Though born in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised in New York City, dancer Fred Astaire spent a significant portion of his early career in the United Kingdom. From 1922 to 1932, he and his sister Adele captivated London audiences in popular West End musicals, sparking a sensation so intense that critics dubbed it "Astairia." During his time in London, Astaire immersed himself in British culture; he studied music theory at London’s Guildhall School of Music alongside Noël Coward and socialized with the aristocracy--teaching the King to Charleston. After a decade in London, Adele retired from the stage to marry Lord Charles Cavendish, the second son of the Duke of Devonshire, and moved to Lismore Castle in Ireland. With his new dance partner, Claire Luce, Fred expanded his repertoire, incorporating sweeping, romantic movements with an English sense of style. His impeccable fashion sense, effortless charm, and refined elegance—so central to his legendary dance films of the 1930s through the 1950s—were deeply influenced by the English customs and style he observed while mingling with British high society and the royal family. Historian Victoria Kastner will explore the profound impact of Astaire’s years in the UK, revealing how his time on the London stage helped shape the dancer, actor, and icon the world came to adore.

Victoria Kastner is a leading scholar and author. She was historian at Hearst Castle for over 30 years and has written and published several books on the subject. She also co-authored The Beverly Hills Hotel: The First 100 years with Robert Anderson. Ms. Kastner has lectured extensively for museums: including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York; the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art among other places.

Tickets: $35 for Ebell Members

Reception at 6:00 pm; Lecture at 6:30 pm

Location

741 S Lucerne Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90005