Various clips of Bob Fosse dancing, with commentary by Gwen Verdon. The clips range from 1949 (The Morey Amsterdam Show) to 1962 (The Garry Moore Show).
Gwen Vernon was as fast, as expressive, as decisive, as subtle a dancer as was Fosse. I knew her name but I didn’t know why. She deserves to be remembered for her incredible energy and talent.
He had amazing control over every muscle in his body. Even when it seems like his arms and legs are doing wild things, every move is in control and has a purpose. Wonderful to watch.
During the end of the Damn Yankees scene with Gwen as Fosse drags her off stage, watch his feet. That dedication to detail is seldom seen in Western dance perhaps with the exception of ballet. To me, Fosse was art in motion. He was my favorite as a child and remains so.
I know he dances like ballet dancer with great tap technique , I never saw him dancing really, just know his choreography. He stand up to Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, I say he is better then Kelly, pity Hollywood overlooked him. Fred Astaire has his own style he was more like tap-ballroom dancer, but Gene Kelly similar to Fosse, but Fosse much better then Kelly
6:05 to 6:16 I had no idea that human being could do that! I had always heard that Bob Fosse was a legend, but I'd never seen him dance. Yup, he's a legend!
Love the way Fosse just shrugs off the pirouette challenge at 3:30, where Tommy Ralls does about eight of them and Bob can barely squeeze 4 or 5. The order should have been flipped, since Rall was clearly the more trained ballet dancer- so a challenge sequence would have made more sense with the one who could turn more going last. However, Fosse really worked it well by simply shrugging his shoulders, as if to concede.
bobbymoya - yes but Fosse was a genius in choreography and yes still a good dancer and the way he filmed dance was incredible and the he made Anne reinking, Liza Minnelli and all these other women look incredible - yes a genius, we don't have that anymore
Kind of reminds me of what they'd call in pro wrestling "ring psychology" - those little touches and gestures you wouldn't notice, that add up to make for a compelling character and tell a full story in a ring
lohphat I have never heard that quote but I will be telling my student it next week, will they understand NO but I must still plant the seed and trust it will grow.
Wow, Bob Fossie and Gwen Verdon were so cute together. Great dancing together. I especially love, from Damn Yankees, Who's Got The Pain. Bob and Gwen Dancing together. I watch that number every day. It's so great to watch. They are so insinc with their dancing. It's awesome to watch. Just saw another dance number with both of them, really great. I really enjoyed watching this. I was a fan of Gwen Verdon, in later years, Cocoon Movies, TV guest shots. Just recently, Thanks to UTUBE, I have just discovered alot of wonderful Old Movies Dance Videos, from the 1950s 1960s, and before then. Saw Damn Yankees when I was a kid. Didn't remember alot of it. I have the DVD of it now, along with 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, Daddy Long Legs, so many more. ❤❤ White Christmas, best Christmas movie ever.
Holy wow! I didn't know Fosse had such long limbs! The image I have of him in my mind's eye is the slumped shoulders, hunched over look, hands in his pockets and a cigarette in his mouth... but man, when was dancing the way he did, every part of his body was in perfect fluid motion with each other, yet so planned and controlled! To think he was diagnosed with Epilepsy in 1961, and was (supposedly) born pigeon-toed yet could still move his body like that until the very end! (I say "supposedly" as, while the pigeon-toed thing was something I always heard about Fosse, more recent interviews with people who knew him seem to cast a shadow of doubt - as possibly a rumor Fosse himself joked about when asked about his "knock-kneed"/"turned in knee" style when he danced.)
Gwen did a great dance "All the Single Ladies" which Beyonce recreated and it was a lovely homage to Ms Verdon. There is a clip of the original on RUclips from the Ed Sullivan Show.
When The Morey Amserdam Show aired in 1949, there were only about 100 televisions in the entire USA, with 99% of them in NYC (which was where TV was based). Even by the early 1960's, local TV sponsers had "give-away" prizes, to get people to actually watch this "new-fangled thing", and not cling to their radio! It was a long haul uphill, for awhile...
Both were incredibly talented...wish Bob could have enjoyed his talent...he had a difficult background and demons haunted him but it couldn't stop his amazing talent!
No one person comes up with anything that a human body does. Every single thing a human body/voice can do has already been done before. We know this even better now as technology lets us see the average people around the world with amazing talents. An artist’s job is to absorb all they see and use them to express one’s own art as best they see it
I've watched Kiss me Kate lots of times only now am I realizing that one of the Tom, Dick or Harry's was Bob Fosse 😲😆 I agree totally... I always thought this choreography totally incongruous with the rest of the movie
You say Mj ripped him off. But I garuntee some guy in the back that can't be seen was dancin in the back and fosse was like hey I like those moves no one ever see these guys or even hear anoit about them . Just like Elvis and the rest of them did
Ronald Mackey Everyone has their influences and no doubt fosse got his from other people. But he was a pioneer and his style was unique to him at the time. I don't know about MJ ripping him off. As long as you give credit to your influences it is fine. Fosse was a fan of Fred Astaire and noted him as an influence. I don't know if MJ gave him credit, but as long as he didn't claim to come up with that style all buy himself then he isn't ripping him off.
