Backwards and in High Heels

Today we celebrate the birth date of Ginger Rogers, born in 1911. Not only was Ginger one of the beauties of the classic silver screen, but she was hands down the best film dancer of her era. Yeah, that includes Fred. ;-P

I'm not a big fan of musicals, but a well choreographed dance number can grab my attention. And whenever Ginger is on stage, she will make even the most uninspired arrangement look like genius. With grace and poise, she sweeps the viewer away in captivating movement.

I can go on and on, but it's Saturday afternoon. And Ginger's moves can defend themselves better than even the most epic blog post that I can offer.


Here are some of her classic dance scenes. Let's start with her first scene with Fred Astaire in Flying Down to Rio (1933).

Here's Ginger and Fred in their final movie together, The Barkleys of Broadway (1949). Sixteen years after their first collaboration and in color!!!

Here's a brief scene from Stage Door (1937). There's not much dancing, but it's cool to see how smooth Ginger and Ann Miller work together in a casual scene.

Let's finish our tribute up with the cut Charleston from Roxie Hart (1942).

The "dance number" is a rarity in modern cinema. And maybe that's for the best. The standards that Ginger Rogers set are unlikely to be met any time soon.

Here's Ginger Roger's Wikipedia page.

Enjoy!!!