The TV Week April 18-24, 1971
Sunday News
New York's Picture Newspaper
By: Ben Gross

Click on photo for larger version.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO WOMEN?

"What's the matter with women today? Why do so many of them prefer the weaker, or let me say, the more delicate types of men over those who radiate masculinity?" That's what Bobby Van asked and, as a matter of fact, if you'll remind me, I'll try to get the answer from a beauteous gal some day.

Bobby, in the event you need to be told, is one of the star dancing-singing actors in the Broadway smash, "No, No, Nanette," who has appeared in many TV specials and movies. Also he once made his mark as the choreographer and associate producer of one of the top-rated annual attractions of television, the "Miss American Pageant."

"I speak from observation, but cannot give you the answer. I can only generalize," said the tall, slender fellow who has won his prime fame as one of the most graceful of the show world's dancers. Then, he added as we were dining at Dinty Moore's, "This condition certainly has had its effect on dancing."

No Contact

"In what way?"

"Well," he said, "in times gone by when one visited a ballroom he saw people really dancing. Men held women in their arms. But later, the partners on the floor had no contact at all. They went their separate ways. They were on their own.

"And what's more, sometimes the women wanted to lead," Bobby's comedienne wife, Elaine Joyce of the Don Knotts show, remarked. "I tried to do that once with him, but he wouldn't stand for it. He made it plain that he was going to do the leading -—and I'm glad of it."

"It's only the natural thing," Bobby explained. "But it can't be denied that many girl fans today seem to prefer, especially in the field of singing, the, the—well, put it this way—the more delicate types."

"Do you think it's the maternal instinct?" I asked.

"Maybe. Who knows?"

A Bronx Boy

Although Bobby Van is regarded by many critics and showmen as a logical successor to such great dancers of the musical theater and the movies as Fred Astaire, Ray Bolger and Gene Kelly, he'll tell you that he has never had a formal dancing lesson.

This embodiment of agility and grace was born in the Bronx 38 years ago, but appears to be more like a man in his middle 20s.

"I attended a school up there which later moved to Manhattan and became the High School of Performing Art," he told me. "Many celebrated theatrical people, including Eartha Kitt were there during my time."

"When did you begin your professional career?" I wanted to know.

Child Performer

"When I was 10 years old. But as a matter of fact, I first appeared on the stage when only three. You see, my father was a star hoofer in vaudeville, a member of the headlined team of Gordon, reed and King.

"And here's a coincidence for you. The manager of this restaurant where we're now dining—Billy Reed—was my father's partner.

"From that start, I went on to theater, the movies, and TV—MGM, Debbie Reynolds, Busby Berkeley ... I played in Las Vegas, and London, too."

"But how did you actually learn to dance?"

"By watching my father and other hoofers. And the big reason I have my own style," he explained, "is that no one taught me. I had to make up my own routines."

"The talented Helen Gallagher and I perform a dance in 'Nanette' that is one of the most intricate I've ever done. And believe me, that takes a lot of hard work, thought and preparation.

TV's Disadvantages

"And speaking of preparation, that's one of the reasons I'm very choosey about accepting offers for TV shows," Bobby continued, "I can afford that luxury now."

"Don't you like being on TV?" I asked.

"Of course I do, but there is one very big disadvantage. You do not have the opportunity to perfect your routine, and I happen to be a perfectionist," he said. "You have five days of rehearsal for a TV show, but we had 16 weeks of preparation for 'Nanette.'

There'll Be Revivals

"Speaking of 'Nanette' what effect will its success have on the theater?" I wanted to know.

"It will most likely result in many revivals of old musicals," Bobby answered. "But many of them will flop because they'll lack the right touch.

"However, what I'd like to see is a series of gay, lively fun shows brought to the theater and TV which would have the charm of 'Nanette' but would be told in modern terms.

"You see, it's apparent to me that we are coming into a new era of show business. People are sick and tired of war, taxes, crime and other problems. They years, they hunger, for entertainment," Bobby added.

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