Roving Pittsburgher Report, Pittsburgh's Gift to the World of Dance

Gene Kelly…The Legacy

August 23, 1912 to February 2, 1996

An evening with Patricia Ward Kelly

Pittsburgh's Gift to the World of Dance

Hey folks, way before there was "Dancing with the Stars" making an impact on the dance scene, there was

Gene Kelly. Photo courtesy of Gene Kelly: The Legacy,
An Evening with Patricia Ward Kelly.

Gene Kelly, Pittsburgh’s gift to Hollywood Dance film musical. 

Gene Kelly, Eugene Curran "Gene" Kelly was a dancer, actor, singer, film director producer and choreographer. Kelly was known for his energetic and athletic dancing style, his good looks and the likeable characters that he played on screen. Gene was born in the Highland Park region of Pittsburgh during the heyday of steel in Pittsburgh and always considered himself the “working man’s dancer. 

The evening opened up with an opening Film of Gene Kelly top song and dance  routines including, "Singin' in the Rain,", "For Me and My Gal," "It’s Always Fair Weather,"  "An American in Paris," "Anchors Away" "The Pirate," Invitation to the Dance Words and Music and "Brigadoon."

Picture FreeWebs.com

Gene Kelly’s wife, Patricia Ward Kelly, (1990-1996) was the narrator of the evening and was charming and knowledgeable as she shared the Gene Kelly story and his contribution to the world of film, dance and choreography.    She told their story of their meeting and eventual romance and marriage in an humorous way.  Her description of their May to December romance was touching.  And her devotion to telling his story and preserving his legacy is a gift to all of us.  She clearly tells his story while demonstrating his immense talent through a montage of movie clips.  It is obvious that Pittsburgh is really blessed to have as one of its “favorite sons” Gene Kelly.  He is one of the 20^th century finest artists. His work as a dancer, actor, director and choreographer will forever be a credit to Pittsburgh. 

JoAnn R. Forrester

Written By: JoAnn R. Forrester
Host of Empress of Biz
Anchor Internet Radio Show on PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com

JoAnn R. Forrester is co-host of the Empress of Biz Talkcast and co-founder, president and partner in S. I. Business Associates, Small Business Solutions, LLC and Celebrate and Share. She is an entrepreneur, writer, business growth specialist, teacher, columnist and award winning writer. JoAnn specializes in helping small businesses grow and prosper. She is the co-developer of the PRICE IT PERFECT™ cost management system for small business, and has secured over 40 million dollars in loans and investment for her clients.

For more information visit Empress of Biz on PPLmag.com