White Christmas Choreography

(c) Paramount pictures

[@AnnaP-qk4qm]

Danny Kaye had such a wicked sense of humor; he could be so insane and funny at the same time. This movie wouldn't have worked half as well without him.

[@stynway59]

What is sad is that he spent the whole shoot trying to befriend Bing Crosby, who would have nothing to do with him. Jealousy?

[@williamchadwick7948]

David Randall Kaye's idea of "making friends" was fisting. Der Bingle said, "Even I can't get drunk enough for that, buster.'

[@steveliveshere]

@@williamchadwick7948 homophobic much?

[@ezzyandzz]

Loved his performance in this film so much! him and vera were definitely my favorite

[@michaelshanks6932]

True, but that's because here he gave it just enough and not too much (read what Richard Rodgers had to say about him to get the other side of the story).

[@Aj122454]

I swear Vera Ellen was the inspiration for the original Barbie Doll. It came out around this time.

[@augustgirl]

Andrea Johnston I think the same. I saw this and thought" Holy, Barbie Doll".

[@_veronica_r]

Umm... It was based off of someone's daughter named Barbra (Barbie for short)

[@jilllybarger6645]

The name came from Ruth Handler's daughter, but the original idea came from a novelty doll sold in Germany. The Lilli doll was based on a cartoon that appeared the Bild newspaper. The character was a call girl and the dolls were popular "gag gifts" for men.

[@persebra]

@@jilllybarger6645 Thanks for that info, i had not heard that. looked into it and the poor german inventor of the doll got totally hosed and ripped off! www.history.com/news/barbie-inspiration-bild-lilli

[@NoliMeTangere1163]

I've always suspected that too.

[@drspaseebo410]

Vera Ellen never received the acclamation she so richly deserved. She was simply wonderful in all dance styles, from ballet through tap and jazz, to modern. Died at 60, sadly.

[@amyfloren4581]

She also had a daughter who died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome at the age of 3 months; she kind of withdrew from public life after that. Very sad,

[@alexkije]

You gotta get out front under your computer rock. She is very well known!

[@franzoidle7002]

Her resting site lies just up the road from me(literally) at a cemetery in Kagel Canyon, CA. While always having been a fan of hers, I didn’t find this out until a few years ago. Now I make it point to lay a rose from my garden on her grave every first of November.

[@esmeephillips5888]

@@franzoidle7002 Good for you, sir.

[@debbieking5171]

That is very kind of you to leave a rose.

[@RLS-bu4bj]

There is a part of me that intensely wishes these sort of shows were still a thing. Such amazing dancing.

[@jackoff1826]

Would require too much talent for today's Hollywierd standards

[@jackoff1826]

And just as this skit says, even if they were to make a dancing movie, it's not dancing, it's choreography that they do anymore, passing it off as dance.

[@bwaybabyrose]

@@jackoff1826 😂 That's just so blatantly not true. Sure you don't see dancing in Hollywood movies much anymore (although In The Heights looks very promising), but dance in many different forms is alive and thriving. From Broadway to Bangarra Dance Theatre there is great dancing to be seen all over the world! And all non-improvised dance is choreography btw. - A Dancer

[@jackoff1826]

@@bwaybabyrose all that I'm speaking about has to do with Hollywood. I wasn't speaking about other forms of entertainment. Just movies.

[@1groundfog]

Agreed. Yes, they mock the then-new type of choreography, but then proceed to compile a masterpiece of the genre, in their own way of course!

[@dt63944]

After years of dismissing it as corny, I finally watched White Christmas on AMC last night. What an amazing dancer Vera Ellen was and what a modern dance number Choreography is, even by today's standards. This must have been quite a conversation-starter back in 1954 when it premiered. The male dancer is John Brascia, who succumbed to Parkinson's disease this past February.

[@ktkat1949]

dt63944 Thanks for posting that I have often wondered who the male dancer was.

[@integratedfoodfitnessdbabe2040]

Fosse as choreographer Uncredited!!! directed Brascia Chakiris (West Side Story ) and Vera Ellen

[@1groundfog]

@@integratedfoodfitnessdbabe2040 Suppose it's difficult to tease out which are Robert Alton's contributions and which are Bob Fosse's, but the incredibly infectious nature and insanely complicated, well-coordinated steps of "Choreography" lead me to agree that this is Fosse. I could re-watch this hours on end, kinda like Fosse danced himself to death. I cannot stop watching it!!!!! John Brascia and Vera Ellen are so coolly matched, with Danny Kaye and his troupe in semaphoric support. Bravo!!!