PLEASE, Bob Fosse is a great dancer, but there is nothing crazy or original about his dancing. He practically disappears with all the other great white dancers of that era. He certainly wasn't one of Michael's idols and he did not steal his dancing style. Michael Jackson was influenced by that era IN GENERAL.
+Vendera Asskicker ELVIS?????? LMAO please shut the fuck up. Elvis is the biggest thief and lacks any type of originality. You're just upset that a Black man was able to influence whole generations, and the generation BEFORE him as well. Get a grip you hag.
I believe that was a playbill from Sweet Charity when it was on Broadway starring Gwen Verndon. It was clipped out in the edit but remained on a few frames.
In the mid-1930s they did give an Oscar for Dance Direction. It lasted for about 3 years and then was discontinued. This is the only time choreography was recognized with an Oscar (in a competitive category). However, they did give a special Oscar to Gene Kelly for choreography achievement (and his overall talent) for AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, awarded in 1952. You'll never see them give an Oscar now for dance because film musicals are so rarely done today.
at least he should be given a lifetime achievement award posthumously because he redefined dance You know fosse when you see it even 2nd 3rd generation.
Gwen Verdon is the interviewee and demonstrates her usual deference to Fosse so I'll speak up for her. As you can see from the clips, she is a wonderful dancer. At 04:29 she says that Bob "flys" and she can't but at 05:52 she's right with him.
I noticed that, too, and Gwen is the only dancer to match to Fosse's own ability and choreography that I've seen, with Liza and the chorus girls from Cabaret coming in a close second place. Sure, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Rita Moreno, Debbie Allen, Ben Vereen, and so many other greats compare, but to me, Bob was the best of the best---he infused Gwen with his talent.
Robert Lee, Countertenor Agreed, I think Reinking was Bob’s true “muse”. And although Verdon was a terrific dancer, she never had the qualities of a true entertainer to become a star-“Chicago” was about to tank on Broadway until Liza Minnelli stood in for Verdon during an injury, and she catapulted it into legendary status. But watching Reinking in “All that Jazz” makes you realize how much Zeta Jones paled in comparison in the filmed version. Reinking is a legend who never got anywhere near the recognition she deserved...
Michael Jackson based his whole style on Fosse. I mean, if you look at Fosse's white anklets and shoes; the isolations; the serpent dance (you can find that on RUclips). It's really extraordinary how brilliant a dancer he was. Wish he'd had the career that Gene Kelly or Astaire had; he's up there with them.
I will say all great artists were influenced by other greats in every sphere , Steve Jobs made devices that were already there but he just made them cool and better designed and fantastic marketing !
All of MJ's dance moves/style came from Jazz dance which thrived in black culture LONG before the likes of Astaire, Fosse and Kelly made them popular with the white mainstream audiences.. None of them were original.
Sometimes a performer has had to compensate for a bad hip, a game leg, or a not so straight spine. And what they DO to, make up for it? Defines a unique style, births their trademark moves... you wouldn't change for the world. Fosse's signature 'slouch and strut" came from some real physical issues he had as a young man, and he just incorporated into his dancing style and created something so admired, so often imitated, and always loved!!!
It’s not all talent, there’s lots of hard work, passion, and dedication that goes into all of this. All in all, I’d say this is skill, and this is art.
Nobody will ever compare to Bob Fosse. He was a master of his craft, still having much influence on modern day entertainers. Thank you for your dedication Mr. Fosse
I am fortunate to have met Gwen Verdon in an airport around 1993. She seemed genuinely touched that I knew her name when I told her I loved her work. She was still slim, beautiful and very gracious. I hadn't known Fosse was in movies so thank you for this!
All of you accusing artists of copying and stealing do not understand art and pop culture at all. No art is a completely original thought it will always be influenced by what came before with your own personal experience added to it.
Exactly! In my humble view, modern/post-modern/contemporary art -- whatever you want to call it -- puts way too much emphasis in novelty by itself, which is insuficient to lead to meaningful results. It lacks a relation with the past; it doesn't take part in the conversation, to use an alegory. Most of what is produced today seems to me to be completely worthless, and I mean this very seriously. I'm not saying this from a position of ignorance; it's not that "I don't get it." I do. I get it. And I think it's worthless. Obviously, simply copying what came before is also not satisfying. True art is somewhere between the extremes.
@@adriannelson9865 Elvis didn't steal anything. He was one of the best entertainers/performers along with James Brown and Michael Jackson. And his singing voice was amazing.
