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Where Are You Fred Astaire

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This narrative free verse selection is on Fred Astaire, the great American dancing icon from the twentieth century. It is entitled:  "Where are you Fred Astaire?" Fred Astaire was an entertainer that I admire greatly. He was and is a symbol of effortless dancing perfection. Many of his movies and audience productions are quite memorable, and, for me, harken back to a different America. My underlying theme here is that Fred Astaire, although a famous figure from the past, symbolized perfection in his work and many of the sturdy, reliable things that many people associate with notable people during 1920-1945 when the "Greatest Generation" came to the fore. My point and linkage to all of this is that current day and future American generations, given all of the present modern day tumult, should not be afraid to aspire to greatness and should do their best always no matter what their profession or job is. For me, this "can-do" spirit is something that is no longer readily transparent today in American society and perhaps in many of the advanced European societies as well. "Past is Prologue" -- and I believe it helps young people to be aware of history and to use its lessons to help them in all future endeavors.  (Gary Bateman - September 2, 2014)

A man with impeccable charm, sophistication and grace, Fred Astaire was at once both marvelous and enchanting As the twentieth century’s greatest dancer and master artist. He made his sublime dancing (“hoofing”) seem effortless. Capturing the American spirit with both panache and verve Fred Astaire glided across some quite wonderful movie sets: Top Hat (1935), Swing Time (1936), Shall We Dance (1937) Done magnificently—all harken back to a different America. This America tho’ more old fashioned was one of “can-do” And boasted a gutsy bravado even in times great hardship. Fred Astaire with others was a sturdy star symbol of the then Greatest Generation that helped bring peace to a war torn world. Fred Astaire was part of this Greatest Generation entertaining Packed audiences and dazzling them with steps of joy and perfection. Tho’ now gone Astaire’s past accomplishments serve as a prologue For new generations to come and to seize opportunities for greatness. Where are you Fred Astaire? Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved, Schoeningen, Germany (September 2, 2014)

Copyright © | Year Posted 2014




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Date: 11/5/2015 6:04:00 PM
Hi Gary: I never miss a chance to catch his movies on TCM especially when they have a marathon. he also had a pleasant tenor voice and good song writers to write songs that he made popular. And remember all the props he would use when he tapped away? He was born in 1900 but he hung around for awhile and he was a real true dapper gentleman. Great poem!
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Gary Bateman
Date: 11/6/2015 8:26:00 AM
Hello Ralph!! Thanks for dropping by on this one. For me, Fred Astaire is to dancing what Frank Sinatra is to singing!! I have virtually all of his movies to include the dancing special from the 1930s - 1940s. I allude to three of the classics in this regard in my poem. Thanks again for your read and your wonderful comments!! Cheers and Best, Gary
Date: 10/3/2014 7:35:00 AM
Loved your poem, Gary. Yes, a great big hurrah to the greatest generation! They were strong, they were hard-working, they were loving people. Fred Astaire was among those who entertained and amazed us, made us believe there was nothing we couldn't achieve.
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Gary Bateman
Date: 10/3/2014 3:50:00 PM
Cona, Thanks for your wonderful comment here. I was born in 1951 and so I have a strong affectation for the greatest generation. That generation is still, I hope, a timeless inspiration for young people today. Fred Astaire was fantastic and I admired greatly. I will check out your works too!! Best Wishes, Gary
Date: 9/5/2014 2:56:00 AM
Lovely ! Fred Astaire was an amazing dancer and actor. Back then you really had to be talented, not like nowadays. I admire this man. I love watching old videos with him singing and dancing. His performances were magical.
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Gary Bateman
Date: 9/5/2014 10:30:00 AM
Hello Danka . . . Thanks for you comments and your wonderful observations. Yes, Fred Astaire was certainly a most gifted entertainer and consummate dancer. He was "one of a kind." I will check out your poetry too from time to time. I just got started with PS here about a month ago. All the Best. Cheers, Gary
Date: 9/4/2014 3:58:00 PM
I really like the style of your writing, and thank you for the informative overview. Fred Astaire is someone I need to look into more. I enjoy the spirit of the 1930s and I am familiar with some of his movies. He was quite a talented and amazing artist. Always, Laura
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Gary Bateman
Date: 9/4/2014 5:56:00 PM
Laura, Thank you so much for your very nice comments. I am so glad that you enjoyed the Fred Astaire poem. Mr. Astaire is one of my favorites. Other than Gene Kelly who has since passed, there is no one to replace him. I noticed you have written many poems. I will check them out. Best Wishes and Cheers, Gary
Date: 9/3/2014 2:00:00 PM
- Some time back in the world of music .... but, I remember my mother and father played his music / movies ..... I: just a little girl :))) - Enjoy reading this poem - very well written, Gary - Shall we dance ? :)) - oxox // Anne-Lise :)
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Gary Bateman
Date: 9/3/2014 2:27:00 PM
Anne-Lise . . . Of course we shall dance. Let's do it!! FA's rendition of "I'm in Heaven" as he dances with Ginger Rogers in "Top Hat" is timeless. Irving Berlin wrote this piece. Berlin and George Gershwin wrote many of FA's songs. Glad you liked this poem. I write very eclectically. I like to vary my topics. But I must try Romanticism sometime. Thanks for your comments!! Best Wishes . . . Gary. P.S. More poems on the way!!
Date: 9/2/2014 8:51:00 PM
Okay I have a confession, I have never seen any Fred Astaire movies, But I want to now! I think I would enjoy them very much. You have such a great way with any subject, wish they could clone you and put you as a teacher in every school. This generation-my generation- lacks the depths of artistic appreciation, I sure would love to fill my cup with more of that. Thanks for a great poem, the more we know the more we can discover. :)
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Gary Bateman
Date: 9/3/2014 2:07:00 PM
Hello Cas . . . Check out those three movies I mentioned in the poem. They are absolutely wonderful. In "Top Hat," FA ends up singing "I'm in Heaven" to Ginger Rogers near the end of the movie while they are dancing. He had many more movies to after these three. You'll see more poems similar to this from me in the future. Enjoy. Cheers, Gary
Date: 9/2/2014 3:27:00 PM
Fred Astaire now dances on air!! Or at least I want to think so. VERY nice biography poem, or narration. Sure do wish the younger generation had an interest in these very important things in history that molded us into who we are today.
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Gary Bateman
Date: 9/2/2014 3:31:00 PM
Thanks Andrea . . . I am sure that FA is dancing on air now. My wife and I really enjoy all of his old movies with Ginger Rogers. Particularly the ones in 1930s are absolute treasures. He was definitely one of a kind. This linkage to the past as you note is very important. Cheers, Gary
Date: 9/2/2014 2:50:00 PM
i love fred astaire. thought by many as the greatest dancer/choreographer in movies. the greatest of all time. i imagine the argument on that statement would be his contemporary gene kelly. i love this write and its ending tying F.A. to what was another time "a better time" is a great concept. thank you for a great read.
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Gary Bateman
Date: 9/2/2014 2:57:00 PM
Hey Maurice, Thanks so much. I churned this piece out today along with my other one entitled: "Rainbow." "FA" too is my favorite dancer and choreographer. Gene Kelly would be a close number two, although I believe I read Gene that Fred was the best. Mikhail Baryshnikov thought he was the best too! Cheers, Gary

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