2012 First-Class Forever Stamp,Innovative Choreograghers: Bob Fosse

U.S. #4701

2012 45¢ Bob Fosse

Innovative Choreographers

Issue Date: July 28, 2012

City: Los Angeles, CA

Quantity: 6,250,000

Printed By: Banknote Corporation of America for Sennett Security Products

Printing Method: Offset

Perforations: Die Cut 11

Color: multicolored

Bob Fosse (1927-1987) began as a choreographer and director in the 1940s by entertaining servicemen in the Pacific.  When he met with success, he said, “From then on, I knew what I wanted and where I wanted to go.”  His approach changed dance forever.

After high school and a tour in the Navy, Fosse moved to New York. There he danced on stage and for television and movies before his appearance in Kiss Me, Kate caught the attention of Broadway director George Abbott.

Fosse choreographed the dances for Abbot’s production of The Pajama Game and received his first Tony Award.  By 1960, Fosse was nationally known for his inventive work in dance.

Feeling restrained by directors who thought his dances were too controversial, Fosse tried directing.  In 1972, he achieved a feat which no one else has done.  He earned Best Director awards for his movie, Cabaret, a Broadway musical, Pippin, and his movie special Liza With a Z.

Fosse’s inventive moves, camera angles, and lighting have influenced productions from Broadway to music videos.  Perhaps his greatest contribution was instilling fun into his work.  Fosse once said, “Dance expresses joy better than anything else.”