@@adriannelson9865 LOL modern? Fosse dances like ballet dancer with tap technique, he is beyond pop culture, he is a GREAT dancer of all times, I can compare him to Michael Baryshnikov, except Baryshnikov was ballet dancer through and through, but he could also dance Broadway style as well. So I say Fosse was underestimated by Hollywood, they are total idiots not giving him bigger and more important roles like they give to Gene Kelly
Dance is the ultimate form of artistic self expression. Fosse knew he always wanted to expand to directing and choreographing musicals on stage and screen. His ultimate legacy is that the word "Fosse" now represents a whole style of dance.
No, you don't get it at all. Bob Fosse was a jazz dancer. Fred Astaire was a tap dancer. He could no more do The Fossy flare then he could land himself on the moon, and as much as I love Michael Jackson and recognize his unique mark on dance as a pop music performer he doesn't belong in the conversation about people who revolutionized jazz dance. He just doesn't belong in a conversation about professional dancers. Fred Astaire was among the greatest tap dancers that ever lived, Bob Fosse was a great tap dancer but let's say you take Tap Away from both of them. Now describe what kind of dancer you have left.. Nobody would be saying Fred Astaire what's the greatest dancer without his tap dancing where has Bob Fosse is the greatest most Innovative most revolutionary Jazz dancer in the history of the art form.
@@jackhammer111 Michael learned from the Nicholas brothers how to tap dance...then Michael learned iazz steps in classes and created his own style. He is also listed as a professional dancer BUT street dancers are waaaay more talented How do you forget Sammy Davis Jr or gene Kelly??????? Hol up, professional street hip hop dancers arent a thing???
Once you all realize Michael Jakcosn was INFLUENCED by this entire ERA since he was a teenager, you'll stop looking like morons in the comment section.
Cheekyface Murf ....while he clearly influenced Michael's dancing, the trousers and white socks was worn by TONS of folks back then!! ....Fosse didn't create that look.
Timmy P ...I just saw that video. yeah Mike used small nuances for for Billie Jean. There was a side pose, I could tell Michael used from Fosse...the silhouette/one knee up/one foot up, pointed toe. But a great deal of people danced like that YEARS before Fosse-- Sammy Davis jr, the Nicholas bros, Cab calloway etc.
After watching the bio series Fosse/Verdon, I was impressed with the preformances of, Sam Rockwell & Michelle Williams they were dead on perfect in their portrails of Bob & Gwen, & will easily be Emmy nominated.
Honestly I think Bob Fosse is magnificent, I still love Michael Jackson with all my heart. But, Bob fosse started it all, I have the same smile watching him as I do with Michael. They are both legends!
@@EnliveningJustice No, they're just stating facts. This style of dancing originated directly from jazz culture which came long before Bob fosse. So to say he 'started it all' is just absolutely absurd. Why are you so hurt by the fact that it was African-American dancers that in fact started it?
Hermes Pan came to a dinner at my home in San Marino California. It was grand. As he left, he said, “I don’t do thank you notes” and ripped off a bit of soft shoe dazzle. Wish I were still rich.
Wow ...You lost your riches ... . . Good Grief , Sir ... I feel sympathy for that happening to you , Sir ... Care to explain how ? ( no need to go into details ... just asking for purposes of teaching others how not to get in that condition.. ) ..... I hope you are alright financially now .🤔🙂.. are not living in a ditch somewhere ...😱😢... 🤔🤨... Best of Luck to you , Sir ... anyway , no need for mansions 🏫 and castles 🏰🕌🏯...to hold inside wealth - for persons to break in🌃🌌 💥🚨and steal ... when the only place worthy at all ... has yet to happen. . . 🔮🙁. all just my humble opinion... I look at it this way ... less material wealth ... less problems ... less parasites searching you out ... .less of a burden to worry about ... to live ' comfortable' should be enough for anyone ... less worries for you.. Good Luck to You , Dear Sir... 🙂 🍀🌻🤞🖖✌️.. . .💪🤳 ... 💡. . . 🙏🕊️☮️🕯️📖. ✝️☯️🛐
In Kiss Me Kate, that dance sequence in "From this Moment On" has to be one of the best choreographed segments I've ever seen. Bob Fosse was so good, that you don't pay attention to Carol Haney who was also outstanding. I'm still trying to figure out how he suspended himself on the pole and humped the pole. Amazing! Also the incredible acrobatic leap by Tommy Rall, I'm trying to figure out how he did that without breaking a leg.
I noticed Bob Fosse in My Sister Eileen which he also choreographed. He was magnificent then and continued to innovate. He moved better than anyone. Luv my Fosse and thank all the gods and angels that I was blessed to know his work. He lives forever through his work.
Thank you! Fosse was a fabulous dancer, choreographer and director. As a kid I wanted to be a dancer and choreographer. However I grew up clumsy, and could not sing which sort of dimmed my hopes for a career in musical comedy.
He had White Boy Swag before it even was a thing to have!! Amazing dancer. Love the way his body creates expressions in his movement each move had a flow and swag to it. You can even see his hip hop influence! Wow thanks you tube for another great find
Love it, thanks for sharing! And to think that this fantastic dancer was also one of the most visionary filmmakers in history...pure, exceptional talent.
