Dancing Machine
These days, dancing is characterized by perpetual girations, locking, popping, freestyle, and choreography. More classic dance styles are also incorporated but rarely emphasized. Ballroom is making a little comeback, but for the most part, modern dance can be described as more salacious than elegant. Usher is probably the most popular dance artist right now, but he has yet to really create his own style. When I think of great dancers, 3 people come to mind: Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly and Michael Jackson.
Fred Astaire
If there are two words that describe Fred Astaire's dancing, they would be elegant and fun. His style combined elements of tap and ballet, and he would often include various objects to give his dance routines pizzaz. He would dance with canes, pianos, coat hangers, golf clubs, and other props. He had impecabble footwork and seemed to glide on the dance floor. He made dancing look like fun, and he did it effortlessly. Two of his greatest routines are probably 'Puttin' on the Ritz and the 'Coat Hanger Dance'. They are playful, creative, imaginative, and artistic. The moves he pulls off are extremely difficult but he makes them look so easy.
Gene Kelly
Some say Gene Kelly was in the same league as Fred Astaire, and it would be hard to argue otherwise. Who could forget his memorable performance in 'Singin' in the Rain'? His style was energetic and athletic and while he wasn't as smooth as Astaire, his dancing and choreography were no less astounding. His 'Mirror Image' routine shows off his unique style. His frenetic moves make the routine highly emotive which reflects his exposure to broadway and television musicals.
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson is probably the most talented and gifted entertainer of all time. He was, despite his complexion and ever changing facial features, the total package. While he built his reputation as a a solo artist in the 80s, his genius as a dancer was put in full display in his mid to late teens when he was still a member of the Jackson 5 and later on, The Jacksons. Before the moonwalk and endless crotch grabbing became staples of his routines, his dancing was of a smoother and purer form that borrowed heavily from Astaire and early black artists. People who haven't seen much of the Jackson 5 or have not seen The Jacksons variety show are probably not familiar with Michael's extraordinary versatility. In 'Dancing Machine', he busts out the best robot I have ever seen, and his routine in 'Get Happy' is just unbelievable.
Get Happy
Fred Astaire
If there are two words that describe Fred Astaire's dancing, they would be elegant and fun. His style combined elements of tap and ballet, and he would often include various objects to give his dance routines pizzaz. He would dance with canes, pianos, coat hangers, golf clubs, and other props. He had impecabble footwork and seemed to glide on the dance floor. He made dancing look like fun, and he did it effortlessly. Two of his greatest routines are probably 'Puttin' on the Ritz and the 'Coat Hanger Dance'. They are playful, creative, imaginative, and artistic. The moves he pulls off are extremely difficult but he makes them look so easy.
Puttin' on the Ritz
Coat Hanger Dance
Gene Kelly
Some say Gene Kelly was in the same league as Fred Astaire, and it would be hard to argue otherwise. Who could forget his memorable performance in 'Singin' in the Rain'? His style was energetic and athletic and while he wasn't as smooth as Astaire, his dancing and choreography were no less astounding. His 'Mirror Image' routine shows off his unique style. His frenetic moves make the routine highly emotive which reflects his exposure to broadway and television musicals.
Mirror Image
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson is probably the most talented and gifted entertainer of all time. He was, despite his complexion and ever changing facial features, the total package. While he built his reputation as a a solo artist in the 80s, his genius as a dancer was put in full display in his mid to late teens when he was still a member of the Jackson 5 and later on, The Jacksons. Before the moonwalk and endless crotch grabbing became staples of his routines, his dancing was of a smoother and purer form that borrowed heavily from Astaire and early black artists. People who haven't seen much of the Jackson 5 or have not seen The Jacksons variety show are probably not familiar with Michael's extraordinary versatility. In 'Dancing Machine', he busts out the best robot I have ever seen, and his routine in 'Get Happy' is just unbelievable.
Dancing Machine
Get Happy
If someone aspires to be a great dancer, I would think that he or she should probably study these three individuals. Each of them had a unique style and all three of them were great performers who just made you wanna get your groove on. When I watch these videos my jaw just drops. They are just off the hook! Compared to them, Usher looks like an amateur.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home