Thanks to our Haglund'eeler in far off places for alerting us that filmmaker Greg Vander Veer uploaded to Vimeo last week his 2010 film Keep Dancing which follows Donald Saddler and Marge Champion around town and through the years. It includes footage of the two of them, both 90 at the time, rehearsing in the 8th Avenue Midtown studios that they rented a couple of times each week to keep their moves fresh, so to speak. The film won many awards during 2010. Ms. Champion is 96. Mr. Saddler died a little over a year ago at age 96.
Vander Veer noted that it would only be available for free viewing for a limited time.
Keep Dancing It never gets old.
This film is wonderful! Just finished watching, so I'm emotional, no words, except to say thank you, Haglund!
Posted by: Georgiann | February 06, 2016 at 04:43 PM
Georgiann, you're very welcome.
I was on a 9th Ave bus today after NYCB discussing this film with a friend when a total stranger turned around and said that she was sure Marge Champion had died a while back and that she had previously lived in the same building at Manhattan Plaza. I could find no indication on the internet of her passing, though.
It is a very sweet film, full of wisdom and warmth.
Posted by: Haglund | February 06, 2016 at 09:03 PM
Coincidentally, two days ago a colleague of mine was introduced to Marge Champion as he prepared to deliver his presentation “MGM Musicals of the 1950s” at a senior home/center in California. She will be 97 this year, is "frailer than before but still sharp as a tack” (as he described her). No word on whether or not she resides at the center or was just visiting, but nevertheless he was elated at meeting her.
Posted by: LLF | February 07, 2016 at 09:53 AM
Thank you, LLF, for that wonderful information!!
Posted by: Haglund | February 07, 2016 at 10:00 AM
Thanks for sharing this Haglund! It was the most wonderfully touching film.
Posted by: SM | February 07, 2016 at 12:25 PM
You are very welcome, SM. It's good to hear that Marge Champion is still vibrantly with us.
Posted by: Haglund | February 07, 2016 at 12:27 PM
Another warm thanks, Haglund, for sharing. My favorite lines (Donald, quoting Billy Elliot) "When I hear the music, electricity goes through my body..." and Ms. Champion's "...to accept every decade for what it gives you, not for what it takes away. So you can't do falls, you can't do lifts, but you can still move with grace."
Posted by: Jonathan | February 08, 2016 at 12:43 AM
You're very welcome, Jonathan. I hope Mr. Vander Veer decides to leave it up on Vimeo permanently.
Posted by: Haglund | February 08, 2016 at 08:35 AM