BEST DANCERS EVER! | FRED ASTAIRE, CYD CHARISSE | Dancing in the dark, at the Central Park| REACTION

"When you've danced with her, you stay danced with", said Fred about Cyd.

You must must must react to the Gene Kelly-Cyd Charisse gangster scene from Singing in the Rain, 1952, one year before I was born. Sexual dynamite without modern vulgarity. Comedic. Superb dancing.

AHHHH! I appreciate you viewing and critiquing this wonderful scene! Yes, Cyd was a trained ballerina with the Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo. We probably wouldn't have heard about her if not for WWII and the break up of the company. Cyd takes my breath away in EVERY way! She's the most beautiful, talented, graceful, and athletic dancer! She shined in the heyday of MGM musicals. Probably her greatest dance role was "Silk Stockings", and she also appeared briefly in other musicals. It is rumored that her LEGS were insured for millions! No one makes a dress twirl like Cyd!!

And isn’t it a true shame that people don’t dance like this anymore

Cyd was also terrific in the greatest musical of all time, Singin' in the Rain, dancing with Gene Kelly. She obviously kept good company in her films.

My uncle was named Noel Charisse. He was a painter and sculpter from France. His brother was a ballet and dance instructor in Hollywood and married Cyd. That’s how she became Charisse. I saw a newspaper photograph of him teaching Marilyn Monroe ballet.✨✨✨

Need to see Astaire doing the ceiling dance. Try to figure out how they did it!

Cyd's extensions are perfection. Beauty in motion.

You simply must see Donald O'Connor's song and dance number "Make 'em Laugj'from

Fred danced with many people and a few objects, such as a drum set, a chair and a hat rack, and he made the all look good.

I think that you would love Gregory Hines and Mikhail Baryshnikov in White Nights. Two very different dancers but so good together

This is from "The Bandwagon" one of Astaire's last dancing movies. In the movie, he is an old Broadway song and dance man who has been cast in a new musical with a young ballerina played by Cyd Charise. Naturally, they initially hate each other and the whole show hangs on whether or not they can work together. They end up taking a walk through Central Park where they encounter an outdoor dance and well... You saw what happened. It's a good, not great movie but there are a number of classic set pieces like this. Btw - "Dancing in the Dark" is the name of the song they are dancing to.

Fred Astaire was such a gentleman and his technique was flawless and the way he worked with his partner and was always complimentary to her . ❤❤❤❤

Amazing to think Cyd suffered from polio as a child. Her legs are incredible.

One of my favourite dance routines is Gene Kelly with Tom and Jerry. It was a groundbreaking scene at the time mixing live and cartoon action

Before I even watch this I am asking Britt to go down the rabbit hole of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly and all the female dancers of cinema as well, whether the movie is in color or black and white. Excerpts of all of these dancers on film are everywhere...not just Cyd, but Vera Ellen, Mitzi Gaynor, Leslie Caron, Eleanor Powell, Rita Hayworth, Audrey Hepburn, Ginger Rodgers, Ruby Keeler, even Jud Garland kept up with the best of them...Fred was a nell of a dancer tap and ballroom, he once complimented the Nicholas Brothers that the "Jumpin' Jive" number in Stormy Weather was the greatest number he had ever seen on film. And he called Michael Jackson “an angry dancer” while he saw and appreciated the similarity in their dancing.

Years ago Cyd Charisse told me that this was tied for her favorite dance sequence of her career. Love this classical Golden Hollywood age Hollywood movie.

Definition of smooth - Fred Astaire. He also paired with Ginger Roger’s well.

🔥🕺🔥💃🔥Fred Astaire Was Sooooo Damn Smooooth...He Could Relly Dance Great.

She was one of Fred's favorite partners because of her height,but she had to wear flats, there's a great routine of her's with Gene Kelly and of course Fred had many great partners Ginger Rodgers, Rita Hayworth and Elenor Powell

No female dancer in Hollywood had longer legs or better body control than Cyd Charisse. When she hit a mark or a pose, or came out of a turn, etc., it was so precise and controlled, just beautiful. I always had a crush on her. As others have said, you should check out the "Broadway Melody" sequence from the movie "Singing' in the Rain." She and Gene Kelly are sheer perfection. As for Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, they each have dozens of amazing dance numbers to check out.

