Bob Fosse - Book Report/Review Example

“Bob Fosse” Dancer having unique steps Famous for its scenic compositions intentionally exaggerated and peculiar way of having the dancers, the choreography of Fosse emphasized stylistic techniques such as cross ankles, hip bumps, rolling shoulders and tilted positions. Gwen Verdon, who worked in five of his works, is the ultimate example of his style, but also highlighted the dancer Ann Reinking. In many of his choreography, Fosse and the dancers wear hats and gloves. Bob Fosse always wore a hat because he started to go bald very young and gloves, because he did not like his hands.

Bob Fosses jazzy dancing scene from KISS ME KATE (1953) is one such example. In this video he has performed the jazz dancing steps by wearing the cap and gloves. The video also highlights the sexually suggestive style of Bob. Bob is a teacher of his own According to Fosse himself, his style came from his inability to do certain technical things. Although he was a dancer with technical limitations, the fact is that these limitations have shaped their vocabulary and style. Within these features also include its imaginative use of the group of dancers, who move as a unit while running different gestures, the relief that is able to give small and much localized actions and how they resolved minimum material as imaginative as the execution of a song (Hischak iii).

Observation from videos By observing the videos of Bob it can be concluded that he was basically a jazz dancer. Big Spender, Magic to Do - Pippin - Ben Vereen and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers-Complete Barn Dance Scene (1954) are the videos which supports that he has flawless expertise in the field of jazz dancing. One of the distinguishing features observed through the video is that steps performed are so much clear that one can differentiate among different steps performed by Bob. Another reason behind the dance quality displayed in the above mentioned videos is Bob’s coordination with his team members.

Partners dancers are looking very comfortable while performing because they have realized that the leader of the team is hundred percent committed to his work. In most of the videos he has shown he also shown his dancing trademarks which are turned in knees, sideways shuffling and rolled shoulders. Works CitedHischak, Thomas S. Stage It with Music: An Encyclopedic Guide to the American Musical Theatre. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1993. Questia. Web. 12 Nov. 2011.