Top 10 Iconic Vera-Ellen Dance Scenes
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Date: 2023-11-20
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Comments and reviews: 30
Ian
Vera Ellen's dances can be described as 'poetry in motion'. Each dance sequence [from her various films] is a visual splendor, seen in the magical interplay of light and shade and the rhapsody of music. While her dance sequences were one better than the other, for the neatest intricate footwork the prize belongs to The Belle of New York with Fred Astaire, as her very best. This film had grandeur, elegance and style like no other. Vera was reed thin, which is perhaps why she was so subtle and light on her feet. She wasn't a conventional good looking Hollywood star, but her feet compensated for her other shortcomings. When Rock 'N Roll was ushered in during the mid-50's, totally changing the face of the musical, the old Hollywood song-and-dance plots gradually faded from sight. Sequences from Hollywood's Golden Years were resurrected in MGM's 'That's Entertainment'.
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Vera Ellen's dances can be described as 'poetry in motion'. Each dance sequence [from her various films] is a visual splendor, seen in the magical interplay of light and shade and the rhapsody of music. While her dance sequences were one better than the other, for the neatest intricate footwork the prize belongs to The Belle of New York with Fred Astaire, as her very best. This film had grandeur, elegance and style like no other. Vera was reed thin, which is perhaps why she was so subtle and light on her feet. She wasn't a conventional good looking Hollywood star, but her feet compensated for her other shortcomings. When Rock 'N Roll was ushered in during the mid-50's, totally changing the face of the musical, the old Hollywood song-and-dance plots gradually faded from sight. Sequences from Hollywood's Golden Years were resurrected in MGM's 'That's Entertainment'.
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Ashley
I have always loved Vera Ellen. She was one of the handful of legends who got to dance with both Fred Astaire and gene Kelly. Only 6 women got to dance with both Fred and Gene; Rita Hayworth, Vera Ellen, Judy Garland, Cyd Charisse, Leslie Caron, and Debbie Reynolds. I counted only narrative, studio films here. Documentaries are excluded, as are television specials or awards shows, as then the lineup would surely be a lot longer. I know people will say Ann Miller should be on the list, because she was in Easter parade with Astaire and in the town with Kelly, but I don't recall them having any solo numbers with her, like the others on this list.
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I have always loved Vera Ellen. She was one of the handful of legends who got to dance with both Fred Astaire and gene Kelly. Only 6 women got to dance with both Fred and Gene; Rita Hayworth, Vera Ellen, Judy Garland, Cyd Charisse, Leslie Caron, and Debbie Reynolds. I counted only narrative, studio films here. Documentaries are excluded, as are television specials or awards shows, as then the lineup would surely be a lot longer. I know people will say Ann Miller should be on the list, because she was in Easter parade with Astaire and in the town with Kelly, but I don't recall them having any solo numbers with her, like the others on this list.
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queenofQueen-45
Vera-Ellen is an absolute dance LEGEND. As a tap dancer I admire her so much, especially the dance in the song Choreography in White Christmas. Tapping her foot against the floor so fast it looks like her foot isn't even moving, but you can hear the taps to evenly and perfectly. The control she had was ELEGANT and INCREDIBLE. We always watch White Christmas in my house at Christmas, and my school is even doing the White Christmas musical and I got cast as Vera-Ellen's character, Judy!
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Vera-Ellen is an absolute dance LEGEND. As a tap dancer I admire her so much, especially the dance in the song Choreography in White Christmas. Tapping her foot against the floor so fast it looks like her foot isn't even moving, but you can hear the taps to evenly and perfectly. The control she had was ELEGANT and INCREDIBLE. We always watch White Christmas in my house at Christmas, and my school is even doing the White Christmas musical and I got cast as Vera-Ellen's character, Judy!
