Bob Fosse’s choreography is instantly recognizable, a unique blend of stylized movement, storytelling, and a touch of the subversive. Among his many celebrated works, “The Rich Man’s Frug” from the musical Sweet Charity stands out as a quintessential example of his genius, and a fascinating study in the “Frug Dance” itself. Beyoncé, a modern icon, even paid homage to this number in her “Get Me Bodied” music video, highlighting its enduring influence. To truly appreciate the “frug dance” in “The Rich Man’s Frug”, it’s essential to understand Fosse’s signature style.
Decoding Bob Fosse’s Choreographic DNA
Fosse’s dance vocabulary is rich and distinctive. Think hats and gloves as integral props, bodies angled in unexpected ways, and precise, isolated movements that speak volumes. His early experiences dancing in burlesque clubs profoundly shaped his aesthetic. He famously stated that his choreography often borrowed from “the oldest stripper tricks in the book,” a testament to his fascination with bringing sensuality and theatricality to the Broadway stage. While his artistic brilliance is undeniable, it’s also important to acknowledge the problematic aspects of his personal life, including allegations of harassment, a topic deserving of deeper exploration in separate discussions.
A key element of Fosse’s genius was his focus on narrative. For Fosse, dance was storytelling in motion. Each gesture, each step, was imbued with meaning. He would even encourage his dancers to vocalize the underlying narrative of their movements, ensuring emotional depth and intention in every performance. Unlike many choreographers who treated dancers as a homogenous chorus line, Fosse gave each individual dancer a character to embody, fostering a sense of individuality and engagement within the ensemble.
Embracing Imperfection: Fosse’s Body Language
Interestingly, Fosse didn’t shy away from perceived physical imperfections; instead, he transformed them into defining features of his style. His own insecurities, such as his receding hairline and rounded shoulders, became stylistic choices. Hats became a signature accessory, and his naturally rounded posture was exaggerated into a distinctive stance. Even his limited turnout was incorporated, with feet often turned inwards, creating a grounded and unique visual. This philosophy extended to his dancers. Gwen Verdon, the original Charity in Sweet Charity, had knock-knees due to childhood rickets. Fosse didn’t try to hide this; instead, he integrated it into the choreography, making it part of Charity’s distinct physicality, visible in the unique body positioning within the “frug dance” number.
“The Rich Man’s Frug”: A Study in Contrasts and Styles
“The Rich Man’s Frug” is a masterclass in showcasing Fosse’s stylistic range and his ability to interpret a popular dance trend. The frug itself was an American dance craze of the mid-1960s, evolving from dances like the Twist and the Chicken. Fosse deconstructs and reimagines the frug through three distinct sections: “The Aloof,” “The Heavyweight,” and “The Big Finish.”
The scene opens with Charity entering a sophisticated venue, removing her coat with casual ease. The wealthy patrons, initially frozen in tableau, sharply turn their heads, whispering “who is it?” – immediately establishing Charity as an outsider in this exclusive world. This subtle yet powerful staging sets the scene for the “frug dance” to unfold, highlighting the contrast between Charity and the environment she’s entered.
“The Aloof”: Restrained Elegance and Isolation
“The Aloof” introduces Suzanne Charny, the captivating lead dancer of the number. Her entrance is striking: pelvis thrust forward, almost in a backbend, flanked by male dancers. These men, chests puffed out, hold cigarettes extended like antiquated butlers, adding a layer of ironic formality. Charny performs a refined, almost subdued version of the “frug dance.” Demure wrist circles accentuated by white gloves, and minimal hip movements characterize this section. A key element here is the dancers’ complete lack of facial expression, enhancing the sense of detachment and “aloofness.” This segment perfectly exemplifies Fosse’s mastery of small isolations. A memorable example is the trio of female dancers in a figure-four stance, their movement restricted to circling only their right wrist and ankle – a microcosm of Fosse’s intricate and controlled choreography within the broader “frug dance”.
[Image of dancers in “The Aloof” section of “Rich Man’s Frug”]
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Fosse’s “Frug Dance”
“The Rich Man’s Frug” is more than just a dance number; it’s a narrative microcosm, a study in social dynamics, and a showcase of Bob Fosse’s groundbreaking choreographic style. Through his innovative interpretation of the “frug dance,” Fosse not only captured the essence of a 1960s dance craze but elevated it into an art form. His ability to blend storytelling, stylized movement, and character development within a single “frug dance” number cemented his legacy as a choreographic genius, continuing to inspire and influence dancers and choreographers today. The “frug dance,” as envisioned by Fosse, remains a vibrant and iconic piece of dance history.