[@LovingShadow-e3k]

Can we talk about the make up and costuming. Especially for the "Modern" dancers . They were so spot on with the Martha Graham look. Somehow they even managed to get the "I must suffer for my art" look perfectly.

[@districtline]

LOVE how this pokes fun at the 50's dance trend of dark drama & stark realism.

[@chrisg4584]

I love Vera Ellen, she was definitely underrated

[@jackanthony976]

Vera Ellen is only underrated by those who don't recognize what a technically proficient dancer she was. She might be underrated by some because she was not considered a memorable personality as an actress.

[@jackanthony976]

Vera Ellen is only underrated by those who don't recognize what a technically proficient dancer she was. She might be underrated by some because she was not considered a memorable personality as an actress.

[@rcnelson]

And underfed.

[@berighteous]

girl definitely needed a cheeseburger.

[@DoorOfDoom12]

Vera Ellen was beautiful and had a great physique. Back then, women (and men) didn't gouge themselves and make excuses for being obese.

[@DavidN369]

Nerve taps. Done with a completely loose ankle and knee, usually flexing the thigh muscle to permit this. Ann Miller was also great at them.

[@catebannan7343]

Thanks for sharing, never knew before. Looks amazing!,,

[@MikeyDyeMyHair]

I was watching it repeatedly trying to figure out how! Thank you

[@camelsheit_on_the_walls446]

Interesting info, thank you. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, the first time I watched her do that. And yes I too had to replay it various times, as I found it fascinating.

[@cetifoxproductions]

LOL..."The theater, the theater!" This is a must watch at our house at Christmas time.

[@aaronsrok3422]

Vera nerve tapping is hypnotic.

[@rebeccaschurwanz5679]

2:16 when John jumps through a wormhole into another dimension of dance.

[@maryr7396]

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I swear I could watch it every day and be completely entertained.

[@chrisberry5230]

Mary R b

[@oceanfloor3524]

Same tho

[@caitlinunusedemail264]

Sameeeeee

[@sarahsanders3645]

Mine too!

[@toddhayen7337]

Me too...

[@stevenbouler5783]

The visual and physical references to Martha Graham are fantastic…

[@dudley5533]

As usual, Danny displays his multiple talents in this number. The chemistry between Vera and John is so "ON" as they are so well matched as a dancing pair and do a great job with the difficult and enjoyable steps in this performance.

[@DavidN369]

Indeed. Met the late Ms. Miller years ago when working in the MGM/UA home video unit, and she was arguably the most unpretentious star ever. Wonderful woman, wonderful spirit, wonderful talent.

[@ginnylorenz5265]

That's so nice to hear. Thanks for sharing!

[@Rivkid76]

I didn't understand this when I first saw the movie as a kid - now it's one of my favorite numbers, recognizing the satire and enjoying the skill.....and the song swings......

[@lauraopper2571]

The other man dancing with Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen must have been a spectacular athlete. His dancing all through the movie was amazing.

[@integratedfoodfitnessdbabe2040]

Johnny Brascia was the Dancer in Abraham and Mandy . Uncredited was George Chakiris years before West Side Story He is the featured dancer with Clooney in the Love Did Me Wrong Number

[@lohphat]

Luigi, the late famous jazz dance teacher was also in the movie and performed Johnny's numbers when they went on the road show to promote the film.

[@TralfazConstruction]

I was seven years-old in the second grade in '63 discussing this, as seriously as seven year-olds could, with classmates after White Christmas had been on broadcast TV the night before. My seven year-old self was vexed at the rapid tapping displayed by Vera-Ellen before her lovely face is even seen. Each time I see this scene in the movie it's a transportive moment as I revert to childlike wonder which was instilled in me fifty-six years ago.

[@ktkat1949]

I love Danny doing his imitation of Jack Cole doing Martha Graham. Very funny!

[@windstorm1000]

its hilarious--I agree! actually a good lesson in contrasting different dance styles simulposed

[@petebailey6977]

kate baxter it’s nauseating more racist trash

[@petebailey6977]

This is nauseating

[@jimr4319]

So much is said about Cyd Charisse (and well deserved) but after watching Vera Ellen in many of these youtube clips of her; I can with no reservations say Vera Ellen is by far the greatest female all around dancer of that era. So much more should be said of her. Beautiful woman and outstanding dance talent.

