Joan can't dance

In 1933, the style of dance that was popular in film was the kind of hoofing displayed by Ruby Keeler and Joan Crawford. "42nd Street" and "Dancing Lady" were both great successes and they both received great reviews. Crawford won many Charleston contests in the 1920s and became a star as the definitve flapper in "Our Dancing Daughters" in 1928. She did a marvelous dance that was a cross between hoofing and the Charleston in "Dance Fools Dance" in 1931. In all films from 1929 to 1933, that type of dancing was in vogue and Crawford & Keeler performed that style as it should be performed. Astaire & Rogers popularized ballroom dancing starting in 1933 and then Eleanor Powell changed the style from hoofing to elegant tap dance in 1935. If one sees Crawford in "The Shining Hour" in 1938, or "Colleen" with Rudy Keeler, they both adapted beautifully to the current trends of dance. Styles and vogues need to be put in the perspective of their time period to be appreciated Today, I always hear people laugh during the dance sequences in the "The Broadway Melody" (1929) and "Hollywood Revue of 1929". Back in 1929, they were considered the ultimate in entertainment. The first won the Best Picture Oscar and the second was Nominated for Best Picture that year. Styles change. In 2040, who knows? Paula Abdul's style of dancing might look ridiculous to modern audiences.