Bob Fosse, born on June 23, 1927, was a visionary American choreographer, dancer, and director who revolutionized musical theater and film with his distinctive style and innovative techniques. Known for his signature blend of jazz, sensuality, and angular movements, Fosse’s choreography left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His groundbreaking work on Broadway productions like “Chicago,” “Cabaret,” and “Sweet Charity” earned him multiple Tony Awards and widespread acclaim. Fosse’s choreographic style, characterized by isolations, precise gestures, and provocative choreography, challenged traditional norms and set new standards for theatrical dance. He seamlessly transitioned to film, winning an Academy Award for directing “Cabaret” and leaving his mark on movies like “All That Jazz” and “Lenny.” Fosse’s impact transcended generations, influencing countless choreographers and dancers, and cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of dance and musical theater.
Bob Fosse Quotes
1. “Life is just a bowl of cherries, don’t take it serious, its mysterious. Life is just a bowl of cherries, so live and laugh and laugh at love, love a laugh, laugh and love.”
— Bob Fosse
2. “The time to sing is when your emotional level is just too high to speak anymore, and the time to dance is when your emotions are just too strong to only sing about how you feel.”
— Bob Fosse
3. “Choreography is writing on your feet.”
— Bob Fosse
4. “Dance expresses joy better than anything else.”
— Bob Fosse
5. “Don’t dance for the audience; dance for yourself.”
— Bob Fosse
6. “Human beings are born with the instinct to express themselves through movement. Even before he could communicate with words, primitive man was dancing to the beat of his own heart.”
— Bob Fosse
7. “I thank God that I wasn’t born perfect.”
— Bob Fosse
8. “The energy doesn’t end at the hands. I want such intensity that it feels like light is streaming from every finger.”
— Bob Fosse
9. “I think Balanchine and Robbins talk to God and when I call, he’s out to lunch.”
— Bob Fosse
10. “In today’s world, everything seems like some sort of long audition.”
— Bob Fosse
11. “You spend your whole life trying to get known and then you spend the rest of it hiding in the toilet.”
— Bob Fosse
12. “Directors are never in short supply of girlfriends.”
— Bob Fosse
13. “They may not know what I’m doing, but they know I’m doing something!”
— Bob Fosse
14. “She not only kept her lovely figure, she’s added so much to it.”
— Bob Fosse