[@stynway59]

Do check out Eleanor Powell. I'm not comparing, but when it comes to tap and swing..wow

[@fourthgirl]

Watch Cyd Charisse in Deep in my Heart. I think you might change your mind.

[@birdylove24]

Why does there always have to be a ranking? For me this wonderful dancers all stand on the highest step together!

[@jimr4319]

@@birdylove24 : You're absolutely right...forgive us. All are in their own special niche.

[@birdylove24]

@@jimr4319 ❤️

[@caitlynglessner421]

I used to sing this song all the time when I was little. I can't believe how fast she could tap her foot

[@camillehopecameron5249]

Caitlyn Glessner Nerve tap is what my dance instructor called it You gotta be skilled

[@designchik]

God, that woman could dance.

[@hillarypritchard9249]

Could Vera not sing well? I heard she was dubbed in this movie, save for the "Snow" reprise, where really anyone barely sings.

[@34Chachacha]

Avant garde! Love the girls in purple. The whole scene is a testament to genuine talent.

[@gregd6022]

you do realize it's a critique of contemporary dance at the time, not actually being "dance", and you could say the same thing today, dance redefined for those who actually can't dance.

[@brookekobasher5125]

They are indeed dancing though, it’s a form of modern dance. I took modern dance in college and it’s a very unique, “artsy” type of dance.

[@aerochicc]

I think they're poking fun at Martha Graham, but the girls in purple are awesome.

[@maryterico153]

I watch White Christmas every year...it just isn't Christmas in our house without it!

[@StephanieJ777]

I love how you can tell in Danny Kaye's performances that he truly respected his craft. Lovely ❤️👌

[@chattyroz2934]

While all the performers are brilliant, this is really an example of Irving Berlin's genius. He could write the perfect song for any occasion. This was tailor made for Danny Kaye. I also love the song that Bing Crosby sang about Generals. Again, tailor made and perfect.

[@ecksteinvideoproject]

The dying duck part always got me laughing xD

[@pgpgiftery]

i freakin LOVE that too hahahaa

[@sadegeorge7669]

I thought I was the only who enjoyed that!

[@TheHdasti]

what are heps that do steps?

[@slperry]

a "hepcat" was a hipster, a jazz artist, a beatnik. the term is obsolete.

[@jerbear601]

its a satire on Martha Graham modern dance that was entering the dance world around this time. and the set is particularly making fun of the set for Martha Graham's piece Appalachian Spring.

[@stynway59]

Which I had a glorious opportunity to see when her company still toured. Appalachian Spring was the highlight of the show. I totally get the poking fun here, it's brilliant, it's meant to assuage middle America, who were confronted by the new and unfamiliar, but Graham's work stands proudly in the tradition of dance, in my opinion

[@emilypapa8957]

I love Martha Graham and the Beatniks but love this spoof!!

[@thespanishinquisition8617]

That’s actually really interesting

[@jerbear601]

@@stynway59 her company still tours, though not right now bc of covid

[@Mitzi73]

I never heard of Vera Ellen until a few days ago and now The Algorithm says I have to watch all her videos. She is amazing!

[@jackoff1826]

You were blessed

[@jeannemarie3704]

Oh my. My girls and I watch this every Christmas. Know the songs by heart. Danny kaye is everything.!

[@rinwesley3092]

What legs! Simply stunning and such a wonderful dancer too. I wish we still made movies like this.

[@pucksaus]

'Like a duck that is dying' OMG best sentence ever

[@jeannemarie3704]

Danny Kaye!!! My 4 girls know this song by heart! We watched every christmas so yeah..this and the Sisters song..never will there be class acts like this again....Bravo!!

[@MarksOfdOrgan]

Plasma did this justice on the Runway of RPDR

[@bettyjojoeharperre-imagina7322]

Omg pics? Or video? Anything?

[@windstorm1000]

great dance satire with some great dance. dancers especially must find it satisfying--and Ms. Graham had to have had a chuckle watching this send up of her famous modern style.

[@TheReneex]

What a truly talented ensemble of entertainers. Bing and Rosemary's amazing vocals. Danny's slapstick humor coupled with his great dance ability and Vera's extraodianry dance skills!

[@BalrogWing]

We've made it a tradition to make breakfast and watch this around Christmas every year. This and Easter Parade are two of my most favorite holiday movies.

[@ronwhite8503]

I have liked this film since childhood...... but loved the amazing Vera Ellen.

[@TahtahmesDiary]

I love her dancing in this one especially, as well as her outfit, but lets be real this song was one huge "BACK IN MY DAY WE REALLY GOT DOWN" that I ever did see. But to Vera Ellen's credit, she really did show us all the technical side! She could really make her legs dainty, especially around the feet/ankles!

