Open University of Wellfleet
Sex and the Sublime in the Cinema of Fred Astaire
$60.00
Instructor: Marc Strauss
Time: Thursdays from 6–8 pm
Location: online on Zoom
Dates: April 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16
Fred Astaire (né Frederick Austerlitz; 1899 – 1987) is arguably the most famous dance performer and choreographer the film musical world has ever known. Making a name for himself alongside his more famous sister, Adele, in vaudeville and then on the Broadway stage in the early part of the 20th century, Fred made his move to Hollywood in 1933 after his sister moved to England. He created art in 31 film musicals and several TV specials, alone and with partners such as Ginger Rogers, Rita Hayworth, and Cyd Charisse.
Marc Strauss, Professor Emeritus in the Conservatory of Theatre and Dance, Southeast Missouri State University, will present historical background, show videos & DVDs, and lead discussion on seminal and rare songs and dances as performed by Astaire and his many collaborators over the choreographer’s thirty-five-year career, from 1933’s Dancing Lady through 1968’s Finian’s Rainbow. In this Spring 2024 Open University of Wellfleet course, come relive, or experience for the first time, Astaire’s artistry on film in a zoom only format.