Chita Rivera performs "America" and "All That Jazz"

Chita Rivera performs "America" from West Side Story and "All That Jazz" from Chicago on the 1982 TV special "Broadway Plays Washington" on Kennedy Center Tonight

[@GroovyShelly]

The work of the mic placement for Jazz is a marvel. NO ONE was better. RIP darling Chita.

[@senorfix]

❤

[@Arkelk2010]

The microphones practically needed a choreographer of their own. Creatively and well done.

[@jaqui1401]

She originated 2 iconic roles of Anita in West Side story and Velma in Chicago, really paving the way for Latinos in broadway.

[@spacepunk2012]

Janne Q and Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie.

[@tainok]

She has really done so much!!

[@theaterbear]

And Aurora/Spider Woman in Kiss of the Spider Woman! Which I saw her in and she was fantastic of course.

[@kathleen4376]

And kiss of the spider woman too !

[@bhbecca]

They don't make 'em like her anymore. It's a bygone era. Pure talent. No gimmicks. Beautiful.

[@yvonneplant9434]

AIDs killed a lot of talent. It was extremely awful. More than most people ever talk about now.

[@AJSoto-vy2fw]

She’s up in heaven with Gwen singing this now that they are together again. Rip queen!!

[@dee_dee_place]

That's what I picture. The two of them dressed up in their finest, knees rouged up, & ready to go for All That Jazz.

[@MichaelDePiro]

The bald man on Chita’s right is my uncle Frank DeSal. He was great friends with her. I recently sat down with Chita and showed her this video! Thank you for sharing such an amazing piece of theatre history.

[@theaterbear]

Michael DePiro he was a member of American Dance Machine right? I’m pretty sure he also appeared on a special called “That’s Singing!” in which he headlined “Quadrille” from Can-Can. Is Frank still with us? So great that you got to spend time with Chita recently - I’d love to hear more about that!

[@jackee1054]

Amazing! Bebe Neuwirth brought me here....Ms. Rivera is ......well, there are just no words.......and your Uncle Frank is just wonderful to watch. My jaw is just hanging open.

[@sandyblue4235]

@@jackee1054 what did she say about chita?rivera i triedto find the quote

[@JeanineBruen]

I always thought how amazing he and the other gentleman with him were in this performance. Truly electric. 👏🏼👏🏼

[@cuteguy9358]

@MichaelDePiro -Your uncle (Joseph) "Frankie" was such a talented guy. He was absolutely fantastic! 👏 👏

[@newageoutlaw]

There will never be another Chita Rivera. She walked so that so many stars today could run.

[@melanistar]

I think she ran so stars now could walk. She'd dance circles around anyone today.

[@tonynegron1927]

🕊 RIP Chita,91 🌹 (1933-2024)

[@IAmRose218]

I went back to this perfect performance. RIP Chita Rivera

[@michaelisennock8391]

She was 49 here! AMAZING!!!

[@Mizmilla]

Wow!

[@mariarosagomez4385]

Absoluta atleta, excelente cantante y reina del baile Grande Chita RIP🙏🙏🙏

[@brandonsaloy5635]

Who could SING like that after DANCING like that??

[@mossfitz]

Besides the fantastic dancing and singing, her breath control alone is a miracle of training, skill and talent - I mean how on earth does she do that?!?

[@tombennett3827]

She started taking ballet classes when she was a child, and studied with George Balanchine. When she was a teenager her goal was to become a ballet dancer. I suspect that that's where she learned her breath control.

[@sharigreen9252]

Magnificent! There was no one better than Chita. A dancer's dancer. Simply flawless. May she rest in peace.

[@craigslivka1]

all the kids today who focus so hard on doing the fosse steps do the steps so accurately that they forget that Mr. Fosse was never about the steps but the precision of telling story thru dance, musci, singing, lyrics, costumes, lights, amazing musicians. I watch the kids today, and they really should go back and watch these drop dead brilliant pieces like what Chita just performed, both were magnificently staged, rechoreographed ( I would like to say that both Mr. Robbins and Mr. Fosse had a hand in enabling Chita with this dazzling display of talent and entertainment). So much heart and soul has been lost when i watch the kids do Mr. Fosse's stuff today, and when I watch this, i say if only these very talented youngsters would in addition to learning from those who are left from the era that Bob directed and choreographed, but also study the routines like what Chita did so that when they do perform it is not about the steps but the crystal clear communication of a vision thru the steps and singing.

[@MrCrowebobby]

You can't "decide" to be a Chita or Gwen. Hard work will only take you so far -- inborn talent is needed to cover the rest. And in Gwen's case that mystical thing called "star quality."

