I’ve often heard it said that in their dance routines Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did except she did it backwards and in heels. It’s a popular comment, except of course she didn’t lead and she didn’t choreograph the dance. She did, however, dance in heels and had the bleeding feet to prove it. Fred was an infamous task master with no sympathy for his partner’s disadvantage due to her tortuous footwear. It’s no wonder they disliked each other. Fred had no idea how hard it is to dance in heels.
Heels and Skates on the Dance Floor
Dancing in heels is not for sissies, except when it is. You’d never catch Fred Astaire in heels, but there have been occasions where men have risen to the challenge. I found this clip and don’t know the story behind it. Kevin St. Laurent on skates and Mark Muthersbaugh in heels while swing dancing. Both of these guys are champion swing dancers and I have no idea why Mark is in heels at this event. One of things I love about the swing community, though, is that in keeping with the Savoy tradition of mixed races, SF swing dancers mix gender identities.
Integrated Dance Floors
The Savoy Ballroom in Harlem during the heyday of Lindy Hop was the only integrated ballroom in America. Frankie Manning used to say all anyone cared about was “Can they dance?” Mixed race couples don’t raise an eyebrow anymore, at least not in the bay area, but our version is straight guys dancing with gay guys. All we care about is “Can they dance?” The answer is obvious here.
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More Guys Dancing in Heels
And while we’re on the subject, here’s another delightful example of dancers hamming it up in heels. These guys make it look natural. They do Ginger proud!
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by LaurieAnn Lepoff
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