"I think of dancers as vessels for a purpose greater than ourselves." - Camille Brown

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers

In the 1930’s, America experienced the worst financial crisis in its history – the Great Depression. Children would wonder if daddy’s job would last throughout the week, and many mothers prepared nightly suppers while worrying if the food supply would hold out until money hit home again. Young adults who were on the brink of starting their careers clung to a dream that could easily slip away. The Great Depression’s dark cloud threatened the idea of the American Dream. There were days when I’m sure happiness would drain from the lives of those who experienced this crushing time, and I’m sure there were instances when individuals wondered when they would have a reason to smile again… Enter Fred Astaire. Enter Bing Crosby. Enter Irving Berlin, John Steinbeck, Cole Porter, George and Ira Gershwin, Ginger Rogers, and all the other entertainers (both on stage and in print) during the 1930’s. During a time of stress and struggle, these artists brought a gift to people – a smile…inspiration…emotion.

Fred Astaire in "Royal Wedding"

Fred Astaire tapped and sang his way into the hearts of Americans everywhere. His innocence on screen and style and grace on the dance floor pulled people into the world of the light-footed entertainer, and Irvin Berlin brought Astaire and Rogers to the masses with movies, such as Top Hat and Follow the Fleet. Bing Crosby’s strong, deep voice provided the nation with inspiration and reassurance when he sang songs like “Pennies from Heaven” and “I’ve Got A Pocketful of Dreams.” Zany and crazy screwball comedies from the Marx Brothers gave people a reason to laugh and an opportunity to take life a little less seriously.

Of course, I didn’t experience the Great Depression, but I wouldn’t doubt that if I did, those artists would have been my saving grace. (Actually I would’ve hoped to have been an entertainer like that.) These artists did so much more than perform, write, or produce music. They used their talents to help lift a nation and its people through hopelessness and despair.

Entertainers then and now have a responsibility to use their talents for a purpose greater than themselves – to inspire those around them to follow their dreams, to provide entertainment and happiness to audiences, and maybe teach a student something to propel them forward in their search for whatever will make their life shine, whether it be a happy marriage or a career making movies in Hollywood.

I count my lucky stars that I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food on the table every evening. And even though gas prices keep rising, there’s no blues that can’t be brightened when I slip on my dance shoes or settle into my seat before a movie or live stage show. The performing arts gives people a reason to smile, to laugh, to cry, to feel. It may be a big screen movie that touches your heart or a fast-paced stage production that gives you goose bumps or produces that excited, tingling feeling in your chest.

Of course, dancers and entertainers are not the only talented beings on the planet that possess the ability to put a smile on someone’s face, make a difference, or even change lives. We all have that ability in us with skills like good listening, kindness, volunteerism, and a plethora of other talents. A friend of mine told me once that she must be an easy person to talk to because people (both of whom she knows well and doesn’t know at all) open up to her telling her their problems, fears, and dilemmas. She says she doesn’t know why they decide to open up to her, but apparently my friend has a gift, a quality that makes her approachable, trustworthy and able to help her peers just by lending an ear. Fred Astaire had his ability to entertain. Bing Crosby had his voice, and my friend has her welcoming vibes. What's your gift?