Robert Hightower: The Dancer Who Married Hollywood's Vera-Ellen And The Art Of Movement
Who was Robert Hightower, the dancer whose name is forever linked to one of Hollywood's most graceful stars? While his former wife, Vera-Ellen, dazzled audiences with her ethereal presence in classic films like White Christmas and The Ten Commandments, Robert remains a more obscure figure—a talented dancer whose story is woven into the tapestry of mid-century American entertainment. This article delves into the life of Robert Hightower, explores the world of professional dance that both he and Vera inhabited, and provides a comprehensive look at what it means to be a dancer—from the studios of Cincinnati to the bright lights of Broadway and the silver screen. Whether you're curious about dance careers, training pathways, or the personal sagas behind the art form, join us as we move through rhythm, history, and expression.
The Enigmatic Robert Hightower: A Shadow in Hollywood's Spotlight
Robert Hightower was a professional dancer in his own right, yet historical records about his individual career are sparse compared to the luminous legacy of his famous spouse. What we do know is that he was part of the vibrant dance scene of the 1940s, a time when ballet, tap, and theatrical jazz were flourishing in American nightclubs and on Broadway. His marriage to Vera-Ellen began in February 1941, a union between two artists bound by their shared passion for movement. Their relationship, however, was brief and ended in divorce by November 1946—a period that coincided with Vera's rapid ascent in Hollywood. While Vera went on to become a beloved icon, Robert retreated from the public eye, leaving behind a biographical footprint largely defined by his connection to her. This silence is common among many behind-the-scenes artists in the entertainment industry, where the spotlight often eclipses the supporting cast. Yet, understanding figures like Robert Hightower reminds us that every celebrated performer stands on the shoulders of a community—partners, instructors, and fellow dancers—whose contributions are essential yet frequently unheralded.
Vera-Ellen: A Biography in Motion
To understand Robert Hightower's context, we must look at the woman he married. Vera-Ellen was not merely a Hollywood actress; she was a phenomenal dancer whose technical precision and aerial lightness seemed almost supernatural. Born in Norwood, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati, she began dancing as a child and quickly rose through the ranks of vaudeville and Broadway before capturing film audiences.
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| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vera-Ellen (stage name; born Vera-Ellen Starkova) |
| Birth | June 20, 1921, Norwood, Ohio, USA |
| Death | August 30, 1981, Los Angeles, California (from cancer at age 60) |
| Marriages | 1. Robert Hightower (dancer), Feb 1941–Nov 1946 2. Victor Rothschild (millionaire), 1954–1966 (divorced) |
| Children | One daughter, Victoria Ellen Rothschild (born 1963, died at 3 months from SIDS) |
| Career Highlights | Broadway debut in Higher and Higher (1940); films with Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Danny Kaye; iconic roles in White Christmas (1954) as Judy Haynes and Call Me Madam (1953) as Princess Maria. |
| Notable Traits | Known for her unparalleled turns, jumps, and "airborne" quality; rarely used doubles in dance sequences. |
Vera's career was a masterclass in classical dance adapted for film. She danced alongside legends like Fred Astaire in The Belle of New York (1952) and Gene Kelly in White Christmas, where her solo in "Sisters" remains a benchmark of synchronized elegance. Her personal life, however, was marked by profound tragedy—the loss of her infant daughter in 1963—and two marriages that ended in divorce. Her second husband, Victor Rothschild, belonged to the wealthy Rothschild banking family, but even that union could not shield her from grief. Vera-Ellen's story is one of artistic triumph intertwined with deep personal sorrow, a reminder that the lives of performers are as complex as the characters they portray.
What is a Dancer? Defining the Art of Movement
At its core, a dancer is a performing artist whose medium of expression is movement. This definition, echoed in countless ways across the key sentences, captures the essence of the craft. Dancers utilize their body's ability to execute precise and fluid motions that communicate emotion, tell stories, and convey artistic themes to an audience. Whether in a ballet corps, a hip-hop crew, or a social dance hall, the dancer’s body becomes an instrument—capable of speaking without words.
