Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Jerome Robbins, West Side Story wins an Academy Award! 1961


It’s no wonder that this broadway hit made it to film, and got an award! This show is one of my favorites with incredible songs, choreography, cinematography and of course, costumes! What is so great about Broadway shows is the use of costumes that reflect the time period, and the trends of the era while still being fit for dancing. In West Side Story the females dresses compliment their roles in the film. The Puerto Rican girls have dresses with ruffles and flare, in bright colors like red, orange and purple. They resemble flamenco dresses that would be worn in Puerto Rico. Now on the other hand, the American “Jets” have dresses that reflect their style. Peasant blouses with skirts synched at the waist is a current trend that was adapted for the film. Rather than the bright colors of the Sharks the Jets tend to wear more neutral or pastel colors. The costumes are well thought out and make each of the groups stand out while reflecting their personalities.
Sharks












                                                                                                                                                         Jets

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