For the past few years in February, Southern California audiences have been looking forward to a night out watching American Contemporary Ballet‘s Astaire Dances program – 2023 is no different.
As the title implies, Astaire Dances pays tribute to one of Hollywood’s legends and the genre’s poster figure representing its golden age.
Behind the Scenes of ACB's Astaire Dances
American Contemporary Ballet’s Artistic Director Lincoln Jones explains:
“Mozart thought he was writing himself concert music; Shakespeare wrote plays he never even bothered to put down for posterity. Astaire thought he was making dances for himself to perform in movies, but he was also creating one of the most important repertories of the 20th century. As the ultimate partner, his style is one of the best ways of teaching our own dancers how to partner. As an artist, he continues to be revered and envied in equal parts by dancers and choreographers of all genres, myself very much included.”
Astaire Dances, which opens with a set by Conan O’Brien writer/comedian Brian Kiley, changes slightly every year. This year, recreations of choreography from The Band Wagon, Silk Stockings, and You Were Never Lovelier will be accompanied by live music playing songs including “Dancing in The Dark”, “All of You”, and “I’m Old Fashioned”.
Featured Photo of Lincoln Jones’ Astaire Dances by Victor Demarchelier.