I just watched the first episode of "Fosse/Verdon " last night on FX. I'm over the moon. It's so great. I wasn't sure Sam Rockwell could pull it off but so far he's knocking it out of the park and I don't think if they looked for a million years they could have found someone better than Michelle Williams to play Gwen. And the individual dancers in the "life is a cabaret" scene are incredible. It's great to see that despite the fact movie musicals are dead and there's not much work on Broadway, there are still great dances how are great characters out there.
Thanks for sharing these incredible clips. Watching them made me feel kind of old as I still can recall watching an old black and white TV with rabbit ears for an antenna 🤣
![Cody Johnson - I'm Gonna Love You (with Carrie Underwood) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yy9PuYMU29g/mqdefault.jpg)
Gwen Vernon was as fast, as expressive, as decisive, as subtle a dancer as was Fosse. I knew her name but I didn’t know why. She deserves to be remembered for her incredible energy and talent.
this was a clip about Bob. Stop making it about women. God can females be anymore self absorbed in his day and age?
He had amazing control over every muscle in his body. Even when it seems like his arms and legs are doing wild things, every move is in control and has a purpose. Wonderful to watch.
During the end of the Damn Yankees scene with Gwen as Fosse drags her off stage, watch his feet. That dedication to detail is seldom seen in Western dance perhaps with the exception of ballet. To me, Fosse was art in motion. He was my favorite as a child and remains so.
Hats, hands, pointed toes, THOSE steps. Nothing can touch Bob Fosse's work.
And don't forget the shoulders!
Shoulders
I know he dances like ballet dancer with great tap technique , I never saw him dancing really, just know his choreography. He stand up to Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, I say he is better then Kelly, pity Hollywood overlooked him. Fred Astaire has his own style he was more like tap-ballroom dancer, but Gene Kelly similar to Fosse, but Fosse much better then Kelly
Jeffery Daniel
Nonsense, Tommy Rall was a much better dancer, and talking about pointed toes.😂😂
"Bob often talked about his limitations, as a dancer" but I'm with Gwen on this one..."What are the limitations?"
If there are limitations, I never saw them. He was fantastic.
Bob Fosse was a fabulous dancer. I wish I could have seen a live performance of his.
Thanks for sharing. Was familiar with Fosse's choreography but never had really seen any clips of him dancing. Was fun to watch.
You're welcome!
After Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly come Bob Fosse and Tommy Rall, the next generation of great dancers. Great video!
And after them Vince Patterson and Michael Jackson 🎉
Fosse was so influential a choreographer with such a recognizable style that we tend to forget what a great dancer he was.
Vancoin, sooooo true!!!
Influential is right, with the singers of today, stealing his moves in their videos...
Michael Jackson used a lot of Fosse's moves in his dance
Honestly, rewatching him dance instantly reminds me of times that I have seen his influence without even being fully conscious of it
If you watch the little prince from 1974 he played the snake and sooooo many moves Michael Jackson took and put into his Billie Jean dance
6:05 to 6:16 I had no idea that human being could do that!
I had always heard that Bob Fosse was a legend, but I'd never seen him dance. Yup, he's a legend!
ChrisBrengel that’s Gwen Verdon with him in that number from Damn Yankees (Who’s Got The Pain). Aren’t they incredible together?
Great chemistry between the two of them it looks so fun
Love the way Fosse just shrugs off the pirouette challenge at 3:30, where Tommy Ralls does about eight of them and Bob can barely squeeze 4 or 5. The order should have been flipped, since Rall was clearly the more trained ballet dancer- so a challenge sequence would have made more sense with the one who could turn more going last. However, Fosse really worked it well by simply shrugging his shoulders, as if to concede.
bobbymoya - yes but Fosse was a genius in choreography and yes still a good dancer and the way he filmed dance was incredible and the he made Anne reinking, Liza Minnelli and all these other women look incredible - yes a genius, we don't have that anymore
Kind of reminds me of what they'd call in pro wrestling "ring psychology" - those little touches and gestures you wouldn't notice, that add up to make for a compelling character and tell a full story in a ring
It is said that Balanchine told Baryshnikov that 10 pirouettes may be impressive but "it's not ballet".
lohphat I have never heard that quote but I will be telling my student it next week, will they understand NO but I must still plant the seed and trust it will grow.
So nice to watch talent. There’s precious little of it anymore.
Thank you very much I never heard of Bob Fosse but I will seek him out now. Some great dancing
Wow, Bob Fossie and Gwen Verdon were so cute together. Great dancing together. I especially love, from Damn Yankees, Who's Got The Pain. Bob and Gwen Dancing together. I watch that number every day. It's so great to watch. They are so insinc with their dancing. It's awesome to watch. Just saw another dance number with both of them, really great. I really enjoyed watching this. I was a fan of Gwen Verdon, in later years, Cocoon Movies, TV guest shots. Just recently, Thanks to UTUBE, I have just discovered alot of wonderful Old Movies Dance Videos, from the 1950s 1960s, and before then. Saw Damn Yankees when I was a kid. Didn't remember alot of it. I have the DVD of it now, along with 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, Daddy Long Legs, so many more. ❤❤ White Christmas, best Christmas movie ever.
