intesrestingly it's Astaire who lingers in the memory of the many in america (specially boomers, thank god they're on their way out) because in the forties and fifties, you wouldn't have black dancers on the screen. thankfully, Austerlitz was a pretty cool guy who brought African-American rhythms to the screen thus preventing honky dance to pervade American society.; plus, he was tireless rehearser and disciplined artist; something most hollywood acts today are not.
I have to say, as marvelous as the choreography is, I just don't like way in which he sung this melody. I preferred the 1930's version (even if it is a little racially insensitive).
i love how percussive this is. and not taking anything away from fred astaire (the male talent version of judy garland), this is also the genius of his choreographer hermes pan on display. everyone seems to argue the fred ginger, fred rita, etc. question when his greatest partner was hermes pan: the man choreographed the dances and then danced them with astaire in rehearsal before the female lead was taught her steps. ah, hollywood...
I didn't know Hermes Pan choreographed this...that explains why I always cite this and Ann Miller's "Too Darn Hot" from 'Kiss Me Kate' as my favorite tap numbers...he was behind both! When is someone gonna put THAT number on here?
I watched a bio on the Great Astaire shortly after his death on a PBS station in NY. In the Bio, they said that Astaire AND Hermes Pan worked out the dance routines. Astaire had the talent, skill, grace and CLASS to make these routines become famous and last forever. If it would have been someone else, not the same, man!!
oh yeah definitely! that is why i said "also the genius..of hermes pan." astaire is one of those spookily talented people who just cannot be imitated or improved upon. can you imagine someone just telling someone like astaire 'here are your steps?' sorry if it sounded like that. he is the deal.
What great company, Fred Astaire, Taco and Peter Boyle!
higgme1ster 1 month ago
Perfection
sylviajorgentorolaf 2 months ago
swietne.
TheMilosnik 2 months ago
so... I love tap technique... I'm the only student in my city... I absolutelly love it...
mihtartari 6 months ago
When getting his first job they said "Can't act. Can't sing. Balding. Can dance a little."
Wonder if any were around to eat their words LOL.
candr 7 months ago
perfect!!! that's all I can say!
kakinh 7 months ago
genius luckysgreat u took the words out of my mouth there this is incredible love this
TheMusicman12ize 9 months ago
I wonder if he ever got nervous before performing....
MidgetBuddie 11 months ago
Muito legal a intercalação da bengala com os passos! Fred Astaire é meu melhor sapateado!!
nathylazari 1 year ago
Um Grande Genio
samuel5701 1 year ago
simply stunning.
christinesixteen 2 years ago
何度見てもすごい!
artroop 2 years ago
just O.O
oOmg2888 2 years ago
Amazing. He dances with the soul.
Nafisa2009 2 years ago
半端無い!超格好いいw
artroop 2 years ago
just freaking amazing is what that is.
genius!
luckysgreat 2 years ago 5
I'm watching a series of tap videos. I can't get enough of this one.
calism23 3 years ago
2:17 and 2:31 is genius!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Juuleecew 3 years ago
I did this.
London 2008
ruachWind 3 years ago
what movie is this from??
please cmmt back.
thisdarknessuo 3 years ago
Blue Skies (1946)
YNGR 3 years ago
what can i say? thats perfect!!!!!!!
leolanzellotti 3 years ago 2
OMG perfection
normajeanemortensen 3 years ago
intesrestingly it's Astaire who lingers in the memory of the many in america (specially boomers, thank god they're on their way out) because in the forties and fifties, you wouldn't have black dancers on the screen. thankfully, Austerlitz was a pretty cool guy who brought African-American rhythms to the screen thus preventing honky dance to pervade American society.; plus, he was tireless rehearser and disciplined artist; something most hollywood acts today are not.
yabrau 3 years ago
This is the guy who they once said "can't sing can't act can dance a little"?
thefamilycat 4 years ago
perfection!
TamieTam 4 years ago
Brilliant!
disgustedcats 4 years ago
This gives me goosebumps!!
ladylove72 5 years ago
this dance is so ahead of it's time. Amazing to see so much talent in one body
sunshineshelly 5 years ago
awesoem vid, i expected it to be alot worse than it was, and well thats some pretty funky dancing :)
bradleykins 5 years ago
just beautiful!
gypsyroze77 5 years ago
The greatest dancer of all time.
Love it!
inspectorsherlock 5 years ago
I have to say, as marvelous as the choreography is, I just don't like way in which he sung this melody. I preferred the 1930's version (even if it is a little racially insensitive).
ihaveaname636 5 years ago
i love how percussive this is. and not taking anything away from fred astaire (the male talent version of judy garland), this is also the genius of his choreographer hermes pan on display. everyone seems to argue the fred ginger, fred rita, etc. question when his greatest partner was hermes pan: the man choreographed the dances and then danced them with astaire in rehearsal before the female lead was taught her steps. ah, hollywood...
tarnashun 5 years ago
I didn't know Hermes Pan choreographed this...that explains why I always cite this and Ann Miller's "Too Darn Hot" from 'Kiss Me Kate' as my favorite tap numbers...he was behind both! When is someone gonna put THAT number on here?
hamactor1 5 years ago
I watched a bio on the Great Astaire shortly after his death on a PBS station in NY. In the Bio, they said that Astaire AND Hermes Pan worked out the dance routines. Astaire had the talent, skill, grace and CLASS to make these routines become famous and last forever. If it would have been someone else, not the same, man!!
vibra64 5 years ago
oh yeah definitely! that is why i said "also the genius..of hermes pan." astaire is one of those spookily talented people who just cannot be imitated or improved upon. can you imagine someone just telling someone like astaire 'here are your steps?' sorry if it sounded like that. he is the deal.
tarnashun 5 years ago
Sorry, I sould have read your comment more closely.
vibra64 5 years ago
Wow.. civility on youtube comments, never thought I'd see the day.
ubwcolt 3 years ago