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As one of the handful of girls who worked with both of those dance geniuses, I think I can give an honest comparison. In my opinion, Kelly is the more inventive choreographer of the two. Astaire, with Hermes Pan's help, creates fabulous numbers - for himself and his partner. But Kelly can create an entire number for somebody else... I think, however, that Astaire's coordination is better than Kelly's... his sense of rhythm is uncanny. Kelly, on the other hand, is the stronger of the two. When he lifts you, he lifts you!... To sum it up, I'd say they were the two greatest dancing personalities who were ever on screen. But it's like comparing apples and oranges. They're both delicious.

Fred Astaire#61

DanceFred astaireComparisonTalentGene kelly

About this quote

What does it mean?
A colleague compares Astaire and Kelly, noting Kelly's inventiveness for others versus Astaire's superior rhythm and coordination for himself and partners.
In plain terms
Kelly creates better routines for others, but Astaire has better rhythm and coordination.
What can you take from it?
Different artists excel at different aspects of performance.

Where it applies

  • comparing artists
  • evaluating choreography
  • professional opinion

Putting it to work

  • recognize different strengths
  • value collaboration
  • appreciate nuance

Questions to consider

  • What makes a choreographer great?
  • How do you compare artistic talents?

Another view

Personal comparisons can be subjective and vary by observer.

More from Fred Astaire

  1. If I was black and blue, it was Gene. If I didn't have a scratch it was Fred

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  2. Me? I play Gene Kelly...It's a guy who produces, directs, sings, and dances. who else could it be but Kelly.?

    Permalink to quote #62
  3. I guess the only jewels of my life were the pictures I made with Fred Astaire

    Permalink to quote #59

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