You have to be born with talent like this. It’s a gift.
Thanks for this! He was one of a kind! ::remembering his Triple Crown year::::
Bob Fosse, Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. Each had his own style and each Brilliant.
Watching Gwen Verdon talk, her gestures, the vocal inflections... I can see how Michelle Williams just nailed her characterization in Fosse/Verdon.
You can clearly see his influence on Michael Jackson. Wonderful talents- all !!
@Gargan Mosil I don't think Bob Fosse sucks he's got talent and grace and style but I don't see any style resemblance to Michael Jackson'.
The influence is very clear
7:15 to 745 what style! so original. I can tell how much I like a part by how many "wow"s I say out loud lol. Those 30 seconds had about 4 wows!
Holy wow! I didn't know Fosse had such long limbs! The image I have of him in my mind's eye is the slumped shoulders, hunched over look, hands in his pockets and a cigarette in his mouth... but man, when was dancing the way he did, every part of his body was in perfect fluid motion with each other, yet so planned and controlled!
To think he was diagnosed with Epilepsy in 1961, and was (supposedly) born pigeon-toed yet could still move his body like that until the very end!
(I say "supposedly" as, while the pigeon-toed thing was something I always heard about Fosse, more recent interviews with people who knew him seem to cast a shadow of doubt - as possibly a rumor Fosse himself joked about when asked about his "knock-kneed"/"turned in knee" style when he danced.)
Gwen did a great dance "All the Single Ladies" which Beyonce recreated and it was a lovely homage to Ms Verdon. There is a clip of the original on RUclips from the Ed Sullivan Show.
I wonder how many times they practice these dance routines. Amazing 🤗
When The Morey Amserdam Show aired in 1949, there were only about 100 televisions in the entire USA, with 99% of them in NYC (which was where TV was based). Even by the early 1960's, local TV sponsers had "give-away" prizes, to get people to actually watch this "new-fangled thing", and not cling to their radio! It was a long haul uphill, for awhile...
フォッシーのスタイル
曲線の動き、音の取り方が大好きです。
My personal favorite is the whole number in Kiss Me Kate with Carol Haney.
DwTS brought me here!
Both were incredibly talented...wish Bob could have enjoyed his talent...he had a difficult background and demons haunted him but it couldn't stop his amazing talent!
It wasn't just entertainment he was incredibly creative, so talented, such drive and imagination. I'm a little bit of fan. ☺️
This video could be a masterclass in theater, as well as choreography. And I ain't no dancer.
His dancing at 0:25 is off the hook.
Wow! I had never heard of him!
Awesome!
Incredible
Podemos dizer: Maravilhoso!
No one person comes up with anything that a human body does. Every single thing a human body/voice can do has already been done before. We know this even better now as technology lets us see the average people around the world with amazing talents. An artist’s job is to absorb all they see and use them to express one’s own art as best they see it
Michael interpreted this or he was influenced by this. The dances look similar, but Michael used this but in a more modern way
Sure, he perfected it. He and his Choreographers
That man could move.
You didn't do too bad yourself sweetie! Wow, that was nice.
...And all that jazz.
Wow I ❤ him 😘
awesome
OMG, I didn't know Debbie Reynolds danced with Bob Fosse.
The King!
I've watched Kiss me Kate lots of times only now am I realizing that one of the Tom, Dick or Harry's was Bob Fosse 😲😆 I agree totally... I always thought this choreography totally incongruous with the rest of the movie
anyone here from the 1975 mv?
yep
I love watching him work with Tommy Rall ❤️
It was supposed the be " the many loves of dobie gillis" right?
Also, this guy is damn good
You say Mj ripped him off. But I garuntee some guy in the back that can't be seen was dancin in the back and fosse was like hey I like those moves no one ever see these guys or even hear anoit about them . Just like Elvis and the rest of them did
Ronald Mackey Everyone has their influences and no doubt fosse got his from other people. But he was a pioneer and his style was unique to him at the time. I don't know about MJ ripping him off. As long as you give credit to your influences it is fine. Fosse was a fan of Fred Astaire and noted him as an influence. I don't know if MJ gave him credit, but as long as he didn't claim to come up with that style all buy himself then he isn't ripping him off.
+Vendeta Asskicker hater gonna hate
PLEASE, Bob Fosse is a great dancer, but there is nothing crazy or original about his dancing. He practically disappears with all the other great white dancers of that era. He certainly wasn't one of Michael's idols and he did not steal his dancing style. Michael Jackson was influenced by that era IN GENERAL.
+Vendera Asskicker
ELVIS?????? LMAO please shut the fuck up. Elvis is the biggest thief and lacks any type of originality. You're just upset that a Black man was able to influence whole generations, and the generation BEFORE him as well. Get a grip you hag.
