If you are a fan of classic Hollywood movies, then you must have heard of the iconic 1951 musical film, An American in Paris. The movie is famous for its stunning choreography and vibrant dance performances that have left an indelible mark on the history of Hollywood. In this article, we will take a closer look at the talented dancers who made this movie a timeless masterpiece.
The Plot of An American in Paris
Before we delve into the world of dancing in An American in Paris, let’s first understand what the movie is all about. The story revolves around Jerry Mulligan, an ex-GI who decides to stay back in Paris to pursue his passion for painting.
He falls in love with Lise Bouvier, a beautiful French girl who has her own secrets and struggles. The movie is a celebration of art, music, and dance set against the backdrop of post-war Paris.
The Dancers Who Brought the Movie to Life
The success of An American in Paris owes a lot to its talented cast of dancers who brought their A-game to every scene. Here are some of the most notable dancers from the movie:
Gene Kelly as Jerry Mulligan
Gene Kelly was not only the lead actor but also one of the choreographers for An American in Paris. He was already famous for his athletic style of dancing that combined ballet with tap dancing and acrobatics. In this movie, he showcased his versatility by performing solo numbers like “I Got Rhythm” as well as duets like “Our Love Is Here to Stay” with co-star Leslie Caron.
Leslie Caron as Lise Bouvier
Leslie Caron was a relatively unknown dancer when she was cast as Lise Bouvier. She had trained under ballet legend Roland Petit but had never acted before.
However, her natural grace and charm won over the audience, and she became an overnight sensation. Her dance numbers with Gene Kelly, especially the dream sequence ballet, are considered some of the most beautiful and romantic in movie history.
Nina Foch as Milo Roberts
Nina Foch played the role of Milo Roberts, a wealthy American woman who becomes infatuated with Jerry Mulligan. Although she didn’t have as many dancing scenes as Kelly or Caron, Foch was a trained dancer who had worked with Martha Graham and other modern dance pioneers. Her solo number “It’s a New World” showcased her strength and flexibility.
The Choreography of An American in Paris
The choreography for An American in Paris was a collaboration between Gene Kelly and another legendary choreographer, Hermes Pan. They wanted to create something that was not just entertaining but also had artistic value. They drew inspiration from French impressionist paintings and incorporated elements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance into their routines.
One of the most famous dance sequences in the movie is the 17-minute dream ballet that takes place towards the end. It is a surrealistic interpretation of Jerry’s love for Lise that features stunning costumes, sets, and lighting effects. The ballet was entirely choreographed by Kelly and took several weeks to rehearse.
The Legacy of An American in Paris
An American in Paris won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Choreography. It was also a commercial success and remains one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Its influence can be seen in numerous other musicals like La La Land (2016) that pay homage to its style of dancing.
In conclusion, An American in Paris is a true masterpiece that owes much of its success to its talented dancers. Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Nina Foch, and others brought their unique styles and personalities to the movie, making it an unforgettable experience for viewers.
The choreography is a work of art that still inspires dancers and filmmakers today. If you haven’t watched this movie yet, we highly recommend it!