The elaborate production numbers in Sonja Henie movies inspired modern ice shows and the more arty ice theater also, as well as thousands of girls and boys to take up ice skating. Sonja was first to do this type of show thing. She showed what was possible. The music, costuming, and choreography in Sonja's ice numbers were always captivating, entertaining and innovative. In this number, Sonja does a lot of toe work, dancing on her toes. It's wild. I love it. Toe work was an aspect of show skating that sometimes tripped up amateur skaters at auditions for the chorus line of an ice show, even if they were very well trained as competitors, because few competitive skaters could do all these crazy steps on their toes. It's not that it's terribly difficult, but it is just not something skaters can do without several days of practice. It even takes different muscles to be comfortable up on your toes a lot. The attractive dark mirror finish on the ice was done with water mixed with black dye. With a coating of black dye water on the surface, no marks are left on the ice but you can see Sonja's blade making a little wake in the water. Indoor ice (like this) can be very smooth but it is milky, not clear. I grew up skating outdoors and there was only one time weather conditions were such that the ice froze on the swamp like glass. It was crystal clear and dark underneath because the bottom of the swamp was mud. I was so excited about it, but quickly let down when I found I could barely push off a blade to skate. I had no edge or grip. I could skid freely sideways. As a kid I had NEVER had my skates sharpened, and usually kind of skated down the icy side of the road to the swamp in my skates, and often stepping on hard pavement. Dull skates didn't matter much when you are used to rough ice, snowy ice, or chewed up ice, and not doing any axel jumps. Instead of the hand-me-down skates I used when I was little, I saved up some money when I was about 14 and paid $30 for a pair of Hyde skates at a sports store. This was in the 1960s. My father told practically everyone of our many relatives that I spent $30 on skates. A seasonal rink opened up in our area but I went there only a few times because it was kind of far away, but I got my skates sharpened there once. Not too many years later, I had custom skates made when I was in Europe and they were over $200 and my father told no one. Such extravagance was embarrassing and unbelievable. And then I had a few years of lessons and skated off with Holiday on Ice. The line captain in the show who taught me the choreography was a former Norwegian national men's champion. I asked him about Sonja, but I probably knew more about her than he did since I saw all her movies on late night TV several times, when they'd have Sonja Henie week. I also read a biography of her. Many people can't get over Sonja's style, the free leg often in the attitude position, and a certain coquettish manner that can look dated or kind of silly at times, along with her not doing any double jumps. But there is a power in her skating, and incredible conviction and performance ability. She was charismatic and knew how to "sell it." Her spins were excellent, as fast a sit spin as many competitors do today, and a good cross-foot spin. My favorite skater today is Alena Kostornaia. But there will always be only one Sonja Henie, and her achievements and contribution to the sport will probably never be equaled.
she was my favorite also,Sonja Henie had her own particular style of skating and she ws so smooth. even today there will never be another Sonja Henie. if your listening Sonja thank you for sharing your god given talent with all of us.it was a pleasure watching you perform. it's for sure you will never be forgotten.
Wow! This is awesome! Sonja was just beautiful and what is more, an amazing skater! Of course, things have changed, like every sport it has developed since, but that doeesn't make this any less impressive. Thanks for uploading this! Makes me proud to be a Norwegian =)
HER TALENT WAS ABSOLUTELY UNREAl!!! I'm 80, saw a lot of ice shows. . .and did a lot of dancing on & off skates!!! At least I WAS a professional dancer over 20 years, 55 perfor-mances all over ST. LOUIS!
Someone asked on here how they accomplished the "Black Ice". Sonja actually developed the formula herself ~ a deeply kept secret by her. Many people have tried to duplicate it and failed, even today. It had nothing to do with lighting. There have been many who tried with layering black paint ~ however, all they got for all their troubles was black spots on their skates, legs and costumes. Sonja took her beautiful "Black Ice" with her when she passed away so long ago. ❄
My family (emmigrated from Jevnaker, Norway) adored and idolized her. She was quite the hero to us. We loved it when her films aired on 'Million Dollar Movie'. She was so adorable.
