June 23: Today in Dance

Born Today: Bob Fosse

Choreographer and director Bob Fosse (1927–1987) created one of the most idiosyncratic and recognizable dance techniques, and his work dominated Broadway from the 1950s through the 1980s. As a film director, his groundbreaking style elevated the movie musical to a cinematic art form. His masterpiece Cabaret (1972) used the technique called intercutting to weave together two related scenes presenting the world of the stage and the outside world as mirror reflections of each other. His choreography, filled with small details and clockwork gear dancer interactions, such as the pulsating mass of jutting arms and legs called the Fosse Amoeba, sparkled onscreen and inspired dancers and filmmakers alike. For a biographical view of Fosse and his muse Gwen Verdon (1925–2000), check out the Fosse/Verdon miniseries.

Also Born Today: Ballerina Fanny Elssler (1810–1884) was considered one of the greatest ballerinas of her time, considered the Romantic Ballet era. She and her sister Therese Elssler (1808–1878) trained and performed together and Fanny was often compared to Marie Taglioni (1804–1884), as their styles were polar opposites — Elssler excelled in precise, quick steps and Taglioni excelled at lightness and leaping. Ballerina Yulia Makhalina (1968-) began dancing with the Maryinsky Ballet (formerly Kirov) in 1986. Ballroom dancer Louis van Amstel (1972-) is best known for creating the LaBlast dance fitness system that features ballroom dance movement.

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Check out more about dance at: https://www.dawndavisloring.com/todayindance

Dawn Davis Loring is delighted to announce the publication of her first book on dance: Dance Appreciation, co-authored by Julie L. Pentz. Available from Human Kinetics and from Amazon and other booksellers.