+Whiistling Winds most white folks ate thieves. they steal from every culture and try to call it something else.
whats up with the random image of a lady popping up after the alley dance?
I believe that was a playbill from Sweet Charity when it was on Broadway starring Gwen Verndon. It was clipped out in the edit but remained on a few frames.
That bob sure can move
I love Michael Jackson forever and ever what matter he do😍😍😍😍😘😘😘
There needs to be an Oscar for choreographers.
Better late then never...
Dave Martinez ba
Ranchera
Vicente Fernández
I thought there was.
Agreed but the Oscars have gone to the toilet. No class anymore
In the mid-1930s they did give an Oscar for Dance Direction. It lasted for about 3 years and then was discontinued. This is the only time choreography was recognized with an Oscar (in a competitive category). However, they did give a special Oscar to Gene Kelly for choreography achievement (and his overall talent) for AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, awarded in 1952. You'll never see them give an Oscar now for dance because film musicals are so rarely done today.
at least he should be given a lifetime achievement award posthumously because he redefined dance You know fosse when you see it even 2nd 3rd generation.
Gwen Verdon is the interviewee and demonstrates her usual deference to Fosse so I'll speak up for her. As you can see from the clips, she is a wonderful dancer. At 04:29 she says that Bob "flys" and she can't but at 05:52 she's right with him.
I noticed that, too, and Gwen is the only dancer to match to Fosse's own ability and choreography that I've seen, with Liza and the chorus girls from Cabaret coming in a close second place. Sure, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Rita Moreno, Debbie Allen, Ben Vereen, and so many other greats compare, but to me, Bob was the best of the best---he infused Gwen with his talent.
You are so right. Gwen is very modest
Amen to that! Thank you for acknowledging the wonderful Gwen Verdon.
"flies"
Robert Lee, Countertenor Agreed, I think Reinking was Bob’s true “muse”. And although Verdon was a terrific dancer, she never had the qualities of a true entertainer to become a star-“Chicago” was about to tank on Broadway until Liza Minnelli stood in for Verdon during an injury, and she catapulted it into legendary status. But watching Reinking in “All that Jazz” makes you realize how much Zeta Jones paled in comparison in the filmed version. Reinking is a legend who never got anywhere near the recognition she deserved...
WOW Michelle Williams got the accent down perfectly!
Yeah really--that was amazing
Michael Jackson based his whole style on Fosse. I mean, if you look at Fosse's white anklets and shoes; the isolations; the serpent dance (you can find that on RUclips). It's really extraordinary how brilliant a dancer he was. Wish he'd had the career that Gene Kelly or Astaire had; he's up there with them.
He took the Moonwalk from Fosse!
Michael always said if you want to learn something, watch the masters. Catcher
I will say all great artists were influenced by other greats in every sphere , Steve Jobs made devices that were already there but he just made them cool and better designed and fantastic marketing !
@@wizard9403 Really??... So Bill Bailey never existed haha
All of MJ's dance moves/style came from Jazz dance which thrived in black culture LONG before the likes of Astaire, Fosse and Kelly made them popular with the white mainstream audiences.. None of them were original.
Bob Fosse & Gwen Verdon are wonderful and amazing, but I was just blown away by Tommy Rall, he is magnificent!!
7 Brides for 7 Brothers... incredible dancing.
Bob Fosse and Tommy Rall. Two of the best "balletic" hoofers there ever was!
Sometimes a performer has had to compensate for a bad hip, a game leg, or a not so straight spine. And what they DO to, make up for it? Defines a unique style, births their trademark moves... you wouldn't change for the world. Fosse's signature 'slouch and strut" came from some real physical issues he had as a young man, and he just incorporated into his dancing style and created something so admired, so often imitated, and always loved!!!
Cynthia Hawkins terrific insight! Thank you Cynthia 😁
It’s always amazing when an artist can learn to work with their weaknesses and turn them into not just strengths but game-changing techniques.
And don't forget the hats -- to cover his receding hairline.
I don't see any physical issue, he is perfect, I am speaking as professional dancer, I can see one imperfect thing in him
and debbie reynolds could keep up with fosse? go girl!
And in Heels!
and in heels!! bravo Debbie!!
Debbie could keep up with everyone! She didn’t try, she did.
That was Gwen Verdon, not Debbie Reynolds.
@@catherinecrawford2289 That's Debbie Reynolds at 1:00. He dances with several different women in this video.
Limitations? WHAT limitations?!? God, what exuberance he had when he danced!!!!!!!!!!!!
usually one focuses on the female of the pair but when Bob Fosse is the male partner, it's the reverse.. His moves are just exquisite
Angeli Alvares, my gosh, I was thinking that EXACT same thought!!
Same with Fred Astaire ❤️
That ladies and gents is what is called TALENT!!!
It sure is. What a marvel. Thank you for posting this one.
Talent AND the fact that he was a workaholic. A LOT of hard work goes into a Fosse dance.
It’s not all talent, there’s lots of hard work, passion, and dedication that goes into all of this. All in all, I’d say this is skill, and this is art.