Thanks so much! Sometimes, simple and elegant leave complicated and over-done in the dark. Her fluid movement just seemed right for the times, and she actually seemed to be enjoying herself!
Delighted you like this! You're the 1st person to comment, and I'm very grateful. This was Sonja's only technicolor film, and deserved more recognition. Granted, she's not doing what the skaters do today, the triple-this, and that, but given her prowess she'd easily have adapted today. Just glad to have seen her, and thanks againg for your kind remarks!
Hi M! Funny you mentioned about the color part! This was her 1 and only color movie! She later had TV specials, etc. in color but, no other films that I'm aware of. This entire clip is a delight, but her kiss goodbye at the end is really lovely! Thanks for writing!
OMG....I just love this!....I don't think I have ever seen Sonja Henie in color before....just marvelous....What movie is this clip from?....I notice you have posted some others of her in color also....I'm going to check them out pronto....thank you for uploading them, John....
Indeed she was, and we're the recipients of her beauty, talent and incredible performances! I'm so grateful to hear from you. Thanks so much for your comment!
of course she is not dong as much as skaters today, but what people dont look back on is the style then. people liked the gracefulness not tons of triples. I think she is just beautiful on ice
@grapevinelane You're very welcome! This is the only color movie Sonja was in! There were probably some later TV specials in color, but this was her 1st and last color film. A shame.
Hi Guapo! It's wonderful to hear from you, and your explanation has taught me something! Will you be in charge of finding HELLO LONDON 1958 for us? However it works out, I'm honored to be in your corner! Your knowledge of the unforgettable Sonja is becoming legendary! As always, my best wishes to you!
Hi KarinPluss! Growing up where I did, (New York,) many of my friends were Norwegian! Though 40-50 years have passed, we're still in touch. Sonja was just superb, and this number is a tribute to her capabilities. I'm grateful for your comment!
it stands to reason Fox would eventually combine ice skating and samba (Sonja and Carmen in one so to speak)--their two big box office draws. does anyone know how the studio accomplished that black ice look??
Goeden morgen , die 12345678910 had ik niet neergezet gisteren ,doch wel leuk DITTE >Wat een donkeren pet dag is het hier ,van mij mag de zomer komen hoor
ja dat klopt ,als je het zo noemt ,maar ze kwamen niet ,die schaapjes wakker ,wakker wakker ,dat gebeurt ook wel eens,en ik moet weg ,maar weer morgen ha hA DITTE
@grapevinelane Thanks so much for this, and your other comments! Sonja was so talented, and very petite! She led a fascinating life, the Olympics, Hollywood, and so on. Grateful to hear from you, and "Go Norway!"
Of course she is elegant and her skating beautiful, but I always find it weirdly interesting in these old movies when they mix incongruous things like tropics, parrots and ice dancing...
Prancing around on one's toe-picks is NOT skating. Henie's repertoire of skating tricks was quite limited, and she repeated the same couple of moves in every film.
The elaborate production numbers in Sonja Henie movies inspired modern ice shows and the more arty ice theater also, as well as thousands of girls and boys to take up ice skating. Sonja was first to do this type of show thing. She showed what was possible. The music, costuming, and choreography in Sonja's ice numbers were always captivating, entertaining and innovative. In this number, Sonja does a lot of toe work, dancing on her toes. It's wild. I love it.
Toe work was an aspect of show skating that sometimes tripped up amateur skaters at auditions for the chorus line of an ice show, even if they were very well trained as competitors, because few competitive skaters could do all these crazy steps on their toes. It's not that it's terribly difficult, but it is just not something skaters can do without several days of practice. It even takes different muscles to be comfortable up on your toes a lot.
The attractive dark mirror finish on the ice was done with water mixed with black dye. With a coating of black dye water on the surface, no marks are left on the ice but you can see Sonja's blade making a little wake in the water.
