Fred Astaire and his legend

Fred Astaire changed the concept of dance from something only done or admired at the ballet, to something everyone could do.

He began his career as a child in vaudeville with his sister Adele in 1905.  Between 1912 and 1933 they starred in twelve musicals together on Broadway. Adele married a British aristocrat (not unlike the story in Fred's film Royal Wedding) and by 1933, Fred had journeyed to Hollywood, ultimately making 33 musical films (and several non-musicals) with such esteemed leading ladies as Ginger Rogers, Judy Garland, Rita Hayworth, Audrey Hepburn, Debbie Reynolds and Cyd Charisse, to name just a few.

And in doing this, he made the world want to dance.

Fred Astaire also co-starred with the biggest male names of the times including Gregory Peck, Bing Crosby and the great Gene Kelly.  In addition to his incredible dancing prowess, he also was a preferred singer by the top writing teams of the day. Many of what are considered standards today were written for him and he introduced the world to such famous songs as "Steppin' Out with My Baby", "Top Hat, White Tie and Tails", "The Way You Look Tonight", "All of You" and "That's Entertainment".

The legacy of Fred Astaire goes on, every time two people take a chance and dance together.