That my friend is called "class". He had it. It is a rare thing today.
They could really dance back then.
Tommy Rall. What an amazing perforce. Foot placement is faultless.
More classically trained..
Tommy Rall -- Wow, just wow! One of the greatest, but didn’t make enough films.
Nobody will ever compare to Bob Fosse. He was a master of his craft, still having much influence on modern day entertainers. Thank you for your dedication Mr. Fosse
My feelings exactly! Just look at Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal which he initially contacted Mr. Fosse!
Kudos to Michelle Williams on her portrayal of Gwen. Spot on! Bob and Gwen were aming the best dancers and artisians in history.
And Miss Verdon ain't no slouch neitha!!!
beryelle
They look perfect together. A matched set.
🤣🤣I read this as Jerryy Lewis
Fosse's moves could just leave you speechless. Thanks for sharing this.
You're welcome!
I am fortunate to have met Gwen Verdon in an airport around 1993. She seemed genuinely touched that I knew her name when I told her I loved her work. She was still slim, beautiful and very gracious.
I hadn't known Fosse was in movies so thank you for this!
This dude was out of this world!
All of you accusing artists of copying and stealing do not understand art and pop culture at all. No art is a completely original thought it will always be influenced by what came before with your own personal experience added to it.
Exactly!
In my humble view, modern/post-modern/contemporary art -- whatever you want to call it -- puts way too much emphasis in novelty by itself, which is insuficient to lead to meaningful results. It lacks a relation with the past; it doesn't take part in the conversation, to use an alegory.
Most of what is produced today seems to me to be completely worthless, and I mean this very seriously. I'm not saying this from a position of ignorance; it's not that "I don't get it." I do. I get it. And I think it's worthless.
Obviously, simply copying what came before is also not satisfying. True art is somewhere between the extremes.
It's only consider stealing when Elvis did it right
@@adriannelson9865 Elvis didn't steal anything. He was one of the best entertainers/performers along with James Brown and Michael Jackson. And his singing voice was amazing.
@@adriannelson9865 LOL modern? Fosse dances like ballet dancer with tap technique, he is beyond pop culture, he is a GREAT dancer of all times, I can compare him to Michael Baryshnikov, except Baryshnikov was ballet dancer through and through, but he could also dance Broadway style as well. So I say Fosse was underestimated by Hollywood, they are total idiots not giving him bigger and more important roles like they give to Gene Kelly
Dance is the ultimate form of artistic self expression. Fosse knew he always wanted to expand to directing and choreographing musicals on stage and screen. His ultimate legacy is that the word "Fosse" now represents a whole style of dance.
Wow, never thought of Debbie Reynolds of being a great dancer, but she matched him step for step.
I hate to.. But, yeah
Im sure he choreographed it to her strengths
@@frankpeter6851 that's what a good choreographer does
If Bob Fosse was on my tail for dancing, I'd kill myself getting it right.
Bob was an original....so was FRed Astaire...so was Michael. Doesn't matter who did it first...they all added to the art...and were magnificent.
Well said :)
Couldn't have said it better myself!
Dianne Chilgren Bbbbb.
No, you don't get it at all. Bob Fosse was a jazz dancer. Fred Astaire was a tap dancer. He could no more do The Fossy flare then he could land himself on the moon, and as much as I love Michael Jackson and recognize his unique mark on dance as a pop music performer he doesn't belong in the conversation about people who revolutionized jazz dance. He just doesn't belong in a conversation about professional dancers.
Fred Astaire was among the greatest tap dancers that ever lived, Bob Fosse was a great tap dancer but let's say you take Tap Away from both of them. Now describe what kind of dancer you have left.. Nobody would be saying Fred Astaire what's the greatest dancer without his tap dancing where has Bob Fosse is the greatest most Innovative most revolutionary Jazz dancer in the history of the art form.
@@jackhammer111 Michael learned from the Nicholas brothers how to tap dance...then Michael learned iazz steps in classes and created his own style. He is also listed as a professional dancer BUT street dancers are waaaay more talented
How do you forget Sammy Davis Jr or gene Kelly???????
Hol up, professional street hip hop dancers arent a thing???
When you hear Gwen speak you realize Michelle Williams was spot on in _Fosse/Verdon_ .
I could watch that Who's Got the Pain dance a thousand times...
Once you all realize Michael Jakcosn was INFLUENCED by this entire ERA since he was a teenager, you'll stop looking like morons in the comment section.
Completely influenced by him indeed !...even as far as the Billie jean trousers and white socks!....
Beyonce as well.
Yeah its truth as well he was sponge to make a work soo good ... He didn't copy nobody he made it perfect and more perfect 😍😍😍
Cheekyface Murf ....while he clearly influenced Michael's dancing, the trousers and white socks was worn by TONS of folks back then!! ....Fosse didn't create that look.