Indoor ice (like this) can be very smooth but it is milky, not clear. I grew up skating outdoors and there was only one time weather conditions were such that the ice froze on the swamp like glass. It was crystal clear and dark underneath because the bottom of the swamp was mud. I was so excited about it, but quickly let down when I found I could barely push off a blade to skate. I had no edge or grip. I could skid freely sideways.
As a kid I had NEVER had my skates sharpened, and usually kind of skated down the icy side of the road to the swamp in my skates, and often stepping on hard pavement. Dull skates didn't matter much when you are used to rough ice, snowy ice, or chewed up ice, and not doing any axel jumps.
Instead of the hand-me-down skates I used when I was little, I saved up some money when I was about 14 and paid $30 for a pair of Hyde skates at a sports store. This was in the 1960s. My father told practically everyone of our many relatives that I spent $30 on skates. A seasonal rink opened up in our area but I went there only a few times because it was kind of far away, but I got my skates sharpened there once.
Not too many years later, I had custom skates made when I was in Europe and they were over $200 and my father told no one. Such extravagance was embarrassing and unbelievable. And then I had a few years of lessons and skated off with Holiday on Ice.
The line captain in the show who taught me the choreography was a former Norwegian national men's champion. I asked him about Sonja, but I probably knew more about her than he did since I saw all her movies on late night TV several times, when they'd have Sonja Henie week. I also read a biography of her.
Many people can't get over Sonja's style, the free leg often in the attitude position, and a certain coquettish manner that can look dated or kind of silly at times, along with her not doing any double jumps. But there is a power in her skating, and incredible conviction and performance ability. She was charismatic and knew how to "sell it." Her spins were excellent, as fast a sit spin as many competitors do today, and a good cross-foot spin.
My favorite skater today is Alena Kostornaia. But there will always be only one Sonja Henie, and her achievements and contribution to the sport will probably never be equaled.
she was my favorite also,Sonja Henie had her own particular style of skating and she ws so smooth. even today there will never be another Sonja Henie. if your listening Sonja thank you for sharing your god given talent with all of us.it was a pleasure watching you perform. it's for sure you will never be forgotten.
Wow! This is awesome! Sonja was just beautiful and what is more, an amazing skater! Of course, things have changed, like every sport it has developed since, but that doeesn't make this any less impressive. Thanks for uploading this! Makes me proud to be a Norwegian =)
I adored Sonia has a child saw her films many times a legend thanks for posting this straight to favs.
HER TALENT WAS ABSOLUTELY UNREAl!!! I'm 80, saw a lot of ice shows. . .and did a lot of dancing on & off skates!!! At least I WAS a professional dancer over 20 years, 55 perfor-mances all over ST. LOUIS!
Someone asked on here how they accomplished the "Black Ice". Sonja actually developed the formula herself ~ a deeply kept secret by her. Many people have tried to duplicate it and failed, even today. It had nothing to do with lighting. There have been many who tried with layering black paint ~ however, all they got for all their troubles was black spots on their skates, legs and costumes. Sonja took her beautiful "Black Ice" with her when she passed away so long ago. ❄
Thanks for the warning! I was thinking of trying it myself.
My family (emmigrated from Jevnaker, Norway) adored and idolized her. She was quite the hero to us. We loved it when her films aired on 'Million Dollar Movie'. She was so adorable.
Thanks so much! Sometimes, simple and elegant leave complicated and over-done in the dark. Her fluid movement just seemed right for the times, and she actually seemed to be enjoying herself!
Delighted you like this! You're the 1st person to comment, and I'm very grateful. This was Sonja's only technicolor film, and deserved more recognition. Granted, she's not doing what the skaters do today, the triple-this, and that, but given her prowess she'd easily have adapted today. Just glad to have seen her, and thanks againg for your kind remarks!
La esencia pura de la belleza y la gracia. Esta mujer será recordada eternamente.
Hi M! Funny you mentioned about the color part! This was her 1 and only color movie! She later had TV specials, etc. in color but, no other films that I'm aware of. This entire clip is a delight, but her kiss goodbye at the end is really lovely! Thanks for writing!
