Bob Fossey - All that Jazz

I don’t think you would find anyone who would disagree that Bob Fosse created a modern

style and language like no other and was the most influential figure in the world of Jazz

Dance during the twentieth century and possibly still is today.

Born in Chicago in 1927, Bob Fosse is known for his iconic work on stage and screen as a

Choreographer, Dancer, Film Maker, Writer, and Stage Director.

He was drawn to dance at a young age and took lessons and at the age of 13, he performed on stage professionally, touring theatres and clubs. He moved to New York City in 1947 to study acting, with the ambition of becoming the New Fred Astaire. He went on his first national tour as a dancer in a Broadway review ‘Make Mine Manhattan,’

followed by several appearances in TV shows.

In 1953, he signed a contract as a dancer with MGM Studios and appeared in three movies

that year, in one of which he choreographed a short dance sequence; ‘Kiss Me Kate’.

This got the attention of Broadway producers and in 1954, Fosse choreographed his first

musical, ‘The Pajama Game’. Over the next three decades, he would go on to choreograph

more than ten Broadway productions with phenomenal success, winning numerous awards.

In 1969, Fosse directed his first movie, ‘Sweet Charity’, a recreation of the 1966 Broadway

production. This was followed by ‘Cabaret,’ starring Liza Minnelli, which was his biggest

success, winning eight academic awards including Best Director.

In 1975, he was Director and Choreographer of the Broadway hit, ‘Chicago’, which is one of

the longest running musicals of all time.

His final work was the musical ‘Big Deal’ in 1986, based on a book he wrote by the same

name, for which he received the Tony Award for ‘Best Choreography’.

So how do we sum up one of the greatest dance choreographers of all time?

Fosse revolutionized musical theatre with his signature style that was sassy, quirky, cheeky,

and unique. His moves included turned-in knees and toes, sideways shuffling, finger

snapping, hip rolls and thrusts, curved shoulders, and his famous jazz hands. He would

sometimes use props such as a bowler hat, cane, or a chair to make the dance more

dynamic.

Fosse said, “If you think you can do better, then do better. Don’t compete with anyone, just yourself"