Cyd Charisse

Oti Mabuse's Dancing Legends

Oti Mabuse pays homage to the dancers and choreographers who have revolutionised the dancing world.

In today’s episode, the choreographer and creative director, Jason Gilkison, reminisces about key moments in his dancing career and celebrates a legendary dancer who inspired him.

Jason is the director of the hit dance stage show Burn The Floor and is creative director on Strictly Come Dancing. He has found inspiration in many places when devising routines, but there’s one dancer he urges everyone to watch - the Hollywood legend Cyd Charisse.

Cyd Charisse is known as one of the greatest Hollywood dancers of her time and has scene-stealing roles in Singing In The Rain and Silk Stockings. She danced alongside other legendary dancers including Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly and was nominated for a Golden Globe award. She has also been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Jason and Oti explore the career of this dazzling dancer with archive clips and the expert help of entertainment historian, John Kenrick.

Oti then heads to the dance studio to learn a dance routine inspired by Cyd Charisse. Ballet dancer Mlindi Kulashe puts Oti through her paces.

Presenter: Oti Mabuse Producer: Candace Wilson Editor: Chris Ledgard A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4