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Michael
Vera-Ellen could do it all! Underrated in her lifetime which was as tragic as her later life. Thankfully, her reputation is growing with the years. Unfortunately not listed or shown here are her two incredible numbers from CALL ME MADAM: The Ocarina and Something to Dance About with Donald O'Connor that make Mandy look like child's play. And Historian Jeanne Bassigner in one of her books called Vera-Ellen a mediocre dancer. JEANNE - You're blind!
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Vera-Ellen could do it all! Underrated in her lifetime which was as tragic as her later life. Thankfully, her reputation is growing with the years. Unfortunately not listed or shown here are her two incredible numbers from CALL ME MADAM: The Ocarina and Something to Dance About with Donald O'Connor that make Mandy look like child's play. And Historian Jeanne Bassigner in one of her books called Vera-Ellen a mediocre dancer. JEANNE - You're blind!
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crockkett
She's one of the best if not the best hollywood dancer, my fav is when you walk down main st with me from on the town followed closely by the best things happen when your dancing, & not to forget most of her dances are with male legends, fred, gene, danny kaye, & she's in total sync with all of them whether its ballroom, tap or other dances, & of course not to mention she's a total babe & my all time celebrity crush lol
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She's one of the best if not the best hollywood dancer, my fav is when you walk down main st with me from on the town followed closely by the best things happen when your dancing, & not to forget most of her dances are with male legends, fred, gene, danny kaye, & she's in total sync with all of them whether its ballroom, tap or other dances, & of course not to mention she's a total babe & my all time celebrity crush lol
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John
Vera Ellen di. d every type of dancing and brought them to the highest level. ballet, tap. acrobatic, ballroom, and just the most energetic of dancing moves with or without dancing partners. She really was one of a kind being so multitalented plus a beauty to watch and did justice to every costume she wore in all her films. Nice collection shown in this video. very well done tribute to her.
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Vera Ellen di. d every type of dancing and brought them to the highest level. ballet, tap. acrobatic, ballroom, and just the most energetic of dancing moves with or without dancing partners. She really was one of a kind being so multitalented plus a beauty to watch and did justice to every costume she wore in all her films. Nice collection shown in this video. very well done tribute to her.
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Holly
The scene from White Christmas where Vera-Ellen is slowly lowered down and you first only see her feet doing an impossibly fast toe tap was/is the most fascinating thing I always looked forward to seeing in the movie. I think it's during the Choreography number. Also, the dress in The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing! Legendary!
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The scene from White Christmas where Vera-Ellen is slowly lowered down and you first only see her feet doing an impossibly fast toe tap was/is the most fascinating thing I always looked forward to seeing in the movie. I think it's during the Choreography number. Also, the dress in The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing! Legendary!
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Shelley
While many of these are great, no doubt. Both her dances with Donald O'Connor we're absolutely superb. The dance in the cellar was one of not her favorites. Ironically, Donald O'Connor was supposed to pair again with Vera Ellen in White Christmas, but was too ill and weak. Im just mentioning this as a thought, not a criticism.
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While many of these are great, no doubt. Both her dances with Donald O'Connor we're absolutely superb. The dance in the cellar was one of not her favorites. Ironically, Donald O'Connor was supposed to pair again with Vera Ellen in White Christmas, but was too ill and weak. Im just mentioning this as a thought, not a criticism.
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Linda
A lot of these were before I was born, but saying that! White Christmas is a big favourite but also when she played Shehezarade. Nowadays you have actresses or musicals, not quite sure how to express it. But then they were expected to do everything! Vera Ellen was a character, which means she will be remembered!
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A lot of these were before I was born, but saying that! White Christmas is a big favourite but also when she played Shehezarade. Nowadays you have actresses or musicals, not quite sure how to express it. But then they were expected to do everything! Vera Ellen was a character, which means she will be remembered!
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Robin
Anything Vera was in was magic. She past away 2 years before I graduated high school. By that time I had already seen all but two of her movies. I had been involved with dance for most of my years by then. I love to dance love to watch it. Vera Ellen was always breath taking. A joy for the eye's to watch.