Dance is a form of expression that utilizes the human body as an instrument to convey emotions, stories, and ideas through movement. This universality means that anyone who moves rhythmically to music, whether with prescribed steps or improvised gestures, can claim the title. The meaning of dancer is simply “one that dances,” as dictionary definitions state. Yet, within this simplicity lies immense diversity. A dancer might be:
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- A professional performer in a ballet company or on Broadway.
- A hobbyist enjoying social dance at a local venue.
- A choreographer creating movement for others.
- A cultural bearer preserving traditional dances.
The synonyms for dancer—performer, artist, mover—all point to a creative act that is both physical and emotional. As one perspective notes, dancing is a creative art, so you don’t necessarily need qualifications. This is true for social or recreational dance, where joy and self-expression are the primary goals. However, for those aiming for a professional stage, formal training often becomes a critical stepping stone.
The Path to Becoming a Professional Dancer: Education and Training
While innate talent and passion are vital, structured education significantly enhances a dancer's prospects. The journey typically begins in a dance studio, the primary setting for training in classical dance and many other styles. These studios range from small local schools to prestigious institutions like the Juilliard School or the School of American Ballet.
You can go to a vocational school for dance or get a degree in dance from a performing arts school or academic program. Many higher education institutions offer dance studies through arts and humanities programs, blending practical training with theory in dance history, kinesiology, and composition. A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance, for example, provides rigorous technical training alongside academic coursework, preparing students for multifaceted careers.
However, formal education isn't the only path. However, you may have a better shot at becoming a professional dancer if you study dance formally. The reality of the profession demands high levels of coordination, rhythm, creativity, and strength. Dance is a type of performance art that typically takes years to master. Aspiring professionals often:
- Start training in childhood or adolescence.
- Attend summer intensives with renowned companies.
- Build a network through auditions and performances.
- Cross-train in other disciplines like Pilates or yoga for injury prevention.
A professional dancer has the enviable job of expressing art through the choreographed movement of their body. Yet, this "enviable" job comes with intense competition, irregular income, and a physically taxing lifestyle. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for dancers is projected to grow, but slowly, with most jobs in performing arts companies and dance schools. The median hourly wage for dancers is relatively low, reflecting the part-time and contract-based nature of much work. Choreographers, who often have more stable opportunities, earn a higher median wage. This economic reality underscores the importance of diversifying skills—many dancers supplement income through teaching, choreography, or related fields like fitness instruction.
Dance Studios: Where Art is Crafted and Communities Thrive
The dance studio is more than a space with mirrors and barres; it is a crucible where technique is honed and communities form. Traditionally, studios focus on disciplined practice—ballet classes at the barre, jazz combinations, modern improvisation. But many contemporary spaces also serve as social hubs, blending instruction with recreation.
Consider a venue like the one described: The instructor ace does such a good job teaching a few dances at 9 then free dancing until 11ish. This model—structured lessons followed by open dancing—caters to both learners and social dancers. Such places often host fun parties with great complimentary food and are great for quick lunch or friday night food and dancing. They create an inclusive environment where very chill smoke free bar atmospheres allow people to unwind. This dual role—training ground and social salon—reflects dance's unique position between art and everyday life. For many, the studio is where the line between performer and audience blurs; everyone is both student and dancer, teacher and friend. These spaces are essential for sustaining dance culture beyond the professional stage, fostering joy and connection through movement.
Careers in Dance: Employment, Wages, and Growth
For those considering dance as a profession, understanding the employment landscape is crucial. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides resources to explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for dancers and choreographers. Key findings include:
- Dancers: Median hourly wage ~$19 (2023); employment in performing arts companies, dance schools, and self-employment.
- Choreographers: Median hourly wage ~$30; roles in dance companies, theater, film, and education.