[@geoffryallan7261]

Yes it’s not the same - it’s missing something, the heart and soul - Anne Reinking and Chet walker aren’t here to pass it on anymore - Gwen verdon, Chita Rivera - there are no broadway stars that match that anymore - we’ve lost something magical

[@soularwave]

Ummm...this may be the most fabulous thing I’ve ever seen 😍🤩

[@bubbleworship]

JESUS CHRIST she's amazing.

[@jessicab112]

OMG she was singing live during all this dancing! I'm in awe

[@NimiDandara]

Don't you get a confusing startruck feeling like.... how? she wasnt even really Young there, how can someone do that, one kickass performance after another, is just so mind blowing (english is my 2nd language)

[@sallybowles2781]

she was frigging 50! (49) amazing

[@billsomody6928]

She blessed herself! She knew who to thank as well looking up to heaven above! Truly great singer and dancer and actress! Rest in peace, Chita Rivera! Enjoy the rest of eternity singing and dancing and performing in paradise! You were and are the very best!🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕✝️

[@ordinarypeople20]

Wow. Just wow. You know, she's always known best for her dancing prowess. But whenever I see her perform, I also marvel at her voice. RIP, Chita!

[@CountryCowboy008]

I'm sorry, but I don't think no Broadway performer, men and women alike, that can match Chita as of this day.. Superb! Total performance! .....and people didn't give her a standing ovation.....

[@sallybowles2781]

when it's too flawless and looks so natural people don't understand the total absolute mastery behind it

[@tomgallowitz]

Her equal was probably Gwen Verdon in her prime

[@zebra2615]

I too was shocked by no standing ovation sadly they only give it to performers like Lupone Minnelli and Peter's. Not that they don't deserve it,dancers though don't.

[@sgtpppr]

it was D.C. audience

[@sgtpppr]

it's the head snaps. I could do those too.....when I was 20, but 50!?!? any normal mortal would be paralyzed after that performance

[@DWilliams-ce8nb]

Chita was about 50 years old in this video. I remember her performances when she was in her mid-20's. I have no words to describe her brilliance.

[@camara1194]

wait what?????????

[@BanjoSick]

Yeah she was 49 here!

[@frankbarron2968]

Thanks for that information, Thomas. I'm in awe at the fact that a 49 year old, as she was then, was able to perform so effortlessly; a true professional. I couldn't do that when I was half her age :-)

[@VerdantSquare]

I saw her perform 10 years later at one of Bill Clinton's inauguration balls. My god, she did not miss a step. Chita Rivera is EVERYTHING.

[@artistphx]

Ms Rivera is truly one of the legends of American musical theatre!

[@manuelorozco7760]

RIP Chita! I’ve never seen this until now. But you can tell she’s having fun on that stage!

[@kennethgrier9417]

She was flawless and brilliant! ❤

[@garbles1970]

I'm in tears and awestruck at the same damn time.....absolutely brilliant

[@thomasdroste5638]

rest in paradise gorgeous

[@CMS_1993]

This is one of the most fabulous performances I haver ever watched. What a queen✨

[@stephenlagan8569]

Talk about a "Stage Animal". I am in awe. Kudos, Madame Dolores, thankfully still with us at age 89.

[@LyndaE79]

OMG, I just discovered the fine talent that is Chita Rivera! I was far too young in the 80's to have known of her, but WOW, I'm totally vibing her! She also seems to be a sweetheart by nature. For the first time in my life, I truly appreciate dance theatre. I feel as if Ms. Rivera is my spirit animal! Wish I could meet her in person.

[@stephenlagan8569]

What a great comment. I TOTALLY agree 100% with you!!!

[@ilsaramos379]

Yrs. ago a woman smiled at me at Broadway Dance Center in NYC. I had no idea who she was. I had seen her several times. She smiled at me. I thought it was just a friendly gesture because of my spanish culture. She looks just like you see her in these videos. I learned later who she was. She looked good. Plus friendly. Felt a little ashamed l didn't recognize her. I admire her strength and stamina as l watched this. I hope to return to class and see her there again. It's nice that many artist take the time to stop by the school and even take time to either talk to us and even teach.

[@jc6594]

Happy 90th Birthday Chita Rivera

[@manuelorozco7760]

She just turned 91

[@kenbrown438]

Quick , quaint , quintessential ; a choreographed masterpiece ; CHITA AND FRIENDS !!!!

[@groovygirl23]

She is magnificent -- and those 2 microphone holders are adorable!

[@cuteguy9358]

Absolutely Fantastic! 💯 👏 They were all so amazing!

[@shamoe]

that mic handling is amazing!