I love Sonja and I always have. The flooded ice is great.
Гений льда!!!Так и никто до сих пор не умеет!!!!Где же наши великие????💪💪💪
She had a beautiful sit spin.
OMG....I just love this!....I don't think I have ever seen Sonja Henie in color before....just marvelous....What movie is this clip from?....I notice you have posted some others of her in color also....I'm going to check them out pronto....thank you for uploading them, John....
SHE WAS PURE MAGIC
Indeed she was, and we're the recipients of her beauty, talent and incredible performances! I'm so grateful to hear from you. Thanks so much for your comment!
of course she is not dong as much as skaters today, but what people dont look back on is the style then. people liked the gracefulness not tons of triples. I think she is just beautiful on ice
@grapevinelane You're very welcome! This is the only color movie Sonja was in! There were probably some later TV specials in color, but this was her 1st and last color film. A shame.
Hi Guapo! It's wonderful to hear from you, and your explanation has taught me something! Will you be in charge of finding HELLO LONDON 1958 for us? However it works out, I'm honored to be in your corner! Your knowledge of the unforgettable Sonja is becoming legendary! As always, my best wishes to you!
My goodness that crossfoot spin at the end was unreal. This woman is a legend
Hi KarinPluss! Growing up where I did, (New York,) many of my friends were Norwegian! Though 40-50 years have passed, we're still in touch. Sonja was just superb, and this number is a tribute to her capabilities. I'm grateful for your comment!
@KarinPluss sonia makes everyone proud especially in Norway what a classy lady a truely original film star BRAVO.
@barkingtree88 Not to mention her beautiful smile at the end! Happy to hear from you!
That is some corkscew at the end!!
Se was my favorite skater!
@KIZERVONZINGER Mine too! Thanks so much for your message! Wonderful to hear from you, and will relay more to you.
That’s not Sonja Henie. But who ever she is... she’s Amazing.
it stands to reason Fox would eventually combine ice skating and samba (Sonja and Carmen in one so to speak)--their two big box office draws. does anyone know how the studio accomplished that black ice look??
A thin sheet of water on the ice. It looks dark because it angles the reflection into the rafters where there was no lighting.
Feliz navidad Mr. Nome De Plume.
12345678910 wie niet weg is wordt gezien
Alida van Maanenberg
Dat had je gisteravond toch al gedaan Alida? 🐑
Goeden morgen , die 12345678910 had ik niet neergezet gisteren ,doch wel leuk DITTE >Wat een donkeren pet dag is het hier ,van mij mag de zomer komen hoor
Alida van Maanenberg
Nee dat waren toch de schaapjes die je ging tellen 🐑?
ja dat klopt ,als je het zo noemt ,maar ze kwamen niet ,die schaapjes wakker ,wakker wakker ,dat gebeurt ook wel eens,en ik moet weg ,maar weer morgen ha hA DITTE
I'd like to see any of the current crop of ladies skating robots trying any of Sonja's dance moves on ice. They couldn't do it.
@grapevinelane Thanks so much for this, and your other comments! Sonja was so talented, and very petite! She led a fascinating life, the Olympics, Hollywood, and so on. Grateful to hear from you, and "Go Norway!"
Of course she is elegant and her skating beautiful, but I always find it weirdly interesting in these old movies when they mix incongruous things like tropics, parrots and ice dancing...
I GOT A CRUSH ON YOU
SWEETY PIE 😍
What movie is this from?
👍👍👍👍👍💥🎶💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥
Was this a Busby Iceberkley production?
HI! I posted this and I apologize. I looked all over and can't find the name of the choreographer. Will continue the search!
Good one.
Prancing around on one's toe-picks is NOT skating. Henie's repertoire of skating tricks was quite limited, and she repeated the same couple of moves in every film.
Undoubtedly a talented skater but her childish style had none of the sophisticated balletic grace of Belita.
She had a childish style with none of he balletic grace of Belita