Answer: The magnitude of his achievement is as great a social phenomenon as it is a chapter in the history of art and entertainment.
Mr. Astaire, who died last Sunday at the age of 88, made dancing more than respectable in a country with a Puritan heritage. He became a national symbol: Ask any foreigner to name one of the great movie stars of all time and ''Fred Astaire,'' more often than not, will be the reply.
The point is that this image is a dancer's image. Should Fred Astaire be appraised specifically from the ''dance'' point of view? What other point of view is there? Would we be honoring him today for his singing, for his acting - that is, if he had never danced or choreographed the brilliant set pieces that fortunately film has preserved for posterity?
Fred Astaire entertained through his art. The continuous inanity of commentators who claim he made it all look easy never ceases to amaze. A professional dance watcher can testify to the complexity of attempting to analyze the phrases and steps of every Astaire solo and duet. As Ginger Rogers has remarked, she and Mr. Astaire would rehearse for six weeks straight before the filming of any of their movies would even begin.
Hope this helps :D
