Who is Fred Astaire???

If you haven’t heard of Fred Astaire, you must be from another planet. Let us tell you about the legend that is Fred Astaire. He continues to live on a quarter of a century after his death. Now that says something!

Fred Astaire boasts a career spanning over 75 years. Pretty impressive don’t you think? Beginning at an early age as a brother –sister vaudeville act with his sister Adele in New York in 1905, Fred Astaire had a chance meeting with George Gershwin when he was just 14, a meeting that would change his life as well as Gershwin’s.

Ironically, Fred Astaire wasn’t too keen on song and dance and even refused dance lessons in the beginning; however, his natural talent soon out-shined his sisters. They appeared in their first Broadway show in 1917 and went on to begin a long list of Broadway shows, including several with Gershwin.

In 1928, the Astaire’s went to Hollywood to screen test but were told they were not suited for film. Don’t you wonder what happened to the guy that decided that?  However, in 1932, when his sister Adele decided to leave the team to get married, Astaire began the trek to his now known iconic career.

Teaming for the first time with his greatest dance partner, Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire worked on a new flavour to his dancing that quickly changed the minds of Hollywood, making him VERY suited for films. Though Fred Astaire had many dance partners, even considering his famous dance pairing with Gene Kelly as one of them, Ginger Rogers is considered the dance partner associated with Fred Astaire.

Fred Astaire made 31 musical films and numerous television specials over the years, in addition to his many Broadway hits.  Known for his style, class, and talent, Fred Astaire was all gentleman and continued to be a contributor to Broadway and film throughout his whole life.  Always modest about his talents, Fred Astaire’s Broadway and film career spanned from 1933 to 1981. He passed away in June of 1987 at the age of 88.

As a choreographer, singer, musician, dancer, and actor, Fred Astaire goes down in history as one of the most famous legends in American film.

If you have the love for dance like Fred Astaire, and would like to learn how to move to the groove as good as he did, contact the best dance school on the Gold Coast, Ikin Dance Australia on 5522 1863. We provide top level training in all styles of dance, with some of the most talented teachers in the world.