“Gotta Dance! The Art of the Dance Movie Poster” is a special exhibition of vintage, rarely seen movie posters from the collection of creative director/designer Mike Kaplan.

Comprised of over 80 distinct pieces, GOTTA DANCE! features predominantly lesser-known American films coupled with a handful of more prominent titles, re-imagined by foreign artists and designers.  Nearly 80% of the posters in this exhibition were designed for foreign audiences and most were created during the Golden Age of Movie Poster design (1930-1950). Examples from Australia, South American and Europe stand beside their American cousins, signifying each film’s finest poster regardless of country. This exhibition will mark the first time that many of these movie posters will be revealed to an American audience.

Nothing encompasses California heritage better than the film industry.  California—Hollywood in particular—was the home and birthplace of many of the film industry’s leading production studios: MGM, 20th Century Fox, Disney, Paramount, RKO Radio Films and Republic Pictures being a few of the most notable. 

While the motion picture is recognized as the most influential art form of the 20th century, the movie poster has seldom received the recognition it deserves. Partially due to the commercial needs that must be considered in their conception—text in the form of slogans, title treatment and credits—movie posters have been viewed by many as nothing more than a sidebar of popular culture. This exhibition is an opportunity to focus on the movie poster as a unique and underappreciated art form.

The history of the movie poster runs in fascinating parallel to the history of film, not by merely reflecting the evolution of a new medium, but by expanding its visibility and captivating new audiences.  Design aesthetics and historic significance form the foundation of this dynamic exhibition.

The posters on view range from Singin’ In The Rain (1952) and Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (1954) to Funny Face (1957) and The Red Shoes (1948). Also showcased is West Side Story (1962)—the only poster to highlight Oscar-winners Rita Moreno and George Chakiris.  Additionally, Danny Kaye is represented as the neighboring Kid From Brooklyn (1946), depicted at the center of a colorful French lithograph, surrounded by a bevy of chorus girls inspired by Toulouse-Lautrec.

Signature pieces in the exhibition include: an original French-release poster for An American in Paris (1951), previously owned by Gene Kelly; a young, two dimensional James Stewart prominently dancing with three dimensional Eleanor Powell in Born to Dance (1936); an immaculate image of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in elegant evening attire for Carefree (1938); Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland in caricaturist Al Hirschfeld’s design for the rare American 40x60 version of Strike Up the Band (1940); plus the only poster to spotlight the Nicholas Brothers executing a dazzling, acrobatic tap routine in The Great American Broadcast (1941).

From Clara Bow and Marilyn Monroe to James Cagney and Elvis Presley, scintillating graphic design highlights many of the screen’s most talented star dancers and performers.  Additionally, GOTTA DANCE! presents vibrant posters featuring Gene Autry, Leslie Caron, Joan Crawford, Lena Horne, Betty Grable, Rita Hayworth, Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra, Dick Van ****, Mickey & Minnie Mouse, and many others.


This exhibition is funded, in part, by grants from the Wells Fargo Foundation, the Ira M. Resnik Foundation, Inc., the LLWW Foundation, Dawson Design Los Angeles, Copyland Los Angeles, the City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs Department, the Fairfield County Foundation, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Victorian/Calamigos Ranch, as well as generous corporate, foundation and private individual donations.

The exhibition runs through  September 30, 2012.

Rick Crocker Memorial "Hero Workout of the Day," - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz

Santa Monica Police Officer’s, SMFD Firefighters and Police Activities League  (P.A.L.) members participate in the Rick Crocker Memorial "Hero Workout of the Day," on Thursday, May 24, 2012.

Rick Crocker was a former SMPD Officer and Marine who was killed seven years ago while serving in Iraq. The "Hero Workout of the Day" is named after those who have given their lives in the line of duty.

The movements in the workout (burpees, sit-ups, rope climbing, and running) were selected by those that had the honor of knowing Rick and felt they were something he would have done himself. But the most important aspect of this Hero WOD is not what is written on paper, it is the sense of community within the City of Santa Monica and joining together with the kids of Santa Monica PAL (Police Activities League) to overcome a difficult task.

Santa  Monica College  Professor Linda Yudin leads her Brazilian dance class at Santa Monica Beach on Wednesday, May 23, 2012. Casa del Mar seen  background.

Seniors participate in a NAAM Yoga class during the Boomers and Beyond action expo at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on Wednesday, May 23, 2012.The Expo helped raise awareness of innovative products and services available to the 50+ population and celbrates Older Americans Month. The expo was presented by WISE & Healthy Aging and the City of Santa Monica.

Dr. Shawn Chaikin checks Spring deHaviland's blood pressure during the Boomers and Beyond action expo at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on Wednesday, May 23, 2012. The Expo helped raise awareness of innovative products and services available to the 50+ population and celbrates Older Americans Month. The expo was presented by WISE & Healthy Aging and the City of Santa Monica.

A shirtless man plays the flute while riding on the carousel at the Santa Monica Pier on Friday, May 11, 2012.

Congratulations to Bob Schlegel and his wife Myrna! They won this giant monkey on the ring toss at Pacific Park on Sunday, May 20, 2012.

Members of Real Rydaz Low Rider Bike Club take  a pit stop at the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, May 12, 2012.