FAO Shwartz’s affordable version of the piano you have to dance on to play
Most musicians don’t dance. Have you noticed that? It’s so common that we really notice when they do. Maybe it’s because they’re always on stage when everyone else is dancing, but that doesn’t explain the ones who do. Cab Calloway not only danced while playing but also was a trend setter who’s style has inspired many a renowned dancer. Here’s the consumate showman hamming it up to Minnie the Moocher. May it inspire more musicians to add a little pizazz to their performances:
[embedplusvideo height=”507″ width=”640″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1jEt9tC” standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/8mq4UT4VnbE?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=8mq4UT4VnbE&width=640&height=507&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=¬es=” id=”ep7490″ /]
Cab Calloway obviouslywas not a pianist and this post is about dancing pianists, so you’ll forgive me for that digression. I was inspired by the piano at FAO Shwartz from the movie “Big” to write this one. There is more than one video available of musicians playing this wonderful instrument. There are two things you absolutely can’t avoid doing when you play this piano. You can’t not dance and you can’t not have fun. Here’s an example:
[embedplusvideo height=”507″ width=”640″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1jEteh5″ standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/g8Yi6ITZtHg?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=g8Yi6ITZtHg&width=640&height=507&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=¬es=” id=”ep4144″ /]
And finally, since we’re talking about having fun with your whole body while playing the piano, I couldn’t resist including this classic scene of Chico and Harpo Marx having the best time ever with a traditional piano. Too bad the floor piano wasn’t invented in time for these guys to have a go at it!
[embedplusvideo height=”507″ width=”640″ editlink=”http://bit.ly/1jEtlt3″ standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/pbUrsot6oeY?fs=1″ vars=”ytid=pbUrsot6oeY&width=640&height=507&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=¬es=” id=”ep4209″ /]
By LaurieAnn Lepoff
Like this post? Use the form at the right to subscribe!