December 2
Born Today:
Marc Platt
Dancer Marc Platt (1913-2014) was also known as Marc Platoff when dancing with the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, but he is perhaps best known as one of the dancing brothers in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954). He also danced in Down to Earth (1947) with Rita Hayworth (1918-1987) - it’s the musical that inspired the remake - Xanadu (1980), and the original is worth seeing to admire the choreography of Jack Cole (1914-1958).
Also Born Today: Lindy Hop dancer Norma Miller (1919-2019) began performing with Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers in 1934 and in the movie Hellzapoppin’ (1941) dancing in one of the most astonishing swing routines (if you can ignore the ridiculous costumes). Ballet dancer Philip Chatfield (1927-2021) performed with the Royal Ballet from 1943–1959 and retired from performing with his wife Rowena Jackson (1926-) and relocated to New Zealand, later directing the Royal New Zealand Ballet. And lastly, pop star and dancer Britney Spears (1981-) was born today.