“In the 1930s, when I started, Martha Graham was the only dancer doing anything modern, but she did it all to classical music. I couldn't see myself doing Swan Lake every night, and I wanted to develop a truly American style. The only dancer in the movies at that time with any success was Fred Astaire, but he did very small, elegant steps in a top hat, white tie, and tails.”

— Gene Kelly

Quoted in "Gene Kelly's Musical Memories"

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American dancer, actor, singer, director, producer and chor… 1912–1996

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