[@Michael-gk1nq]

God Chita Rivera 's performance gave me goosebumps. I'm awe struck. What a dancer, what a singer, WHAT A PERFORMER.

[@elizabethmurphy9384]

She managed to fill the stage with her talent and two boy dancers. Amazing!

[@ericdemilo2497]

I can’t stop watching her dancing. Chita is incredible. 😃😃😃

[@jcs1025]

RIP Ms. Rivera. You are a national treasure.

[@erikakathleen509]

Fantastic dancer! Fabulous performer! Wow! She came to a lawn party at my grandparents house suburbia New York circa about 1979 or 1980. I just thought about her stardom today. I was about 8 or 9yrs old. Everyone was so excited that she had showed up and looking stunning. My family in theatrical lighting production. She wore black sequence.🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@schnoooozie]

My god the woman could dance!!!!!!!!!! I would pretty much give everything I own to have seen the original stage shows of West Side Story & Chicago with Chita in them!

[@mackenzierichard4474]

I could watch her all day. A big Standing O to you Chita

[@maryexstroughtonaire4244]

That's one Chita that will always win!

[@marimedgal]

Chita is absolutely brilliant! I love her!

[@4260laurel]

as well as the two men

[@tenorbear60]

No one sings and dances this song better than Miss Chita Rivera. She has been so excellent for so long....

[@cz2165]

49 yo and dancing and singing that well while dancing. Incredible.

[@alrodrigo7212]

A true iconic legend that brought her brilliant fiery, latina passion and ferocious talent to all she performed. Thank you for sharing your brilliant artistry and inspring so many! RIP!

[@truthteller88]

RIP Puerto Rican Queen. Thank you

[@fernandobrinner279]

She's blessed, she's divine. From another world.

[@zakkxx1]

Oh my gosh it’s giving me life! She was sublime and the dancing was so sexy I can’t breathe. Those dudes did the most 🥵 and it was exquisite with Chita leading just wow ❤❤❤

[@bobboyer9078]

Just Wow. You know when somebody slays

[@MicharlMcGarry-pn1fd]

Thanka to these videos...Chita's art Will live on.

[@molnya2]

How would you like to follow that act? What a talented lady.

[@carolineblake5201]

Standing ovation performance

[@zellyvaca738]

Most definitely!

[@ericdemilo2497]

I cannot stop watching it. They are just amazing! 😘😘😘

[@bronxboy47]

Phenomenal!

[@dw070]

THAT IS HOW YOU DO IT, CHILDREN!

[@rleutz13]

she dazzles in "America" and then says "Hold my Beer, let's take it up a notch....or three" for "All that Jazz" a true triple threat and living legend, happy 90th Miss Chita!

[@JW-xx1um]

Saw her last weekend in Florida. She still knows how to captivate an audience!

[@connorjones100]

she was nearly 50 when she done this, and she does it better than anyone i've ever seen before.

[@peterjamesleeching829]

She is basically 50 years young here. people in their 20s can't keep up with this legend.

[@sandyblue4235]

Well if you dance all your life doesnt matte how old you are youstay limber

[@lilypangchan5764]

She is 49 here, close enough. Last night at the Tony's she was looking good at 89.

[@ilsaramos379]

She still looks like that as you see in the latest films. You need to remember, it's all in the matter of taking care of yourself. It's not easy. She has even stated that. One of my dance instructors l had in the 70s always reminded us of that. Since l worked in a hospital l knew this instructor was special. Later l learned he not only danced for Joffrey but had his Masters in Dance Therapy. He always stressed the outcome of not caring for our bodies. How we must listen to our bodies and not be a martyer in class and in life. You couldn't afford to take on other people's problems who refuse to help themselves. It will drain you and take a toll on your life causing illness. That when your body says, "stop" you must stop! All the energy we put out each day, it was our responsibility to replace it through proper neutrition and rest. That everyone's body was different and we weren't to compare ourselves with others! He also stated not to rely on medicine because it may heal one thing, but damage another. That B-complex was good for injuries and Vitamin C was good for colds. He would scold us if we had any sugary drinks before class. Warning us we would have a sugar drop in the middle of our 1 1/2 class. That any fruit was permissable, any pure juice was fine but only a small amount because the rest would be flushed out within our bodies. People don't realize exercise not only keeps you in shape, it cleans out impurities in your body as you sweat. It will release stress issues within you. You'lI' breathe better, feel relaxed, sleep better to even be able to deal with personal issues a lot better. It's not easy. There are times l've run into old friends who are younger than me. They look terrible! They ask what's my secret? There is no secret. I just follow what l was taught. You just have to take care of yourself. Listen to your body. Recently l lost one of my dance instructors. I was heartbroken. His body began to suddenly decline. Why? Cigarettes. As many times l begged him to stop, he just couldn't break the habit. With all the energy he had, cigarettes began to drain his energy. All of his students were heartbroken when he passed away. I was always taught one has to have a system for each day in order to live. Hopefully, l will be able to return to class and run into Chita at my school, become aquatinted and have a conversation.

