Steps in Time

As Fred's autobiography continues he tells more about life in Vaudeville and Broadway. When Fred and his sister Adele were young, about nine and six, they went on a very successful tour. They were seen as a very promising act with a bright future. Gradually their popularity decreased and they were unable to get bookings. Astaire believed that it was because they were growing up and said, “Maybe they thought we were cute kids, or something like that” (29). One of the theatre managers said, “The girl seems to have talent but the boy can do nothing” (29). This comment affected Astaire, but he continued to pursue the life they were searching for. He continually comments on how he was dragging his sister down, yet she never seemed to notice. During their run on smaller circuits Astaire explained, “She practically had to ‘carry me on her back’ all through that period” (41). They spent the next two years at a private school, taking a break from performing. They eventually started back up, but not well. They really struggled and ended up only doing small shows because they were the only thing they could book. Astaire explained, “The outlook was pretty grim. We were ambitious enough, but overcoming discouragement was the real problem” (40).

It think it’s really interesting to see the struggle that the two faced. They both pulled through with determination, seeing as they became famous and very well known, but I’m excited to find out how. I also thought of how this is a journey to their dream, just like how All the Pretty Horses is John Grady’s journey to his dream of horses. Each of us longs to fulfill something very different from others and our paths in getting there will also be very different. We may run across some similar problems, like being hindered by outsiders (theatre managers, arrestors) and giving up speed and other things for those we love (Adele for Fred, John for Rawlins). I think it’s cool how even a real story of someone’s life can follow the Hero Quest Pattern. So far the Astaire’s have had various different helpers along the way, choreographers and show bookers. Fred also has a friend to enter his new world with. Adele and him enter and try to conquer New York City together. I’m excited to see where their journey to fulfilling their dream will take them.


Astaire, Fred. Steps In Time. New York: HarperCollins, 1959.

autobiography

My book is called "Steps in Time". It is an autobiography of Fred Astaire. I really really like it so far. I love dancing so the fact that he is one of the best tap dancers known to Hollywood really helps. The beginning of the book is just some back round on his life. The language is really casual so it actually feels like he's talking to you. He describes some ups and downs on Hollywood and the life of fame. He also spends quite a bit of time on complaining about how so many people called him old, when he really wasn't that old.
In one passage he describes how he loves empty theaters, "...except when there's a show going on."
He also spends some time explaining how he choreographs. He doesn't like to listen to other peoples suggestioins. A dance is yours and you have to make it what you imagined it to be.
I feel like i really understand him.