Singing Guide: Ballroom
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Ballroom dancing is known for its grace, elegance, and beauty, and the genre has produced some iconic performers over the years. Perhaps no one is more closely associated with ballroom dancing than Fred Astaire, widely regarded as one of the greatest dancers of the 20th century. If you want to learn how to sing like Fred Astaire, there are several things to keep in mind.
First, Astaire had a very distinct vocal technique that was heavily influenced by the era in which he was performing. He sang in a smooth baritone, often using a distinctive style of phrasing that involved breaking up the timing of certain words in a way that is not commonly heard in modern music. To emulate Astaire's vocal style, it's important to listen to his recordings carefully and pay attention to the subtle nuances of his delivery.
Second, Astaire was known for his ability to interpret a song and make it his own through his unique vocal style. When selecting songs to sing in the Astaire style, it's important to choose tunes that allow you to showcase your interpretation of the music as well as your vocal technique. Many of Astaire's most iconic songs, such as "Cheek to Cheek" and "The Way You Look Tonight," are great choices for this.
Third, Astaire was an incredible dancer, and his vocal technique reflected his background in dance. To sing like Astaire, it's important to maintain a smooth, rhythmic delivery that complements the graceful movements of ballroom dancing. Incorporating vocal warm-ups and exercises, such as those found in the Singing Carrots Pitch Training course or the Farinelli Breathing video, can help you develop the breath control and muscular flexibility necessary to achieve this.
Finally, utilizing resources like the Singing Carrots Pitch Monitor and search tools can help you fine-tune your vocal technique and choose songs that best suit your vocal range and style. With these tools and some practice, you can learn to sing like Fred Astaire and capture the essence of ballroom singing and dancing in your performances.