[@vonniehull6992]

Vera Ellen and John Brascia. Two amazing dancers.

[@davidallen508]

Danny Kaye obviously enjoying camping it up.

[@michaelshanks6932]

Kaye had a hammy streak a mile wide, and it could get excessive (see Richard Rodgers's comments about his performance in Two By Two). But in the proper setting, like this one, he's brilliant.

[@rachelayvaz1579]

This was my favorite scene from this movie

[@Aj122454]

This was also my favorite bit from the movie. Thanks for posting. I've been looking for it for a long time. When they run this on network tv and have to cut a few minutes, this is always the song that gets cut.

[@catherinebaker9075]

I loved the Graham-inspired dance as a kid 60 years ago, and its held up really well.

[@ultraviolettas]

It’s giving..Martha graham! Martha Graham! Martha Graham!

[@pgpgiftery]

through the air they keep flying like a duck that is dying HAHAHAHAHAAAA

[@dennisp3314]

Vera Ellen - She was wonderful & SO beautiful. With Class to spare. I read she had her own share of tragedy - so sad. It took till I was well into adulthood to realize the Genius of Danny Kaye

[@celebrityjazzjam1869]

I’ve watched this movie every year since I was a child many times each season. Vera Ellen is amazing!!!

[@emicat717]

Love Vera Ellen in this scene!!!!

[@veggiet2009]

retitle this: "Choreography killed the dancing star"

[@thirdeyeflow]

Danny Kaye is Hilarious😂😂🍻 wish i was around to meet him he wouldve been a blast to Hangout with🎶

[@gailynbrock5204]

This is so interesting! Had never considered the juxtaposition of dance versus choreography. And have seen this movie a dozen times.

[@richardyoung7112]

my favorite song and choreography from HI.

[@allthingscreative1631]

The one girl on the left who couldnt hold her pose 1:06 that would've been me lol

[@deniaridley]

VERA!...a veritable "Dancing Queen".

[@qwmx]

That's some hell of a rapid tapping!

[@me1965]

That Vera and her partner could sure dance!!! Wow!

[@me1965]

Every time I say the word theater, I must say “the theater, the theater, what has happened to the theater? “

[@ahmedsirour]

The idea behind this is actually still relevant to today lol Most heads do routines in the club instead of just straight dancing ;)

[@aria3329]

It's my favorite Christmas movie of all time!

[@manmysoupishot]

I love love love watching this movie!

[@StephMarie8379]

I love this movie. Danny Kaye is my Favorite old time actor.

[@sandrahancill2288]

Me too. He's sadly missed.

[@genyab354]

I could see Bob Fosse immediately! xo

[@fayawaymelville]

This is my favorite Christmas song.

[@iowastate]

Danny Kaye had been a dancer before a comedian and he was making fun of Bob Fosse and his method of choreography that was taking over in Hollywood

[@integratedfoodfitnessdbabe2040]

Actually Fosse was making fun of Himself and Martha Graham Note the The Theatre number with Kaye dressed as a beat and the chorus in ponytails, flat shoes and dark modern dance dresses - that number was a complete send up of Graham . Fosse sent himself up by showing off his versatility in Abraham Choreography (40s ) versus traditional Broadway /burlesque/ minstrel traditions (Mandy) It was brilliant he was the Uncredited Choreographer of the movie and Edith Head did the clothes to move and hide the flaws note the high collars on Vera Ellen and the armour like bottoms on her bodysuits to add volume and to disguise the fact that Vera Ellen An amazing dancer was suffering from Anorexia - Its amazing she made it thru the movie Fosse used her sweeping limbs and amazing body control in White Christmas years before Sweet Charity

[@peteradaniel]

That's funny because Fosse himself choreographed this number.

[@jackanthony976]

Funny you should say that cause Fosse choreographed a few numbers for this film.

[@catherinebaker9075]

Danny Kaye, sadly, was a terrible dancer. But still better than Jim Carrey!

[@BrittanyCocchino]

The begining if this piece is so MARTHA GRAHAM inspired, love the omage.

[@livinlifefree]

thank you so much for uploading this! I love this skit, and I couldn't find it for the longest time!

