Who Danced With Ginger Rogers? An Exploration of Her Notable Partners and Iconic Dance Scenes

Introduction

Ginger Rogers is one of the most beloved leading ladies of Hollywood’s Golden Age. She starred in a number of classic films, but she is perhaps best remembered for her work with Fred Astaire in a string of iconic musicals. But who else did Rogers dance with during her career? In this article, we will explore some of her most notable partners and take a look at some of her most famous dance scenes.

Comparing the Notable Partners of Ginger Rogers

While it is true that Rogers is most closely associated with Fred Astaire, she also had a number of memorable partnerships with other actors. Here are a few of her most notable male co-stars:

Fred Astaire

It is no surprise that Astaire and Rogers are considered one of the greatest dance teams of all time. They appeared in nine films together and their chemistry on the dance floor was undeniable. Their partnership started with the 1934 film Flying Down to Rio, and they went on to create some of the most iconic dance sequences in film history.

Gene Kelly

Although he was not as well known as Astaire, Gene Kelly was another great dancer who partnered with Rogers in several films. The two appeared together in the 1942 musical You Were Never Lovelier and the 1945 romantic comedy Week-End at the Waldorf. Although their partnership never reached the same heights as the Astaire-Rogers team, they still created some memorable moments.

Nelson Eddy

Nelson Eddy was a popular singer and actor in the 1930s and 1940s. He and Rogers co-starred in four films together, including the 1936 musical Rose Marie. While Eddy was not a trained dancer, he and Rogers managed to create some magical moments on the dance floor.

Exploring the Most Iconic Dance Scenes Featuring Ginger Rogers

Rogers’ partnerships with Astaire, Kelly, and Eddy resulted in some of the most memorable dance scenes in film history. Here are three of the most iconic:

“Cheek to Cheek” from Top Hat (1935)

The song “Cheek to Cheek” from the 1935 film Top Hat is often cited as one of the greatest dance sequences of all time. It featured Rogers and Astaire dancing in an art deco-inspired set and their movements were so graceful and effortless that it seemed as if they were floating on air. This scene is often regarded as one of the best examples of Astaire and Rogers’ chemistry.

“Dancing in the Dark” from The Band Wagon (1953)

In the 1953 musical The Band Wagon, Rogers and Kelly danced to the song “Dancing in the Dark” in a dreamy sequence that was full of grace and elegance. Their movements were perfectly synchronized and the result was a beautiful and romantic moment that has become one of the most iconic dance scenes in film history.

“The Piccolino” from Follow the Fleet (1936)

In the 1936 musical Follow the Fleet, Rogers and Astaire performed the song “The Piccolino” in a lively and energetic routine. The duo moved in perfect harmony and their playful and flirtatious moves made this sequence one of the most memorable in the Astaire-Rogers canon.

A Look at Famous Male Co-Stars Who Danced With Ginger Rogers

In addition to the aforementioned partners, Rogers also had the pleasure of dancing with some of the biggest stars of the era. Here are a few of her most notable male co-stars:

Randolph Scott

Scott and Rogers appeared together in five films, including the 1936 comedy Follow the Fleet. They also shared a memorable dance scene in this movie, which featured them performing a jazzy number to the tune of “Let’s Face the Music and Dance.”

James Stewart

Stewart and Rogers appeared together in the 1938 romantic comedy Vivacious Lady. In one scene, they share a lighthearted dance while Stewart’s character tries to win over Rogers’ character. The pair had a natural chemistry and their scene was a highlight of the film.

Cary Grant

Grant and Rogers co-starred in four films, including the 1937 comedy Topper, in which they shared a memorable dance sequence. The scene featured them performing a lively jitterbug in a nightclub and it showcased their easy rapport and playful energy.

Revisiting the Hollywood Musicals Starring Ginger Rogers

Rogers and her dance partners appeared in a number of classic Hollywood musicals. Here are three of the most memorable:

Swing Time (1936)

This 1936 musical is often cited as the best of the Astaire-Rogers collaborations. It featured some of their most iconic dance sequences, including the classic “Pick Yourself Up” and the romantic “Never Gonna Dance.”

Roberta (1935)

This 1935 musical marked the first collaboration between Astaire and Rogers. It featured a number of memorable songs and dances, including the showstopping “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.”

The Gay Divorcee (1934)

This 1934 musical marked the beginning of the Astaire-Rogers partnership. It featured the timeless song-and-dance “Night and Day” and the romantic “Let’s K-nock K-nees.”

The Men Who Stepped Into Ginger Rogers’ Shoes on the Dance Floor

In addition to her partnerships with Astaire, Kelly, and Eddy, Rogers also had the pleasure of dancing with a number of lesser-known actors. Here are a few of the men who stepped into her shoes on the dance floor:

Jack Haley

Haley and Rogers appeared together in the 1937 musical Pick a Star. In one scene, they performed a jazzy dance to the tune of “It’s Only a Paper Moon.”

Edward Everett Horton

Horton and Rogers appeared together in the 1935 musical Roberta. In one scene, they shared a lighthearted dance while Horton’s character tried to win over Rogers’ character. The pair had a natural chemistry and their scene was a highlight of the film.

Alan Mowbray

Mowbray and Rogers appeared together in the 1939 musical Second Fiddle. In one scene, they shared a comedic dance while Mowbray’s character tried to woo Rogers’ character. Although their dance wasn’t particularly memorable, it was still enjoyable to watch.

Conclusion

Ginger Rogers was one of the most talented dancers of her era. She partnered with a number of notable actors, including Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, and Nelson Eddy. Together, they created some of the most iconic dance scenes in film history. Rogers also had the pleasure of dancing with some of the biggest stars of the era, such as Randolph Scott, James Stewart, and Cary Grant. Finally, she appeared in a number of classic Hollywood musicals, including Swing Time, Roberta, and The Gay Divorcee. Her legacy as one of the greatest dancers of all time lives on.