Matt Mattox facts for kids

Matt Mattox (born August 16, 1921 – died February 18, 2013) was a famous American jazz and ballet dancer. He performed on Broadway and was a special dancer in many Hollywood musical movies. You might know him best as Caleb Pontipee in the 1954 film Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

After his time on Broadway and in films, Mattox moved to Europe. There, he became a very respected dance teacher.

Who Was Matt Mattox?

Matt Mattox was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He became a student and close helper of the famous jazz dance pioneer Jack Cole. Mattox worked with Cole on Broadway in a show called Magdalena: a Musical Adventure in 1948.

Early Life and Broadway Steps

Matt Mattox had many other roles on Broadway. He created the part of the Jester in the first show of Once Upon a Mattress in 1959. He also played Harry Beaton in the 1957 return of Brigadoon. Mattox even performed shows with his own dance group. For a short time, he also created dances for Broadway shows like Jennie and Say, Darling.

Mattox used his strong background in ballet to create his own special way of teaching jazz dance. His jazz classes were set up like ballet classes. He even called his warm-up exercises "the barre," just like in ballet. Mattox designed these exercises carefully. They helped dancers prepare for the longer dance routines he taught at the end of class. The special positions and movements learned at the barre were clear in his detailed and smooth dance style.

Dancing in Hollywood Movies

Matt Mattox became very well known as a special dancer in Hollywood musicals. His most famous movie role was Caleb Pontipee in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. But he was also a main dancer in many other films. These included Yolanda and the Thief, The Band Wagon (where he danced with Cyd Charisse), Till the Clouds Roll By, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and There's No Business Like Show Business.

Besides movies, Mattox was often a guest on TV variety shows. He both performed and created dances for these shows, such as The Patti Page Oldsmobile Show from 1958 to 1959.

A Master Teacher of Dance

Matt Mattox became one of the world's most important teachers of jazz dance. He called his style "freestyle dancing." He lived and worked in Perpignan, France, for many years. In 1975, he started a jazz dance company in England. Later, he moved this company to France.

See also

In Spanish: Matt Mattox para niños