Astaire On Dance

Since almost the invention of films, dance has been recorded as a documentation for future repertoire and providing a historical background of the industry. But it has since had the capability of creating a completely new art form in itself. Recent years have bought out the introduction of 3D for dance films, adding that extra dimension to provide a more realistic experience.

Utilising a video camera to capture moments of dance can provide it with a number of new possibilities. With the electronic capabilities, the dance can alter speed at any time for however long, the footage can be reversed to play backwards, special effects can be added, one can capture very subtle movements or expressions, and choose to focus on one particular section
Instead, he wore normal attire, relating more to the target audience. He’d regularly be found dancing in suits or other wealthy attire that was appealing to those dreaming of an upper-class life (Anon., 2012). His dancing style was jazz-based with elements of tap and ballroom (Anon., 2012). During this time, tap was a popular style that the world wanted more of and Astaire was a master of the practice (Anon., 2012).

Appearing during the time Astaire was William (Bill) Robinson, more commonly known as “Bojangles”. The African American tap dancer dealt with the injustice of racism that prevented his career and talent from triumphing further. With his narrow availability for movie work with people of his colour, he did very well appearing in fourteen pictures (Delamater, 1981).

Bojangles was chosen to appear in a film The Little Colonel with Shirley Temple in 1935 because “he knew his place and has a little dignity” (Jim Haskins, 2001). Being an African American, he wasn’t permitted with the “luxury” of playing a role of importance. Instead he played Shirley’s “old family retainer” who danced upon her request (Jim Haskins, 2001). In this he featured his famous stair dance performed originally for Vaudeville shows. But during this scene, Shirley said she wanted to join him and Bojangles took this young white girls hand. People were outraged at the time of this but it was such a significant step in history (Anon.,
The public had a taste for a feel-good movie that would distract their attention from the commotion of their own lives and focus on the happiness featured on the screen. Although there were many talented black dancers of this time, they were almost never given the opportunity to showcase their proficiencies and receive the major roles they were more than capable of pursuing. The era of the Hollywood Musical was essentially a form of showcasing a talented white man who was at ease with his wealthy