[@Lotta933]

real barbie❤ so cute❤

[@michaelaharris3190]

This is my favorite number from the movie because I adore Broadway tap, but I'm also a modern dancer so it's kind of a slap in the face xD

[@stynway59]

As someone said above, I'll bet..or I hope.. Martha got a chuckle from this

[@DougMcDave]

This segment was truly ahead of its time. Yes, they made fun of it. But we find this being done on, "Dancing with the Stars."

[@jackoff1826]

...for when someone can't dance

[@sandraguyton9521]

I love to watch them dance and sing this is a long long time ago but I still enjoy it and always will that's the kind of person I am God bless stay safe 🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🗽🗽🗽🗽🍀🍀🍀🍀🗽😭🖐️🖐️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@alexkije]

I like this song!

[@OctopusOwl]

Ah, yes. The old, lambasting the new. As it always was and will be.

[@gregd6022]

Love of this is a massive critique (diss) of "contemporary" dance at the time (and now), Dance redefined for those who can't actually dance...

[@Gaeill]

There are a few that came from Vera's neighborhood. Doris Day and Rosemary Clooney to start with. Ohio River towns in Ohio and KY.

[@carolinemerk9814]

No one: My leg under the desk during class: 1:42

[@dennisjackson8981]

Hilarious.

[@AviatorJohn70]

Vera Ellen was simply amazing!

[@sjcohen4444]

How many Red Bulls did Vera drink before doing the tap section? Danny's eyeliner is hysterical.

[@jo-anngladysobrien4706]

I love Rosemary Clooney !

[@d.shannon261]

The theatre, The theatre, What's happened to the theatre? 🤣

[@brooklynsusy]

love Danny Kaye

[@lilyg3465]

I LUV this movie and k think it should win an Oscar

[@kylaanalise7548]

This is legendary

[@THenny]

0:44 The Theater, The theater

[@hiphopboy29]

THreat What's happen to the theatre?😄

[@sam_fordt.964]

Idk, Vera-Ellen from white Christmas has some SPEED at the start of her part in the Choreography scene. Her toes are lighting fast, so crazy.

[@robertmorris2056]

That's exactly why I just came to this video. I watch WC every year and always wonder if it's real or they dubbed the sound. It sure sounds like it was real!

[@brianobrien7983]

This is actually a send-up of Jack Cole and his style of choreography. According to the IMDB credits for White Christmas the choreography was by Nick Castle and Bob Fosse. Fosse's style was very much influenced by Jack Cole (and Jack's protege Gwen Verdon). Best example of Jack's work on-camerawork is "Not Since Nineveh" from the 1955 film version of Kismet.

[@dennisjackson8981]

I believe Fred Astaire is incredible and was their first choice for this movie, but no one could have done this like Danny Kaye.

[@Jack-ke5uv]

Danny Kaye later said that he was not a trained dancer and he had to work hard to learn the routines in White Christmas so that he at least could look like he could dance...some.

[@BrittanyCocchino]

And then the nerve taps approaching the speed of light ....

[@stevenosborne8613]

Thanks for the explanation!

[@abracadaverous]

WHY did I never notice the American In Paris theme before?!?

[@nancymuth3336]

They don't make 'em like Danny anymore.

[@jamesryan6008]

Gee, I wonder which dancers/choreographers Irving Berlin was referring to in the lyrics, I can think of several off the top of my head.

[@leslieawest5062]

Wonderful Movie. My Favorite Christmas Movie ever!! Loved Danny Kaye, and Vera Ellen. The Costumes, Dances, absolutely everything!! But I wonder who that great Male Dancer was who Danced with Vera Ellen in most of her Wonderful Dance Numbers?!Ok I googled, his name John F. Brascin. He was Vera E. Dance partner in White Christmas. Plus later on in the Movie when Rosemary C. goes to Sing solo at a Club, one of the Backup Male Dancers, was a young George Chakiris. 👌 OH My. FYI

[@priceoksi2356]

2:59 lowkey a bop

[@rpbajb]

I love Danny Kaye in this film, no homo.

[@robertmorris2056]

I just came here after my annual viewing to verify that initial sequence when VE descends WAS authentic. I have always had difficulty imagining she could tap THAT fast and rhythmically, and wondered if the sound was dubbed somehow. What I'm reading seems to be that it was real. Absolutely amazing. This comparison will surely offend some and befuddle others, but it makes me think in contemporary terms of Eminem rapping 'Godzilla.' 😉

[@katietots89]

How does she do that with her foot? ( the first bit) I love the pink!

[@XantheMatychak]

Who is the dancer in the tan suit who makes that jumping in entrance? spectacular

[@shannonlynn7264]

Love, love!