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Anything Vera was in was magic. She past away 2 years before I graduated high school. By that time I had already seen all but two of her movies. I had been involved with dance for most of my years by then. I love to dance love to watch it. Vera Ellen was always breath taking. A joy for the eye's to watch.
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fanjoy
Everybody just loves Vera-Ellen! She was a real Dancing Queen. I saw her first in White Christmas, - of course! - and got totally charmed. She was amazing everywhere, - in this classical Chrismtas musical, in Belle of New-York, - and, naturally, as en elegant European princess in Call me Madam.
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Everybody just loves Vera-Ellen! She was a real Dancing Queen. I saw her first in White Christmas, - of course! - and got totally charmed. She was amazing everywhere, - in this classical Chrismtas musical, in Belle of New-York, - and, naturally, as en elegant European princess in Call me Madam.
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Alex
At about one minute into the Miss Turnstiles dance, the narrator says that the lucky lady to be Miss Turnstiles could be you. She turns to the camera blares, 'Who, me? he says, Yes, you, and her reaction is the moment at which I fell deepy and hoplessly in love with her.
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At about one minute into the Miss Turnstiles dance, the narrator says that the lucky lady to be Miss Turnstiles could be you. She turns to the camera blares, 'Who, me? he says, Yes, you, and her reaction is the moment at which I fell deepy and hoplessly in love with her.
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Bob
You missed all of her earliest numbers from Wonder Boy and The Kid from Brooklyn. She did some amazing tap dancing on her toes. Also, I liked the number she did to Willow Weep for Me in Love Happy, her only black and white film in 1949. However, your picks are excellent.
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You missed all of her earliest numbers from Wonder Boy and The Kid from Brooklyn. She did some amazing tap dancing on her toes. Also, I liked the number she did to Willow Weep for Me in Love Happy, her only black and white film in 1949. However, your picks are excellent.
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David
Merry maerbtina oils derngers bordering dreading mother masking son stars cheonoen Jordan Daniel son stars macking cheonoen stars Jessica jung beautiful woman pouched kids prettying plyaerpynrd macking raerbrtins himtinrtdesers jackilcvmmrers jackilacvers son masn
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Merry maerbtina oils derngers bordering dreading mother masking son stars cheonoen Jordan Daniel son stars macking cheonoen stars Jessica jung beautiful woman pouched kids prettying plyaerpynrd macking raerbrtins himtinrtdesers jackilcvmmrers jackilacvers son masn
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Reb
I love watching her dance in White Christmas. And that waist, was so tiny. Also fun fact from White Christmas was that one of the dancers was George Chakiris who played Bernardo the leader of the Sharks in the 1961 movie of West Side Story. Thx&see ya
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I love watching her dance in White Christmas. And that waist, was so tiny. Also fun fact from White Christmas was that one of the dancers was George Chakiris who played Bernardo the leader of the Sharks in the 1961 movie of West Side Story. Thx&see ya
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Evangelista
Her most underrated film has to be the British musical Happy Go Lovely. The quality you can find today looks washed out, but Vera is simply charming in the dance numbers, especially the fantasy-themed One Two Three
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Her most underrated film has to be the British musical Happy Go Lovely. The quality you can find today looks washed out, but Vera is simply charming in the dance numbers, especially the fantasy-themed One Two Three
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Vicki
Love the White Christmas dances the most, especially The Best Things. but wow that TOSS forward, then backwards down the staircase in Mandy took so serious guts! And trust of her fellow dancers to catch her.
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Love the White Christmas dances the most, especially The Best Things. but wow that TOSS forward, then backwards down the staircase in Mandy took so serious guts! And trust of her fellow dancers to catch her.
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Susan
What a fantastic dancer! She was so in tuned with both Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. She was also in tuned with Danny Kaye and all the other dancers! God Rest Her Soul! What a talented performer!
