Have you ever watched a great dancer? I mean a really great dancer? Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Gene Kelly, Cyd Charisse, Rita Moreno, Danny Kaye, Donald O’Connor? Have you really watched?
There’s a difference between a great dancer and someone who had been taught to dance. It’s economy of movement. A great dancer makes no extraneous motions when he dances.
Watch the greats. I can always tell who is a dancer and who has been taught to dance for a movie role. Chicago is a good example. Renee Zellweger has been taught to dance, but Catherine Zeta-Jones is a dancer. She is riveting.
In White Christmas Rosemary Clooney has been taught to dance, but Vera-Ellen is a dancer. Bing Crosby has been taught to dance, a little, but Danny Kaye is a dancer.
Gene Kelly is the best of all. His body control was phenomenal.
For me, writing is like dancing. I prefer an economy of words. One of my favorite writing professors said- “Why use a two dollar word when a twenty-five cent word will do?”
Exactly. Well said, Julia.
Thanks, Sandra.
Philistine that I am al I can say is that I used to wish that Gene Kelly would just dance and stop trying to act. And agree with the rest of your comments too
He’s mesmerizing, Tom. But I care more for his dancing than I do for his acting.
AND — you can always tell the one who needs three doubles before they’ll dance.
Using a great word/writing quote that could be used for dancing too - Brevity is the soul of wit.
William Shakespeare is to words what Gene Kelly is to dance.
I love that Singin In the Rain dance Kelly does. When I am sad or low I watch that full clip and after just one viewing I am happy again. Multiple viewing makes me ecstatic - almost rapturous.
Have you seen Usher try to duplicate Singin in the Rain? It is a tribute to Kelly. Even though he does a nice job….He is talented he is not as light on his feet as Kelly. Just doesn’t quite have it.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=usher+singing+in+rain&FORM=VIRE5#view=detail&mid=90A2863C6C736B4AEDC490A2863C6C736B4AEDC4
Great post, Julia.
Hey Roberta! Interesting Usher video. He’s talented but he can’t quite channel Gene. Although his ‘wit’ isn’t couched in modern terms and references, yes, Shakespeare is timely and, for the most part, brief. The Quality of Mercy is one of my favorite speeches.
How true, Tim!
I love the old musicals and wish I could dance like that!
Smart professor, Julia.
There’s another comparison about writers: Writers can be taught genres, style, techniques, and all-inclusive elements of writing.
Story tellers either are, or they aren’t.
Kind of like trained dancers and Dancers with a cap. D.
Nailed it, Marylin! While some people do believe creativity can be taught I believe creativity is a gift, technique can be taught.
Me too, Steph! My next life!
Excellent post! I always imagine myself sitting at a fire, telling my stories to my companions. I’m still learning about the writing part. And as I’m from that ‘dancing’ generation…I LOVE to watch.
Thanks Anny - love to hear what you have to say! I love that dancing generation too.