mostly because I love watching Jacques d'Amboise dance!

[StupidLamb251]

Why does Jacques have to be so hot?!

[varadero1839]

@StupidLamb251 Probably from an ancient family curse! His kids are nearly as good-looking as he is. Thanks so much for noticing, and your great comment!

[DickieAnginson]

Shirley Jones once said that of the R&H musicals in which she appeared, "Carousel" was the most beautiful. The bittersweet tale of love, loss and fantasy - told by the incomparable R&H - and the incredible talent of the performers - Gordon MacRae, Shirley Jones, Susan Luckey, Jacques d'Amboise, Barbara Ruick, Cameron Mitchell and others - along with Henry King's direction, make this production one of Hollywood's best. I hope younger generations will continue to enjoy this masterpiece.

[varadero1839]

@DickieAnginson Sorry for the delay in responding! I saw "a version" of this show on Broadway, not the original, when I was around 9. I loved it! However, watching it many years later on a movie screen really made me a believer! All of the principals were amazing: Shirley, Gordon, and so on! This number with sweet Susan Luckey, and the incredible Jacques d'Amboise still makes me shiver! Talk about beauty! They surpass both dance and reality! Grateful to hear from you!

[DickieAnginson]

@varadero1839 The film is so sentimental and bittersweet too. Really one of a kind. I try to watch it at least once a year.

[Jayee123]

Magnificent number, but what a sad ending. I don't remember what happens to this girl in the story, but I hope she ended up happier than she is at end of this number.

[douglasmatley]

I would love to see the whole Louise Ballet on youtube, with the beach boys and Snow children. Doug

[douglasmatley]

My father Wayne C is like Mr. D'Amboise and my mother Alouise A. is like Ms. Susan Lucky in the complete ballet with the beach boys and then children of Mr. Snow. My parents were soul mates and had romance their entire lives. We, the children messed up this love affair. I'm reminded of them every time I see this video. Doug Matley

[douglasmatley]

Love this ballet. My mother's name was Alouise and I sensed a connection. I had a crush on the Barker of this ballet when I was a teenager. My first love. Thank you doug

[donaldmarhefka]

I'm not too good with adjectives so I'll just say that it was a wonderful, wonderful, clip. The only problem is that I have watched the movie many times and, of course, have the dvd. I'd really like to watch a video of the 1994 production of Carousel held in Lincoln Center. I remember watching the ballet and after it was over, the audience, stood up as one with applause and ovation. Do you know if it is available on Youtube?

[live2dance4ever18]

I love the part at about 2:00 when they mimic the carousel! Jacques d'amboise is one of my favorite male dancers EVER!!!

[varadero1839]

@live2dance4ever18 I agree! They all did such a fine job mimicing the carousel critters! As for Jacques, few can compare with his sensitive, yet athletic dancing! Also felt the orchestral arrangement in this piece was about perfect! Thanks so much for your comment!

[varadero1839]

@live2dance4ever18 Please write back, or unblock your site! I've a new clip with "himself!" As beautifully artistic as this clip is, the one I'd love for you to see is on another plane! Best regards!

[JIBBAMAN1]

@live2dance4ever18  he has been my teacher since i waz 9 and im 29 now the best man in the world

[varadero1839]

@JIBBAMAN1 You must be one of the proudest people on earth! Imagine having him as a teacher! Best wishes to you, and thank you for your comment. Would that Mr. d had been in many more films! I saw him "live" many times as a child, but have to admit there's something about a "filmed" performance, like this, that will keep us all applauding for a long while!

[captainmedvar]

I was able to work with Mr. Dambois..and his national dance institute when I was younger...he is a very talented and kind man. It was a great experience.

[varadero1839]

@captainmedvar Wow! You're very fortunate! I'm proud to say I saw him dance live many times, but about 55 years ago! He was then in the NYC Ballet. He's so brilliant, and an amazing guy as well! He's given so much of himself to furthering the study of dance for young people! Once more, you're in the "plus" column for having worked with such a fine person! My very best to you!

[MrSpongg]

Purity. Flight. Love.

[MrSpongg]

Jacques d'Amboise from 3:04. You'll believe a man can fly.

From 3:50. A man can love.

(I don't need to lay out the later peaks. Or the downsides.)

[alexalex3131]

Just checked in on this again and he certainly is. And you don't need to be an afficionado in ballet to tell. By the way, I'm sure Carousel was released in Cinemascope, so it would be great if this section could be reposted in that format!

[lotsandlotsofbubbles]

that dude is incredible. there are no words.....the choreography is amazing as well

[varadero1839]

Glad you've seen this! Even happier that you approve! This scene is really something unforgettable! Thanks for your comment!!

[oneoriginalthought]

My favourite sequence of the entire film. Mr. d'Amboise and Ms. Luckey are absolutely brilliant, utterly believable.Thank you so much for posting this.

[varadero1839]

You're welcome! Together they're all things good! The chemistry, even from a distance was there. The choreography, and their elegant interpretation still makes me shiver. Thanks so much for your comment!!

[wyattgunn]

Jacque is a very close personal friend of mine and one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. I adore the man dearly and he taught me how to meet talk to girls in france just with using hand signals. He is remarkably talented dancer and a great man.

[EricMontreal22]

It's too bad that fightign between Rodgers and Agnes DeMille during the Oklahoma film meant she wasn't invited back to restage her stage choreography for the Carouself film as well--and msot of the choreography is inferior and brand new but thankfully an assistant largely restaged for her the famous Louise/Dream ballet.

[jackswalley]

Probably the BEST ballet duet ever put on the screen.

Was there ever a more athletic dancer in the 50's that Mr, d'Amboise?

The beauty of the lifts are incredible.

But the addition of coming-of-age sexuality to "just another kid" squashing of feeling is nothing short of amazing.

[alexalex3131]

When Richard Rodgers was often asked to name his best musical he didn't mince words. It was this one.

[9aspengold5]

One of the best musicals produced. I love the Carousel theme. Swam to it in a syncronized swimming festival when I was young (oh so much younger!!). The music is awesome and forever in my memory. Thank you

[breakersfan]

I've seen all of the R&H Musicals and by far this is the best dancing seen in all of them and theres heaps in all.

You chose the best!!!!

[varadero1839]

Thank you so much! With Mr. d'amboise and Ms. Luckey dancing, it was a "slam-dunk!" Jacques briefly attended a school in my then neighborhood, many years ago in New York. I'd seen him in the New York City Ballet, and wish I'd had the nerve to ask for an autograph...

[Tripp393]

thanks so much for posting! This was in "The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button", Daisy's ballet scene in New york.

[FantasticBabblings]

Thanks for posting this. I just sat next to Mr. D'amboise on a city bus, less than an hour ago. In his mid 70s he is as energetic and dynamic as ever. This brings a tear to my eye.

[StephanAOTTO1]

Wonderful clip!

You have great taste.:)

[varadero1839]

Many, many thanks! You're very kind.