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What a fantastic dancer! She was so in tuned with both Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. She was also in tuned with Danny Kaye and all the other dancers! God Rest Her Soul! What a talented performer!
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Dester
how could you leave out the Ocarina from Call me madam and the great dance numbers from Carnival in Costa Rica some of her greatest work some one has not done their research very well.
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how could you leave out the Ocarina from Call me madam and the great dance numbers from Carnival in Costa Rica some of her greatest work some one has not done their research very well.
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Jennifer
How do you do media reviews and not know that the fourth wall is the audience/camera? Because they didn't crash into the camera. They crashed through what is probably the first wall.
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How do you do media reviews and not know that the fourth wall is the audience/camera? Because they didn't crash into the camera. They crashed through what is probably the first wall.
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Jonna
Vera Ellen was the best female dancer in Hollywood. Eleanor Powell may be #1 in tap, but Vera could do it all. Vera also had the most perfect body for dance. Such beautiful line!
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Vera Ellen was the best female dancer in Hollywood. Eleanor Powell may be #1 in tap, but Vera could do it all. Vera also had the most perfect body for dance. Such beautiful line!
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Becky
Vera Ellen was a fantastic dancer. She was also very fortunate to have danced with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly two all time great male dancers. Thank you for this fun video!
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Vera Ellen was a fantastic dancer. She was also very fortunate to have danced with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly two all time great male dancers. Thank you for this fun video!
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Anne
Does anyone have any idea what is the super flowy material her skirts are made from? It seems like something different than just the run of the mill chiffon or tulle.
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Does anyone have any idea what is the super flowy material her skirts are made from? It seems like something different than just the run of the mill chiffon or tulle.
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Stephen
I once saw a dance sequence from an obscure movie (dont remember the title) that featured Vera Ellen combining tap & ballet with fire effects. It was mesmerizing!
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I once saw a dance sequence from an obscure movie (dont remember the title) that featured Vera Ellen combining tap & ballet with fire effects. It was mesmerizing!
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POPEYEANDTHEJEEP
She could be smooth like Fred Astaire and athletic like Gene Kelly. So much talent in such a slender form. But her legs were definitely a dancers legs.
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She could be smooth like Fred Astaire and athletic like Gene Kelly. So much talent in such a slender form. But her legs were definitely a dancers legs.
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pjb2773
I would have loved to see her dance with Tommy Rall. Both of them were acrobatic dancers as well as tap and ballet. It would have truly been a night of stars.
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I would have loved to see her dance with Tommy Rall. Both of them were acrobatic dancers as well as tap and ballet. It would have truly been a night of stars.
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Shelley
I cannot believe two incredible and impeccable dance numbers with Donald O'Connor from Call me Madam, didn't even make this list. Sorry, that's just wrong.
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I cannot believe two incredible and impeccable dance numbers with Donald O'Connor from Call me Madam, didn't even make this list. Sorry, that's just wrong.
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Ian
Hey, I just noticed Tommy Rall in one sequence dancing with Vera Ellen in White Christmas. At the end of the song and dance sequence, she lands on his neck.
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Hey, I just noticed Tommy Rall in one sequence dancing with Vera Ellen in White Christmas. At the end of the song and dance sequence, she lands on his neck.
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Angela
My favorite is Mandy from White Christmas. I like one that wasnt on here. Where she wears pink & brown & kind of taps while she does ballet! Its awesome.
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My favorite is Mandy from White Christmas. I like one that wasnt on here. Where she wears pink & brown & kind of taps while she does ballet! Its awesome.
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Isabel
Mum and I watched Vera-Ellen All the time, so beautiful and elegant and so talented. I am now 60 and still watch Beautiful Lady and think of Mum XXXXX
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Mum and I watched Vera-Ellen All the time, so beautiful and elegant and so talented. I am now 60 and still watch Beautiful Lady and think of Mum XXXXX
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