Thanks to our Haglund'eeler in far off places for alerting us that filmmaker Greg Vander Veer uploaded to Vimeo last week his 2010 film Keep Dancing which follows Donald Saddler and Marge Champion around town and through the years. It includes footage of the two of them, both 90 at the time, rehearsing in the 8th Avenue Midtown studios that they rented a couple of times each week to keep their moves fresh, so to speak. The film won many awards during 2010. Ms. Champion is 96. Mr. Saddler died a little over a year ago at age 96.
Vander Veer noted that it would only be available for free viewing for a limited time.
Keep Dancing It never gets old.
16 responses to “observations 2-5”
This film is wonderful! Just finished watching, so I’m emotional, no words, except to say thank you, Haglund!
This film is wonderful! Just finished watching, so I’m emotional, no words, except to say thank you, Haglund!
Georgiann, you’re very welcome.
I was on a 9th Ave bus today after NYCB discussing this film with a friend when a total stranger turned around and said that she was sure Marge Champion had died a while back and that she had previously lived in the same building at Manhattan Plaza. I could find no indication on the internet of her passing, though.
It is a very sweet film, full of wisdom and warmth.
Georgiann, you’re very welcome.
I was on a 9th Ave bus today after NYCB discussing this film with a friend when a total stranger turned around and said that she was sure Marge Champion had died a while back and that she had previously lived in the same building at Manhattan Plaza. I could find no indication on the internet of her passing, though.
It is a very sweet film, full of wisdom and warmth.
Coincidentally, two days ago a colleague of mine was introduced to Marge Champion as he prepared to deliver his presentation “MGM Musicals of the 1950s” at a senior home/center in California. She will be 97 this year, is “frailer than before but still sharp as a tack” (as he described her). No word on whether or not she resides at the center or was just visiting, but nevertheless he was elated at meeting her.
Coincidentally, two days ago a colleague of mine was introduced to Marge Champion as he prepared to deliver his presentation “MGM Musicals of the 1950s” at a senior home/center in California. She will be 97 this year, is “frailer than before but still sharp as a tack” (as he described her). No word on whether or not she resides at the center or was just visiting, but nevertheless he was elated at meeting her.
Thank you, LLF, for that wonderful information!!
Thank you, LLF, for that wonderful information!!
Thanks for sharing this Haglund! It was the most wonderfully touching film.
Thanks for sharing this Haglund! It was the most wonderfully touching film.
You are very welcome, SM. It’s good to hear that Marge Champion is still vibrantly with us.
You are very welcome, SM. It’s good to hear that Marge Champion is still vibrantly with us.
Another warm thanks, Haglund, for sharing. My favorite lines (Donald, quoting Billy Elliot) “When I hear the music, electricity goes through my body…” and Ms. Champion’s “…to accept every decade for what it gives you, not for what it takes away. So you can’t do falls, you can’t do lifts, but you can still move with grace.”
Another warm thanks, Haglund, for sharing. My favorite lines (Donald, quoting Billy Elliot) “When I hear the music, electricity goes through my body…” and Ms. Champion’s “…to accept every decade for what it gives you, not for what it takes away. So you can’t do falls, you can’t do lifts, but you can still move with grace.”
You’re very welcome, Jonathan. I hope Mr. Vander Veer decides to leave it up on Vimeo permanently.
You’re very welcome, Jonathan. I hope Mr. Vander Veer decides to leave it up on Vimeo permanently.