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Eleanor Powell: Born to Dance (Screen Classics)
£32.20£34.20 (-6%)
When considering the best dancers in Hollywood’s history, some obvious names come to mind – Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, and Bill Robinson. Yet often overlooked is one of the most gifted and creative dancers of all time, Eleanor Powell. Powell’s effervescent style, unmatched technical prowess in tap, and free-flowing musicality led MGM to build top-rate musicals around her unique talents, including Born to Dance (1936) with James Stewart and Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940) with Fred Astaire, in which she became known as the only female tap dancer capable of challenging him. In a male-dominated industry, her fierce drive for perfection, sometimes to her detriment, earned her a place as one of the most accomplished performers in vaudeville, Broadway, and film. Powell’s grace, precision, and power established her as one of the greatest American dancers. In 1943, she married actor Glenn Ford and largely stepped away from the spotlight for the duration of their tumultuous marriage. After their divorce, Powell made a courageous comeback, successfully performing in Las Vegas and on the nightclub circuit. Cancer claimed her life at the age of sixty-nine. Eleanor Powell: Born to Dance by Paula Broussard and Lisa Royère is an all-encompassing work following the American dance legend from her premature birth into a single-parent home in Springfield, Massachusetts, to her first Broadway performance at age fifteen, through her days as a blazing icon in the world of Hollywood, and finally, to her inspiring comeback. With access to rare documents, letters, and production files, as well as drawing on the authors’ intimate personal relationships with Powell, this is a thoroughly researched, comprehensive, and fascinating look at an incredibly talented and unforgettable woman.
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Additional information
| Publisher | University Press of Kentucky (30 Sept. 2023) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Hardcover | 360 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0813197880 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0813197883 |
| Dimensions | 16.51 x 2.54 x 24.13 cm |
by M A P Eady
Step into the spotlight with Hollywood’s greatest dancer, Eleanor Powell, through the captivating pages of “Eleanor Powell: Born to Dance.” This is the story of a remarkable talent that graced the golden era of the film musical. A major MGM star who, remarkably, has not been the subject of a published biography before now. Prepare to be whisked away on an emotional journey, where the authors’ rich research and elegant storytelling create a seamless tapestry of Powell’s extraordinary life and her hitherto neglected impact on the early 20th-century entertainment industry.
Eleanor Powell, was the unrivalled queen of tap dance and was born with a natural flair for rhythm and movement. Her extraordinary dance skills, lightning-fast footwork, and stunning ability to blend tap and acrobatics with balletic grace of ballroom elegance set her apart as a trailblazing force in entertainment. Signing with MGM in the 1930s, Powell mesmerised audiences with iconic film musicals, showcasing her relentless rehearsal ethic, originality, and impeccable timing. Her collaboration with Fred Astaire in Begin the Beguine from Broadway Melody of 1940 is often cited as the greatest dance ever filmed. Powell broke new ground as one of the first female dancers to choreograph her own routines, leaving an indelible mark on the male-dominated film industry. Her genuine love for dance and groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire dancers and fans, cementing her legacy as a true icon of Hollywood’s golden age.
In this book, the authors’ dedication shines through, as they expertly blend historical events with captivating anecdotes, drawing you into the glitzy world of old Hollywood. The pages are filled with carefully chosen quotes and unique insights into Powell’s collaborations with Hollywood stars which immerse the reader in her magic. Without getting too technical for the general reader, the authors’ descriptions of Powell’s dance artistry are so vivid that the reader will feel as if they are witnessing her talent firsthand.
The authors’ ability to paint Powell’s life story against a vibrant backdrop of the early 20th-century entertainment world sets this book apart, weaving Powell’s personal struggles and triumphs into the narrative. The authors skilfully shed light on her tempestuous marriage to Glenn Ford, the challenges she faced as a woman in the film industry, and her involvement in the early days of television production, all of which add new layers to the reader’s appreciation of Powell’s life and an understanding of her spirit.
“Eleanor Powell: Born to Dance” is a glittering addition to the collection of Hollywood biographies. Its eloquence and attention to detail make it a timeless treasure for any admirer of classic Hollywood. A delightful celebration of talent and resilience, this biography deserves a cherished place on your bookshelf.