Britt you will love Let's call the whole thing off. Music and Dance scene Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers

Cyd Charisse is another performer I saw in Las Vegas, she was 50 years old at the time and was amazing, she was just as graceful and flexible as ever. She used to host Ballroom Dance competitions on PBS. I would watch 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s musicals with my mother. She taught me to waltz, cha-cha, swing, polka, and more.

I love watching someone who is watching something they have a passion for and then tell you about it. They have the best stories and insights.

There is a great old Ann Richards quote about another Astaire partner that a dancer might appreciate... "Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, only she did it backwards and in heels".
Take Care
David

"Dancing In the Dark" was written by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz, and was recorded by Bing Crosby in 1931. One of the all-time most romantic tunes.

This dance is from the movie Bandwagon (1953). Context: cud is playing a ballet dancer and Fred is a hoofer and they are being paired up for a new Broadway show. Fred is complaining that Cyd is to tall and of course a ballerina can’t dance with a hoofer. They go out for a walk in the park to work out their differences and this is the result. This movie is famous for the ten minute Girl Hunt Ballet that inspired Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal video. Britt you should react to the Girl Hunt Ballet, I think your analysis would be amazing.

Agreed Britt: This particular pas de deux is one of pinnacles of dance-on-flim--and a personal favorite of mine. Whether partnered with Astaire or with Gene Kelly, Cyd Charisse was never less than compelling on screen, but never more so than in this ultra romantic setting which, in the film's context, represents both two dancers figuring out how to work together, and two people starting to fall in love.
FWIW, the scene is from the film The Band Wagon (1953, but based on a 1931 musical revue of the same name, with songs by Howard Dietz and Arthur Schwartz), and the song is indeed called "Dancing in the Dark." It was widely recorded both as a mid-century pop ballad and also as a jazz standard, by master improvisors like Charlie Parker and Cannonball Adderley. It's a great tune on its own, but the choreography here takes it to another level.
I also think you're totally right about how Astaire deliberately plays a (brilliant) supporting role throughout the routine, allowing Charisse, her trained dancer's legs, and that famous flowing pleated skirt to take center stage. Because why wouldn't you?

Fred and Ginger would be nice.

Ahhh..from a time when a movie wasn't a movie without scenes like this. Truly the "golden age." Cyd was amazing, and Fred could make almost anyone look great. I really miss going to the theater and watching movies like this.

Ginger Rogers is the partner I remember with Fred.

Cyd Charisse was my dad's favorite actress. Thanks, Britt.

Absolutely. It’s wonderful. Truly. Plus…..can you imagine how safe Central Park was than?

I love watching your facial expressions!! You really fell in love with this duo. Thank you for being you!

absolutely beautiful. their movements are so fluid and smooth.

A pair of feathers dancing in the wind, perfectly synchronized.

You should watch Fred and Eleanor Powell dance to Begin the Beguine in Broadway Melody of 1940. You wouldn't be disappointed.

Fred Astair was the epithome of a dancer he was literally floating, as if gravity had no hold on him, every movement guick or slow perfect and effortless to the eye. You should watch some of his legendary solo dance routines - they are unbelievable.

This is one of my favorite dance numbers. Just gorgeous!!

Thank you for this, you really should react to Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers. Honestly, they are so amazing it doesn’t matter what you choose to watch but there is a number that is literally of them tap dancing in roller skates.

If you want a couple of fun dance videos watch " Old movie stars dance to Uptown Funk" and also the classic "Gene Kelly Dancing in the Rain"

Another one you should react to is Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron in the 1955 film Daddy Long Legs. The song is called “Something’s Gotta Gove.”

Please Please treat yourself...Fred and Ginger...

Fresh air and ginger, Rogers dancing cheat to cheek. It’s a beautiful dance and song.

Notice that Astaire doesn’t extend his fingers when he danced.
He said they were too long and spoiled the line.
A true perfectionist!

I hope you look into more of these great older movies where they dance. So many great moments captured on film. They were truly masters of their craft

Fred Astaire had 2 primary dance partners in his career Cyd Charisse, and Ginger Rodgers. They had to do everything he did but backwards and in heels.

Shr had legs to die for 😊😊😊😊😊

I was a tiny child in the 60s, and I always loved FA and Gene K movies. I loved old dance/musical films, and I always adored Cyd C. She's so elegant!
If you haven't seen "Singing in the Rain", you need to watch that; Cyd C. and Gene K., OMG.