- Job Growth: Projected to be slower than average for dancers, but opportunities exist in dance therapy, fitness, and entertainment.
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of dancers and choreographers with similar occupations. Dancers spend most time rehearsing and performing, while choreographers focus on creating and teaching routines. Both require years of practice, but choreographers often have more stable employment. Related occupations include fitness trainers, musicians, and actors—all sharing performance elements but with distinct skill sets.
Practical advice for aspiring dancers:
- Train diversely: Study multiple styles (ballet, modern, hip-hop) to increase versatility.
- Build a portfolio: Document performances through video and networking.
- Consider teaching: Certification in dance education can provide supplemental income.
- Stay resilient: The field is highly competitive; persistence and business acumen are as important as artistry.
The Language of Dance: Synonyms, Pronunciation, and Cultural Impact
The word dancer carries a rich semantic weight. Its pronunciation and translation are straightforward, but its English dictionary definition—"one that dances"—belies a deep cultural resonance. Dance is embedded in human history, from ritual ceremonies to theatrical spectacle. The verb forms—danced, dancing, dances—describe the action itself: to move rhythmically usually to music, using prescribed or improvised steps and gestures. This definition encompasses everything from a ballet pirouette to an impromptu dance at a wedding.
Dance terminology varies by style:
- Ballet: plié, arabesque, fouetté
- Hip-hop: breaking, popping, locking
- Social dance: salsa, waltz, swing
Understanding this language helps appreciate the craft. When we say someone danced with Fred Astaire, Danny Kaye, Gene Kelly and several others, as Vera-Ellen did, we invoke a legacy of cinematic dance that shaped popular culture. The term "dancer" thus bridges the amateur and professional, the historical and contemporary, uniting people through a universal impulse to move.
Other Dancers Named Hightower: Chelsie Hightower's Modern Stardom
The surname Hightower appears again in the dance world with Chelsie Hightower, a ballroom dancer born July 21, 1989. She is known for being a regular dance partner, trainer and choreographer on the ABC competition show Dancing with the Stars, on which she was a professional from season 8 to 15, excluding season 13. Chelsie represents the modern era of dance—televised, competitive, and widely accessible. Her career contrasts sharply with Robert Hightower's mid-century trajectory, highlighting how dance professions evolve. While Robert worked in an era of studio systems and live theater, Chelsie built her brand through reality TV and social media. Both, however, share the core dedication to movement artistry. It's worth noting that despite the shared surname, there's no known familial link between Robert and Chelsie; the name simply underscores how dance legacies can echo across generations in unexpected ways.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Dance and Its Artists
The story of dancer Robert Hightower is a quiet counterpoint to the glittering saga of Vera-Ellen, yet it is inseparable from the broader narrative of dance as an art form. From the disciplined routines of a classical studio to the lively energy of a social dance bar, from the academic halls of dance programs to the competitive floor of Dancing with the Stars, dance manifests in countless ways. It is a creative art that demands both rigorous training and spontaneous joy, a profession that blends physical prowess with emotional depth.
Vera-Ellen's life—marked by brilliance, loss, and resilience—reminds us that dancers are not just performers but humans navigating love, grief, and ambition. Robert Hightower, though less documented, was part of that world, a partner in her early years. Their brief marriage is a footnote in Hollywood history, but it connects to larger themes: the role of dance in storytelling, the challenges of a performing career, and the personal costs behind the public smile.
As you explore dance—whether as a student, enthusiast, or professional—remember that every step is part of a continuum. The resources for employment and wages may guide your career path, but the true reward lies in the movement itself: the ability to communicate emotion, tell stories, and convey artistic themes. Whether you're practicing in a studio like The Instructor Ace, watching a Vera-Ellen film, or learning a new routine, you participate in a timeless tradition. Dance, in all its forms, remains a powerful testament to the human spirit—a language spoken by the body, understood by the heart, and remembered long after the music fades.
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George Robert Hightower - Alchetron, the free social encyclopedia
James Robert Hightower - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia
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