Immortal Icons of Dance Lauryn Johnson

For the finale of the first season of Immortal Icons of Dance, we talked to Patricia Ward Kelly about her late husband, Gene Kelly. Star of stage and screen, we learn that Gene wanted to be remembered for his choreography and film direction. We also find out what dance sequences he was most proud of, and Patricia busts some myths that have circulated about Gene.

Additional Resources:

Reference Footage

Singin' in the Rain

Invitation to the Dance

Gene Kelly Ultimate Pack

⁠Immortal Icons of Dance Books, Shirts, and Ornaments

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In this episode, Jacqulyn Buglisi, artistic director of Buglisi Dance Theatre, recounts her time as a student of Martha Graham and her 12 years as principal dancer in the Martha Graham Dance Company. Martha Graham was a titan of 20th century dance, hailed by TIME magazine as "Dancer of the Century" in 1998. She choreographed 181 ballets during her lifetime—including "Tangled Night" which was created on Jacqulyn Buglisi.

Additional Resources

Reference Footage

Blood Memory: An Autobiography by Martha Graham

Deep Song: The Dance Story of Martha Graham

Martha Graham: When Dance Became Modern

Immortal Icons of Dance Holiday Gifts

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In this episode, Dylis Croman tells us about being mentored by Ann Reinking throughout her career. Dylis was 14 when she first met Ann, and it was because of Ann that she made her Broadway debut in "Fosse" in her early twenties. Now Dylis carries Ann's legacy forward, especially anytime she steps on stage as Roxie Hart in "Chicago" on Broadway.

Additional Resources:

Reference Footage

All That Jazz (1979)

Annie (1982)

Ann Reinking Shirt

All That Jazz Sweatshirt



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In this episode, Elizabeth Farrell joins us to talk about her time dancing for Agnes DeMille. Elizabeth danced with American Ballet theater for 13 years and during that time was chosen by DeMille to dance in a number of her ballets, including the lead role in her masterpiece, 'Rodeo'.



Additional Resources

Reference Footage

Agnes DeMille Website

Autobiography: Dance to the Piper & Promenade Home

Oklahoma!

Podcast Merch



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Adolfo "Shabba-Doo" Quiñones was a dancer on Soul Train in the 70s, was one of the founding members of The Lockers, and was best known for his role of "Ozone" in the movies Breakin' and Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo. Guest, Professor Bird talks to us about his mentor, Shabba-Doo, what he learned from him and how he's learned to pass on hip hop culture to the next generation.

Reference Footage

Breakin' & Breakin' 2

LA Times Article

Podcast Merch

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In this episode of Immortal Icons of Dance, host Lauryn Johnson welcomes guest Shelby Kaufman to discuss her relationship with the legendary tap dancer Dr. Harold "Stumpy" Cromer. Shelby shares how their bond went beyond dance, teaching her valuable lessons and emphasizing the power of age- and race-defying friendships. Shelby also delves into Harold's incredible career, from his humble beginnings on the streets to performing on Broadway and becoming a mentor to the tap community.

Additional Resources:

Footage

Interview with Harold Cromer

New York Times Article

Bio Source Info

Podcast Merch

Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.