Timmy P ...I just saw that video. yeah Mike used small nuances for for Billie Jean. There was a side pose, I could tell Michael used from Fosse...the silhouette/one knee up/one foot up, pointed toe. But a great deal of people danced like that YEARS before Fosse-- Sammy Davis jr, the Nicholas bros, Cab calloway etc.
After watching the bio series Fosse/Verdon, I was impressed with the preformances of, Sam Rockwell & Michelle Williams they were dead on perfect in their portrails of Bob & Gwen, & will easily be Emmy nominated.
Honestly I think Bob Fosse is magnificent, I still love Michael Jackson with all my heart. But, Bob fosse started it all, I have the same smile watching him as I do with Michael. They are both legends!
@nemoran Yes vaudeville, and minstrel shows..
Bob Fosse did not start it all ,but he had a jazz style to him I
Loved watching him dance
nemoran, there’s always vultures like you in the comment sections. Obsessed with anything White. _smh_ sad little fella. Hatred and jealousy is toxic.
@@EnliveningJustice No, they're just stating facts. This style of dancing originated directly from jazz culture which came long before Bob fosse. So to say he 'started it all' is just absolutely absurd. Why are you so hurt by the fact that it was African-American dancers that in fact started it?
Hermes Pan came to a dinner at my home in San Marino California. It was grand. As he left, he said, “I don’t do thank you notes” and ripped off a bit of soft shoe dazzle. Wish I were still rich.
Wow ...You lost your riches ... . . Good Grief , Sir ... I feel sympathy for that happening to you , Sir ... Care to explain how ? ( no need to go into details ... just asking for purposes of teaching others how not to get in that condition.. ) ..... I hope you are alright financially now .🤔🙂.. are not living in a ditch somewhere ...😱😢... 🤔🤨... Best of Luck to you , Sir ... anyway , no need for mansions 🏫 and castles 🏰🕌🏯...to hold inside wealth - for persons to break in🌃🌌 💥🚨and steal ... when the only place worthy at all ... has yet to happen. . . 🔮🙁. all just my humble opinion... I look at it this way ... less material wealth ... less problems ... less parasites searching you out ... .less of a burden to worry about ... to live ' comfortable' should be enough for anyone ... less worries for you.. Good Luck to You , Dear Sir... 🙂
🍀🌻🤞🖖✌️.. . .💪🤳
... 💡. . . 🙏🕊️☮️🕯️📖. ✝️☯️🛐
In Kiss Me Kate, that dance sequence in "From this Moment On" has to be one of the best choreographed segments I've ever seen. Bob Fosse was so good, that you don't pay attention to Carol Haney who was also outstanding. I'm still trying to figure out how he suspended himself on the pole and humped the pole. Amazing! Also the incredible acrobatic leap by Tommy Rall, I'm trying to figure out how he did that without breaking a leg.
Very much in the style of Gene Kelly - athletic.
Off the charts talent! I smiled through the whole thing. :)
I noticed Bob Fosse in My Sister Eileen which he also choreographed. He was magnificent then and continued to innovate. He moved better than anyone. Luv my Fosse and thank all the gods and angels that I was blessed to know his work. He lives forever through his work.
have gone through RUclips many times for Fosse clips, don't remember seeing those TV clips. great stuff!
The Dobie Gillis bit is sensational.
Thank you! Fosse was a fabulous dancer, choreographer and director. As a kid I wanted to be a dancer and choreographer. However I grew up clumsy, and could not sing which sort of dimmed my hopes for a career in musical comedy.
He had White Boy Swag before it even was a thing to have!! Amazing dancer. Love the way his body creates expressions in his movement each move had a flow and swag to it. You can even see his hip hop influence! Wow thanks you tube for another great find
I was born in the wrong time yes...love these oldies dances
We are lucky to be able to see this. What a great legacy it is.
Love it, thanks for sharing! And to think that this fantastic dancer was also one of the most visionary filmmakers in history...pure, exceptional talent.
I just watched the first episode of "Fosse/Verdon
" last night on FX. I'm over the moon. It's so great. I wasn't sure Sam Rockwell could pull it off but so far he's knocking it out of the park and I don't think if they looked for a million years they could have found someone better than Michelle Williams to play Gwen. And the individual dancers in the "life is a cabaret" scene are incredible. It's great to see that despite the fact movie musicals are dead and there's not much work on Broadway, there are still great dances how are great characters out there.
I was amazed at how well Michelle Williams even manages to nail her voice, and now that I see the dancing I'm even more impressed.
Tommy Rall ... incredible. Synced piece but sooo different in the hands of each.
Thanks for sharing these incredible clips. Watching them made me feel kind of old as I still can recall watching an old black and white TV with rabbit ears for an antenna 🤣
Amazing! The speed, agility and creativeness ...Wow!
Thank you so much for posting this!!!!! Wow wow wow wow!!!! As I think they used to say back then, “That knocked my socks off!!” 😂!
Wow....I just Discovered something Very interesting......
thank s for posting this film.
......Bob Fosse..
The 1975 was here (at 6 mins) - Change Of Heart