So. This is a first attempt at a theme time inspired by a trip to see 'The Artist'. The film was great in many ways, but this post is purely about my own nostalgia. The Artist is packed full of film references, many of which passed me by, but thanks to my uncle and the power of vhs, I kept wanting to point at the screen everytime something referenced Singing in the Rain or a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers Film...

So here is a random little colleciton of dance scenes in old films that came to mind after watching 'The Artist'.

​Singing in the Rain (1951)

Ok, so this was the most obvious reference. And if you haven't seen it (I don't like to assume) and want proof then maybe you should watch the official trailor on youtube.A 1950's take on the 1920's, the dawning of the 'talkies'. The traumer for the silent stars as they face the public with their real voices. A satirical look at the star system, Hollywood and the business of creating beautiufl illusions.  And a love between a famous handsome man and a young, unknown but extremely perky - yet sensitive - young actress. 

But it was these two scenes which I still love that I wanted to post. I couldn't choose, so your options are:

Speech Therapy and Tap Dancing in 'Moses Suposses':

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFxWkUkUsQA

or slapstick tap dancing involving pianos, planks of wood and bits of moving set in 'Make 'em laugh':

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TklrBmHo7Do&feature=fvwrel

Shall We Dance? (1937)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT_WHarHQQI&feature=related

I was 5. My uncle decided to encourage my sister and I in our dancing dreams by making every christmas and birthday present a Fred astaire and Ginger Rogers film on VHS. This is how I first learnt tap. And to appreciate swooping cameras and identical legs.

Flying Down to Rio (1933)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6xzyVY7EfU

This was another one of our 5 year old favourites. Oh the glamour! The daring! How did those women manage to concentrate on staying in unison when standing on the wings of such rickety old planes?

The Band Wagon (1953)

I am a recent Cyd Charisse convert. For some reason, my uncle was very loyal to Fred and Ginger. I should really ask him about that...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuJxYmJlEHY

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

1950's Hollywood does 1850's Oregon. Less glitz and more beards. Not sure if this scene quite fits with the others here, but never mind. Saw it at Christmas with my granny. Despite some very dodgy gender politics and a good old dose of all things 1950's America held dear it is great fun. And the wood chopping scene... The timing! The choreography! The lyrics!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLcVhPrZFPI

Metropolis (1927)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0D4fHieW8o&feature=related

And I couldn't resist putting in what is maybe my favourite dance scene. In any film. Ever. EVER.

It is silent. It is black and white. It is German. It is full of shadows and crazy dream sequences and utopian/dystpoian sci-fi imagery and lots of brilliant movement. 

If you haven't seen Metropolis for some crazy reason, this is the moment when the evil robot clone of the angelic revolutionary Maria displays her powers to cause havoc with her super sexy dancing. 

It is strange to think that at one point cinema really was closer to live Theatre in that once a film slid off the big screen there was no way for most people to see it again. The joy of transience versus the joy of being able to do this.