Bob Fosse. Flashcards
List Bob Fosse’s Influences.
Jack Cole.
Vaudeville.
Fred Astaire.
Jerome Robbins.
American Theatre Wing.
How did Vaudeville Influence Fosse’s Style?
Fosse was taught the ropes of vaudeville, the precision tap, flare and comedy timing by Fred Astaire.
How did Fred Astaire Influence Fosse’s Style?
Fosse grew up with Astaire movies and the elegant, precise, yet casual nature of his tap style.
How did Jerome Robbins Influence Fosse’s Style?
Robbins became his choreographic mentor.
‘There’s Gotta be Something Better than This’ from Sweet Charity echoes Robbins’ West Side Story.
How did American Theatre Wing Influence Fosse’s Style?
16 weeks of training by Anna Sokolow and Jose Limon.
Fosse studied acting, singing, ballet, modern dance and choreography.
List Fosse’s Stylistic Features.
Hand Gestures.
Isolations.
Hips and Pelvis.
‘Jazz Hands’.
Percussive Accents.
Comedy.
Props - hats, canes, gloves, feather boas.
Sensual Women - the female Fosse dancer has a strong, sexual presence.
Stylised Walks.
Explain Bob Fosse’s Contribution to American Jazz Dance.
Film Work - Captures the dancing from head to toe, fast cuts, close ups.
Distinctive and Unique Stylistic Features.
Inverted Limbs, Hunched Over Posture.
Modern Characterised by finger-snapping, bowler hats and shoulder rolls.
Explain Bob Fosse’s Choreographic Intention.
Fosse’s performers must tell a story.
Fosse dancers claim that the biggest challenge is the detailed movements.
Explain Bob Fosse’s Choreographic Approach.
Fosse was a Perfectionist.
Jazz movements enhanced by sound effects.
Fosse dancers must be able to isolate everything.
Explain Bob Fosse’s Early Training and Background.
Began dancing as a child and was a professional performer by the time he was 13.
He spent a few years in the Navy before attending drama school for 2 years.
