How Does Donald O Connor Influence Jazz Dance

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The moniker, Song and Dance Man, has been bestowed on many esteemed performers, but no one is more deserving of the title than Donald David Dixon Ronald O’Connor. In his long career spanning his entire 78 years (1925-2003), Donald O’Connor was a paramount athletic tap jazz dancer in addition to his talents as a singer, actor and comedian. Surprisingly, he had no formal dance lessons. He lived his life as a performer who learned by watching, applying and hard work. Uncovering his story and watching his performances begs some natural questions such as, what background and influences fostered his dance style and molded him into the lifelong entertainer he became? Furthermore, how did Donald O’Connor become the quintessential song and dance man …show more content…

The history of jazz dance (and music) is sometimes displayed in a tree metaphor where many branches make it complex. In the online magazine, Dance Studio Life, Tom Rabalate explores what makes up jazz dance. He explains that Jack Cole, who many consider the Father of Theatrical Jazz, calls it, urban folk dance. Jazz comes from the vernacular of the past and present. It’s part of the popular culture of the times. In the 1920s and 30s jazz dance was linked to the popular dances of the time such as the Charleston or the Lindy Hop. ( ) Until the 1950s jazz dance was synonymous with tap dancing, but the history goes back even …show more content…

His dancing is refreshingly youthful, fanciful and spritely. He connects and charms audiences with his straightforward and sincere performance. His commitment to his craft which combines acrobatic stunts and humor coupled with his tap dancing prowess touches the hearts of the audience. His charisma is featured by his warm smile coupled with his showmanship which makes him a loveable artist. Donald O’Connor is a singer, actor and jazz dance legend with an artistic dedication to his craft still has much to offer to dancers of

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