Cyd Charris (you nailed it btw) was a phenomenal dancer, check out her scene with Gene Kelly in An American in Paris.

I was born in the 50’s and I think I saw every single Fred Astaire dance movie at least once, because he was my mother’s favorite actor and dancer. She called Gene Kelly “that other guy who dances”. (Sorry, Mr. Kelly). I still love his movies dearly. Thank you so much for bringing this to us.

It was on a soundstage. This is back in the era when the technicians were true artisans. Every inch of that set is lighted to perfection. I’m certain the rehearsal for this dancing scene was for several weeks. Also, Fred Astaire had a clause in his contract that when he was filmed while dancing, he would be filmed at full length. That’s because as a dancer he understood it was necessary to see his entire body move.

I’m no dancer but I feel it a good bet that Fred KNEW exactly how, where and when Cyd would move next just by holding her hand! That’s true professionalism. Beautiful to watch. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

A great dancing duo ,but her real dancing partner was Gene Kelly.Fred’s main dancing partner throughout the 1930’s and 1940’s was Ginger Rogers. The supreme dancing partnership.So perfect were they that people would use their names as adjectives for describing good dancers,that couple is a regular Fred and Ginger.

I love Cyd Chraisse! She was such a fabulous dancer. I love dancing, especially a lot of the old stuff--like Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers (or Cyd Charisse), Gene Kelly, Vera Ellen. If you've never seen the "three" dances from Singin' in the Rain, I recommend them highly--they are "Singin' in the Rain" with Gene Kelly (you've probably seen this, but I cannot see it without smiling), "Make 'Em Laugh" (with Donald O'Connor, the bruises he got doing this number), and "Good Mornin'" (with Gene, Donald, and Debbie Reynolds). I love the dances from "White Christmas" (especially "The Best Things Happen When You're Dancing" featuring Vera Ellen and Danny Kaye). Anything from Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly. If you haven't seen it, check out "Go Home With Bonnie Jean" from "Brigadoon" with Gene Kelly. It's a make you happy dance.

You should see Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen dance to "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing" from the movie, White Christmas.

You should re-act to "Singing in the Rain". Some great dancing scenes are filmed there. Even Cyd has a dance number with Gene Kelly.

I love the variety and quality of stuff you react to. Somebody is sending you in the right direction. 😊
Also, the legs on Cyd. Good lord…

I'll be 62 on Thursday and I have always loved these type of movies. Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, and Danny Kay.❤

Cyd Charisse was an unbelievably fantastic dancer.

You need to watch you're all the world to me where he dances on the ceiling..

Love Cyd Charisse. Her dancing skills were amazing. When she danced with Fred Astaire its smooth and beautiful. When she danced with Gene Kelly she was dramatic.

I think you can see how the choreography from films like this provide inspiration for today's figure skaters.

Dancing in the dark is the name of the song Fred & Cyd are dancing to. From the movie The Band Wagon 1953.

OMG so beautiful and your reaction was awesome!!

And she did it backwards and in high heels
LORDY....TRUE TALENT ❣️❣️❣️

Stunning scene...romance...a lost art I fear. Great review!

He's often stated as one of the best ever.

There are a lot of great song and dance movies from that era. Also lots of dancing on TV variety shows in the 50’s and 60’s.

Every year or two when I'm low with ennui, or downright despair, all alone in the evening, I watch this, and it's so perfect it always lifts my spirits. There isn't much class or good taste, no casual elegance, in the big city around me. This reminds me that there is such a thing as beauty and romance in the world, but we might have to go back 60 or 70 years to find it.

Cyd was such a stunning dancer and woman, she is so many dance classics ❤ Astaire charming as ever was quoted as say that his job is to make the women look to be the most graceful in the whole world

Fred sings! and dances with Rita Hayworth - "I'm Old Fashioned" & "The Shorty George" numbers in "You Were Never Lovelier" (1942).

Hi Britt, what can I say, Fred and Cyd, two of the best dancers EVER. You were quite correct when you said that Fred was a good partner in this routine. I almost forgot he was there. Have you ever noticed Fred,whenever he was filmed walking, he didn’t walk,he danced down the street or wherever he was going. So glad to see a younger person appreciating good music and dancing!

Fred's favorite dancing partner - he danced more with Ginger Rogers but Cyd was it! Love these old MGM musicals!!!

