Fred Astaire at 70 dancing at 1970 Academy Awards sparks admiration
A viral Bluesky post celebrates the legendary dancer's performance, drawing comparisons and reflections on aging and artistry.
What to know
- Fred Astaire's 1970 Academy Awards performance at age 70 went viral on Bluesky, garnering over 1,600 likes and sparking widespread admiration.
- Commenters repeatedly emphasized the physical impossibility of his performance for someone his age, with many relating it to their own aging.
- The discussion highlighted Astaire's legacy, invoking Baryshnikov's praise and the famous Ginger Rogers aphorism about doing everything he did backwards and in heels.
- Viewers praised not only his technical skill but the character, humor, and command of the performance that kept audience attention entirely on him.
Astaire's performance is remarkable precisely because he was 70, defying expectations about what aging bodies can do.
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“Im 70 and I can barely move, his agility and grace is amazing. The man was a dancing marvel.”
margaretfh56.bsky.social · Bluesky ↗
Astaire's greatest achievement was the combination of technical skill, character, humor, and artistry in his performance.
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“Aye, it's not just the grace and the energy, there's the humour as well. He puts so much character into his dancing”
frankslartibart.bsky.social · Bluesky ↗
Ginger Rogers was equally or more impressive, doing everything Astaire did backwards and in heels, and continued dancing into her 90s.
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“Ginger Rodgers did everything he did only backwards and in high heels.”
phydeaux101.bsky.social · Bluesky ↗
Fred Astaire Legendary dancerMichael Warburton Bluesky poster
How it unfolded 6 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump postscomments
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Commenters emphasize character and humor in Astaire's dancing
Later responses highlight not just technical skill but the entertainment and personality Astaire brought to his performances.
“Aye, it's not just the grace and the energy, there's the humour as well. He puts so much character into his dancing…”
— frankslartibart.bsky.social -
Fred Astaire learned how to skateboard when he was in his 70’s. Extraordinary dancer and his movies with Ginger Rogers always lift my spirits.
2 more of the top 3 · 50 posts in this stretch
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A slightly strange looking skinny guy. Fantastic perfectionist dancer. And his voice is rather weak. But a lot of the great standards we know were first heard in his voice. A lovely guy, who just made the world seem a great place to be. Perfection here...
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The Gay Divorcee has to be my favorite!!! Eric Blore and Eric Rhodes were two terrific characters who enhanced the hilarity of these films.
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Commenters praise cinematography and Astaire's command of attention
Viewers note the camera work that keeps focus on Astaire without cutting to audience reactions, emphasizing his dominance of the performance.
“I must say my favorite part was them NOT cutting away to show people's faces in the audience. Astaire deserves 100% attention when he's movin' and groovin'.”
— ddagger2024.bsky.social -
How wonderful to see, he was still so smooth. I must say my favorite part was them NOT cutting away to show people's faces in the audience. Astaire deserves 100% attention when he's movin' and groovin'.
2 more of the top 3 · 11 posts in this stretch
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Ginger Rodgers did everything he did only backwards and in high heels.
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Whilst that's impressive, and way better than I can do, there's a video of Ginger Rogers dancing the Salsa at the age of 92. Like she said, she did everything Astaire did, backward and in heels. 🤩 Both of them were truly amazing dancers.
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Personal resonanceCommenter turns 70 on the day of the post
A user celebrating their own 70th birthday expresses intent to attempt Astaire's dance moves at their party.
“Today's my 70th, and I plan on doing this tonight at the party.”
— mike1702.bsky.social -
I'm 62, I'm looking forward to being able to dance like that in another 8 years 😀
2 more of the top 3 · 8 posts in this stretch
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Barishnikov said that Fred Astaire put all other dancers to shame.
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Today’s my 70th, and I plan on doing this tonight at the party.
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Commenters reference Astaire's legacy and peer recognition
Responses invoke Mikhail Baryshnikov's praise of Astaire and recall Ginger Rogers's famous line about doing everything he did backwards and in heels, situating him within dance history.
“Barishnikov said that Fred Astaire put all other dancers to shame.”
— scoutmoondiver.bsky.social -
Seeing this first thing on a Sunday morning is a great way to start the day. Thank you for sharing.
1 more of the top 2 · 2 posts in this stretch
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I wonder if he had to take Ibuprofen after? 😉
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Commenters express wonder at Astaire's age-defying performance
Multiple respondents express amazement at Astaire's ability to move and dance with such grace and precision at 70, with some drawing personal reflections on their own aging.
“Im 70 and I can barely move, his agility and grace is amazing. The man was a dancing marvel.”
— margaretfh56.bsky.social -
Im 70 and I can barely move, his agility and grace is amazing. The man was a dancing marvel.
1 more of the top 2 · 2 posts in this stretch
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I loved clubbing in NYC. Dancing some of those moves too. I'm sad that Republicans have closed so many dance clubs because of their woke biggity.
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Michael Warburton posts Fred Astaire 1970 Academy Awards performance
The post highlights Astaire performing at age 70 at the 1970 Academy Awards, garnering 1,673 likes and 72 comments on Bluesky.
“A 70yr old FRED ASTAIRE — that's SEVENTY — gets his stylish groove on at the 1970 Academy Awards.”
— Michael Warburton -
M
A 70yr old FRED ASTAIRE — that's SEVENTY — gets his stylish groove on at the 1970 Academy Awards.
1 more of the top 2 · 2 posts in this stretch
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Legend. Coincidentally, I was watching//listening to the below whilst viewing your post, which was an mashup of sound and imagery.
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What people are saying 10 voices from 1 site · best of 75 · verbatim
- Sep 20
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When I was still dancing, my teachers were teaching full classes in their 70s, one of them would be in pointe shoes, jumping and leaping... In her 70s. I would kindly remind everyone that dancers are a different breed, especially the extraordinary ones. Their bodies are made different
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I remember watching this w/ my folks, who are now long gone. Nice memory.
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It's interesting how almost quaint this seems now. DJT isn't capable of dancing anymore. And in retrospect, the fact he even tried seems like something humanizing about him. Not trying to sentimentalize him. But he did use to have those moments.
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Yeah, he was great. Ginger Rogers was also great, doing the same dance moves in high heels, and often moving backwards.
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Turning 70 tomorrow and here to say, 'keep moving' is the answer. Possibly not as nimble as Astaire, though. 😂
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70 is not so old... I'm 71 and I've still got my knees. But I never had his moves!
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I love Fred Astaire! I have watched every single movie he has been in! My favorite has always been 'Holiday Inn'! I wish we had those kinds of actors and movies again!
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Debonair used to be a word. Sadly, we seem to have lost it with Astaire.
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Loved watching him over the years ... But that was a 70-year-old knee he landed on at the end ... I felt that. Bet he did, too.
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woo hoo anyone else immediately think PM Carney