Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Hoofing

Recently, I've developed a small crush on Fred Astaire. He's balding and thin-as-a-rail (not to mention he's been deceased for 20+ years), but his iconic dance moves and debonair style is enough to make me swoon. I also have to give props to his spunky female counterpart, Ginger Rogers. Watching the duo in part prompted my enrollment in weekly tap classes, and for inspiration, I love to re-watch Fred and Ginger's famous tap (or "hoofing" as they called it back then) routines.

Some of my favorite movies featuring the pair include Top Hat (1935), Swing Time (1936) and Shall We Dance (1937). I'll admit that they're a little campy, but the dance numbers, original songs and glam fashion make them irresistible classics. Here are some peeks at my five all-time favorite Fred and Ginger moments. Enjoy!

Swing Time, "Pick Yourself Up" (1936)

 The Barkley's of Broadway, "Bouncin' the Blues" (1949)

Roberta, "Too Hot to Handle" (1935)

Shall We Dance, "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off" (1937)

Shall We Dance, "They Can't Take That Away From Me" (1937)