I grew up watching these movies! Love this❤

Great reaction.. Thats the excellence that people achieved far more often in many different disciplines/arts/sports etc, growing up without the TV and Computer games as a distraction..

I first saw this years ago but your reaction made it new again ...thanks..... do more please.

she is the original that said “ I did everything he did only backwards and in high heels

Absolutely beyond beautifully gorgeous 🌟🔥❤️‍🔥

How can people watch a scene with Fred Astaire and ignore him? Britt, I don't know if you do movie reactions or not, but these old black and white movies (and the early technicolor movies) with the singing and dancing are really, really good. A part of movie history that should not be forgotten. One of my faves is Top Hat with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland did a series of movies. I can't remember what they are... now I've got to go figure that out. Too many to choose from... and the old musicals: "South Pacific", "Oklahoma" "Carousel", "The Music Man", "Hello Dolly", "Fidler on the Roof", etc. are also wonderful. Well I know what I'm going to be doing for the next few days. This has made me want to watch these old movies. :)

The Band Wagon is one of the classic MGM musicals, built around existing songs by a classic Broadway songwriting team. "Dancing in the Dark" is one of their most famous songs, but as you noticed, it's not actually sung in this scene -- they could assume the audience knew it and was "thinking" the words along with the dance. It's a running gag in the movie that Fred is worried that his song-and-dance style will be incompatible with her ballet background, so in this scene they go out in Central Park to see if they "can dance together." (First faking us out with the dance pavilion which they walk right through.) When they get to the terrace, he's trying to "meet her on her own territory," making balletic glides at first and partnering her in the way you talked about. The whole wonderful scene is about them discovering they can indeed dance together.
And yes, of course that's an MGM studio set! 😄 It's not even trying very hard to look real. That's the fun of it, right?
Now, if I may, you might react to his "Begin the Beguine" with Eleanor Powell. It's the other side of his style -- tap heaven -- and as far as I can tell, nobody on KRplus has reacted to it.

Fred was my favorite dancer ever. He has some great dances with Ginger Rogers you should check out. One time I swear he danced with a coat rack and made it look like a graceful partner..

Cyd Charisse is a very good dancer. I remember her from my childhood. She is as good a Fred Astaire is or better. Fred was noted for being a very good as a dance partner.

👏💗👏💗👏👏 Fantastic
Great reaction thank you ✌️🧡

If you like this, try "Denizens of The Docks! - Ricardo Montalban, Cyd Charisse". An amazing dance on a bar!

Their timing was so PERFECT! This kind of dancing is so difficult but they make it look so easy! I have loved these old movies ever since I watched them as a child with my parents, whenever they came on TV.

Wonderful! Thanks, Britt. Top notch!

This is from the movie musical, The Band Wagon. Great movie.

Fred Astaire...Gene Kelly...so few others...GREATNESS!

Ah...the legendary Cyd Charisse. Her nickname was Beautiful Dynamite. Given to her I believe if my memory is correct by Fred Astaire.

Cyd Charisse (1921-2008) suffered from polio in childhood, and took up dancing at age 6 in an effort to strengthen her body. She was successful and went on to study ballet under Adolph Bolm and Bronislava Nijinska. In time, she became a famous actress who starred in numerous films that showcased her superlative dancing skills.

As the comment below says, you need to see Fred dancing on the ceiling. I think it is in A Royal Wedding. (1951) He is amazing.

If you've ever seen ""Singin' in the Rain" with Gene Kelly, there is a fabulous dance scene with Cyd Charisse. Astaire is also widely known for dancing with Ginger Rogers. His movies from the '30's are so fun to watch. Later, in the '70's, he had a great recurring role in the tv show "It Takes a Thief" which was one of my favorites (Astaire did not dance or sing on that show).

The movie this dance is from was directed by Liza Minnelli’s father Vincente

Britt on great numbers from musicals, yay.

You had her name right on the first try. No matter how hard they try, current dancer cannot match what they did way back when. You want dancing on stairs? Check out James Cagney in "Yankee Doodle Dandy". It is a very short sequence at the end of the film, which was not in the script, James Cagney improvised as he was coming down the stairs.

Notice that the scene is filmed with one camera and it doesn't stop the whole way through. If they made a mistake, they started over from the beginning. That takes a great deal of talent to get all of that in a single take.

Maybe the most beautiful dance scene in the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Fred was about 54 when this movie came out and still had all of the moves.

Exquisite.