Dancing on Air with Ginger Rogers...

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Ginger Rogers was one of the greatest dancers of the 20th century, perhaps even of all time. The way she glided across the dance floor with Fred Astaire in classics such as Top Hat and Swing Time was simply magical. And who could forget, Shall we Dance, another timeless movie, packed full of witty one liners, beautiful dance routines and of course, that song - 'Lets call the whole thing off.'

Yet, it wasn't only her dancing which was simply sublime, but her impeccable acting and singing heralded Ginger Rogers as the greatest actress of the 1930s. I admit I haven’t seen all of Ginger's movies, but the ones I have seen (Bachelor Mother, anyone?) are easy going, rather funny, elegant films which are perfect for the whole family to enjoy. On a fashion point of view, the costumes she wore in her movies are another amazing matter altogether. The layers of duchess satin sweeping over the floor, the feathery hems of heavy silk dresses cascading around her feet and the puffy shouldered tops all mirrored her routines perfectly. Even when she was not dancing, there is no denying that Ginger was ever stylish in a smart 40s suit complete with matching hat and gloves.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Ginger Rogers, let me give you a brief history. Virginia Katherine McMath was born on July 16th, 1911 Missouri, of Scottish, Welsh and English heritage. As you can see, she wasn't always Ginger Rogers, neither was it the name Hollywood christened her with as is usually the case with these actresses. Instead ‘Ginga’ developed as a nickname throughout her childhood, and her surname Rogers came about when her mother remarried to a certain Mr Rogers. Anyway, her mother was a famous scriptwriter for a large Hollywood production company, and a young Ginger found herself absorbed into that world.

She found herself dancing at a young age, and toured around America with her mother performing in various dance competitions. It wasn't until 1930 when Hollywood took notice of her, with Paramount offering the 19 year old a seven year contract. A few years later, the 1933 movie 42nd Street won Ginger much critical acclaim, and from then on Fred found Ginger, starring with Fred Astaire in 10 movies until 1939. This partnership practically saved the Fox studios through the great depression years, with eager cinema goers flocking to see two of the greatest dancers on the big screen. "All the girls I ever danced with thought they couldn't do it, but of course they could. So they always cried. All except Ginger. No no, Ginger never cried," Astaire once said of his famous partner, even though it’s no secret that he was particular hard on Ginger, with him insisting that she rehearse dance routines until her feet were bleeding.

Astaire wasn’t the only great she shared the silver screen with. Katherine Hepburn, James Stewart, David Niven, Doris Day and Cary Grant were just some of her big co-stars, as well as Marilyn Monroe who she starred with twice, in Monkey Business and We're not Married. She won an Oscar too, for her role in Kitty Foyle, as well as the status of one of the greatest dancers who graced the world with her talent. She died aged 83 from a heart attack.

Ginger Rogers represents class and elegance, and her costumes were simply to die for. Usually designed by the legendary fashion designer Edith Head, they consisted of bias cut draped gowns, halter neck chiffon tops with matching beautiful skirts, and even a few trouser suits! With her hair in classic curls, dark red lipstick and her ivory skin, Rogers shimmered on the stage, with her most famous dress being the feathered gown she wore in Top Hat. The layers of feathers were so heavy, it was almost impossible to dance in. And then there was that mink dress which caused outrage in the midst of the depression. From the decadent jewels to the painted fingernails, she always impressed on an off the screen, a true Hollywood icon.