Ginger Rogers might have done it backward and in heels. However, long before Ginger Rogers, Rita Hayworth, Eleanor Powell, Judy Garland, Vera-Ellen, Cyd Charisse, Leslie Caron, and Audrey Hepburn, there was Adele Astaire.
As the Managing Editor of American Dancer, I get quite a few requests from publishers to review books. I often politely decline because the books are usually not dance-related. But recently, a real “dance gem” was offered, and I decided to crack the binding. I am happy to share Starring Adele Astaire by Eliza Knight with the American Dancer readers.
Many of us know Fred Astaire from the movies, and there are those who might still know him from his earlier stage days. We dancers even consider him the Father of the American Smooth style. However, few of us know that Fred Astaire was once half of the Fred and Adele Astaire dance team, and charming and glamorous Adele was considered the talented half and the public’s sweetheart. In fact, Fred called Adele, “the real dancer of the family.”
Starring Adele Astaire is a historical fiction based on the life of Adele Astaire. Author Eliza Knight first introduces the already-famous brother-sister team as they say goodbye to their days of Vaudeville to board an England-bound ship with their mother in 1923. There they perform for London theatergoers, royalty, and more. The book allows the audience to experience the dancing, hard work, long hours, parties, loves, disappointments, and aspirations tied to young performers of this era.
A master of her craft, Ms. Knight has truly done her research. She captures Fred Astaire’s work ethic, Adele’s happy-go-lucky attitude, and the world happenings around their love of dance, rise to international fame, separation, and family lives. She expertly intertwines history and fiction to bring to life the forgotten enchanting performer who captured the American and European hearts before finding love and moving on to a lavish, but difficult, life that was completely affected by World War II.
I am not going to spoil it for you. Again, this is fiction and there are characters who were created to better tell the story and describe the historical happenings around our stars. But, if it wasn’t exactly what happened, it is what you truly want to believe happened. Starring Adele Astaire is romantic, fun, beautifully written, delightful, and captivating. I loved it!!!!
Sadly, there is no footage of Fred and Adele performing together. After the team broke up, Fred performed for 30 more years on stage and television. Till today, he is seen in movies, studios, and competitions. As for Adele…go read the book and find out for yourself!!
Eliza Knight is an award-winning and USA Today bestselling author.
Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles and ran through the fields in Southern France. She can still remember standing before the great golden palace, and imagining what life must have been like. Join Eliza (sometimes as E.) on riveting historical journeys that cross landscapes around the world.
While not reading, writing, or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping, and visiting with family and friends.
She is the creator of the popular historical blog, History Undressed and a co-host on the History, Books and Wine podcast.
She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses, two very naughty Newfies, and a turtle named Fish.
Note regarding photos of Adele Astaire: These media files are in the public domain in the United States. This applies to U.S. works where the copyright has expired, often because its first publication occurred prior to January 1, 1928, and if not then due to lack of notice or renewal.
