The Movie Musical and Jazz Dance: Reflections on Nostalgia in 21st Century America
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Authors
Bilodeau, Alexandra
Issue Date
2023-05-01
Type
thesis_open
Language
Keywords
star persona , movie musical , jazz dance , Golden Age , nostalgia , Dance
Alternative Title
Dance Written
Abstract
This research is an in-depth look at dance in movie musicals that were prominent in the United States during the Golden Age of Hollywood. The careers of three movie musical stars during this period: Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, and Gene Kelly, are analyzed as their roles in these films were crucial to popularizing tap and jazz dance on screen. The Black choreographers and performers who originated the form of jazz dance, but were left out of this history are acknowledged as the true innovators. Connections are made between my personal dance history and the relevance of this research in American culture today. Finally, reflections on nostalgia and the renewed interest in the genre are highlighted.
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