[@ilsaramos379]

It all depends if/how you take care of your health!

[@ilsaramos379]

People in that age has to do with not eating right, not taking vutamins, not constantly exercising, eating junk all the time, not getting enough sleep, doing drugs or alcohol. Remember that!

[@boblowney]

so wonderful that Chita lived a long and rich life. She was able to realize her extraordinary talent and genius. And of course we benefitted from it.

[@Dengee]

WOW!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@JeanineBruen]

The encore at the end gives me full body chills. This is just SO good. Chita forever! ♥️

[@KelleyNicholson]

she is amazing!

[@westminster860]

Chita was one of the very first stars to appear at the State theater in Cleveland in the infancy restoration project for which we are eternally grateful. She was an incredible performer. ❤

[@freedom584]

Bravo!!! The great Chita Rivera has no equal!!!

[@hisongpark]

OMG This post deserves a lot more views!

[@3636Clarence]

There is non other than Chita Rivera..She IS the best..

[@JamesBrown-ij1px]

Thank you for sharing, Eric!

[@jimmyrae]

You just had to see her do this LIVE!!! There was nothing like it! and she is a humble and grascious lady!! I loveyou Chita!!

[@antonmarino6568]

Marvelous talented star

[@VivaLaMerman]

the talent. it's just incredible and unbelievable

[@iamanman]

She is so great! The best dancer and performer in this century!

[@kd-b7340]

WOW! FIRE!!! 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@keiliana]

How are these people not giving her and the great dancers a standing ovation?! Guess they didn't realize her talent was rare. I'd like to see any of the singers of today sing w/a mic like that.

[@michaelpatrick7888]

ximply amzing and awesomely talented wowowowow ms chita!!!

[@dslao]

Such a great performer.

[@boudiccam4417]

What an amazing performance! I want to be able to move like that when I’m starting my 50’s! Chita was incredible! Debbie Reynolds was perfect in the intro. She was so flawless in all of her performances. It’s sad that neither of them are with us anymore. I’m glad there are videos like this. I do Fosse for physical therapy, but Jerome Robbin’s is too much ballet. That is something my body just can’t do anymore.

[@unjaded2]

Her father was Puerto Rican, and her mother was of Scottish and Italian descent.

[@SymphonyBrahms]

Chita Rivera is one of the great Broadway legends.

[@saint973]

Ahhh Debbie Reynolds!!

[@winkieandleah]

Honest - I'm getting chills watching her!

[@jcliff26]

She IS Broadway, the way Ethel Merman was a generation or two (!) ago, and she can dance! Check out Casablanca, The Dance, here, and tell me what you think, but thanks SO much for posting this. Wonderful!

[@alexandrabillings99]

This is absolutely unbelievable. My God. What a gift this woman has.

[@dee_dee_place]

We just witnessed brilliance! Brava, Senorita Rivera, Multi Brava! Rest In Peace & Have Fun Dancing With Miss Verdon Again.!

[@KristineMaitland]

RIP Chita.

[@raramama]

I actually cried during this performance! I cried, I laughed...This woman is just full of talent and pure joy. I want to be her when I grow up (I'm 30+ mind you!) I also, now have a wish to have two guys holding mikes follow me while I sing and dance LOL! Bless you for posting this!

[@matildekimmerle6607]

Now that’s a damn awesome performance - true Broadway

[@manuelorozco7760]

A fine art that is declining somewhat

[@3l3llala13]

Amazing. The two male dancers were amazing too.

[@SallyWilliams]

What a sad Day. RIP Chita. You will always be a Legend

[@CHARIOTEERDC]

Thank you!!!!!!

[@dodongmasyong]

Grabeeeeeee

[@michaelvittoria6926]

Incomparable, Chita! I had the great fortune of seeing her last performance in the original production of Chicago! I have been a fan ever since!

[@Sword_of_justice103]

What a talent

[@derdriui]

WOW! Fuck the fancy sets, this is GOLD!

[@imandoce4246]

Chita Rivera, excelente actriz y bailarina puertorriqueña.

[@cacvpc]

That was amazing.

[@operaoaf]

Amazing all-round performance.

[@danieljeanjacques3889]

absolutely fantastic, brings tears to my eyes....love chita love west side story

[@artistphx]

Makes you really feel alive doesn't it!

[@lilypangchan5764]

Exactly! She sparks joy!