One such example can be found in the Rogers-Astaire classic Swing Time (George Stevens, 1936). In the final number of the film, “Never Gonna Dance,” after an arduous off-and-on romantic connection to Penny (Ginger Rogers), Lucky (Fred Astaire) sings pleadingly to her in order to “win her back”. This musical number is among the most compelling and magical romance numbers in musical history. Part of this magic comes from the flawless, dreamlike aesthetics of the number- from the pristine, sparkling set, Penny’s gorgeous white dress, and, of course, the flawless dancing that made Rogers and Astaire famous. However, part of the reason this number is so compelling, especially to a modern audience, is that it subverts a lot of the traditional and troubling gender roles mentioned
One such example can be found in the Rogers-Astaire classic Swing Time (George Stevens, 1936). In the final number of the film, “Never Gonna Dance,” after an arduous off-and-on romantic connection to Penny (Ginger Rogers), Lucky (Fred Astaire) sings pleadingly to her in order to “win her back”. This musical number is among the most compelling and magical romance numbers in musical history. Part of this magic comes from the flawless, dreamlike aesthetics of the number- from the pristine, sparkling set, Penny’s gorgeous white dress, and, of course, the flawless dancing that made Rogers and Astaire famous. However, part of the reason this number is so compelling, especially to a modern audience, is that it subverts a lot of the traditional and troubling gender roles mentioned