Bobby Burgess - A Life Of Dance And Song
For anyone who grew up watching television in certain eras, the name Bobby Burgess likely brings a smile to their face. He's someone who has been a familiar presence on our screens for many years, a person known for his graceful movements as a dancer and his pleasant voice as a singer. From his early days charming audiences to his long run on a very popular music show, his contributions to entertainment have been quite memorable, you know.
Born Robert Wilkie Burgess, this American performer began his journey in the spotlight quite early. He was, actually, one of the first young talents to join a very special group of children who sang and danced for a well-known production company. Later, he became a regular face on a classic variety program that showcased musical acts and dancing, a show many people still remember fondly, so.
His story is one of consistent dedication to his craft, a commitment that saw him move from being a child performer to a respected figure in the dance world. He has, in a way, continued to share his passion for movement with others, even after his most famous television appearances, really showing how much he loves what he does.
Table of Contents
- Biography - The Story of Bobby Burgess
- How Did Bobby Burgess Get His Start?
- What Made Bobby Burgess a Household Name?
- Bobby Burgess - More Than Just a Performer?
- What Was Bobby Burgess's Role in Early Television?
- The Enduring Charm of Bobby Burgess
- What Are Some Fun Facts About Bobby Burgess?
- The Continued Influence of Bobby Burgess
Biography - The Story of Bobby Burgess
Robert Wilkie Burgess, someone many know simply as Bobby, came into the world on May 19, 1941. His birthplace was Long Beach, California, in the United States. He is, to be honest, quite well-known for his abilities as a dancer and a person who performs songs, and also for playing various parts on screen. His life has, you know, really been intertwined with the world of entertainment from a very early age.
He was, in fact, one of the original group of young performers who were part of a very popular television program produced by a famous animation studio. This show, which first aired in 1954, gave many young talents their first chance to be seen by a wide audience. Later on, he became a regular participant in a different television show that featured musical performances, which aired for many years, so.
His journey in entertainment began when he was just a little boy, showing a natural gift for movement and rhythm. He started learning to dance when he was only four years old, which is pretty amazing when you think about it. This early start really set the stage for his long and active career in performing, honestly, giving him a strong base for everything that followed.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Wilkie Burgess |
| Born | May 19, 1941 |
| Birthplace | Long Beach, California, USA |
| Known For | Dancer, Singer, Actor (The Lawrence Welk Show, The Magical World of Disney) |
| Occupation | Performer, Dance Instructor |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
How Did Bobby Burgess Get His Start?
Bobby Burgess, as we've mentioned, had a rather early introduction to the world of performing. He was, actually, one of the very first children chosen to be part of the original Mouseketeers, a group that became incredibly famous through a television show put together by a well-known animation company. This was, you know, a significant beginning for many young people who went on to have careers in entertainment, and Bobby was right there at the start of it all.
His involvement with that particular show, which aired starting in 1954, really put him in front of a national audience. It gave him a chance to show off his natural abilities in dance and song to countless homes across the country. This early exposure was, in some respects, a stepping stone, preparing him for the many years he would spend performing for the public, so.
It's interesting to think that his passion for movement began when he was just a very small child. He started learning to dance at the tender age of four, which suggests a deep, innate connection to rhythm and expression through movement. This early dedication to his art, basically, laid the groundwork for his later success and his reputation as a skilled performer, really.
What Made Bobby Burgess a Household Name?
While his early appearances certainly made an impression, Bobby Burgess truly became a name recognized by many households because of his long and steady presence on "The Lawrence Welk Show." This television program, which first aired in 1955, was a very popular weekly event for a great number of families, and Bobby became a familiar and cherished face on it, obviously.
He was a consistent performer on that show from 1961 all the way through 1982, which is a very long time to be a part of any television production. During those years, he captivated viewers with his dance routines and also shared his singing talent. He often performed alongside other dancers, creating routines that were a joy to watch, you know, week after week.
His ability to connect with the audience through his performances, along with the show's widespread appeal, helped solidify his place in the hearts of many. He was, in a way, a consistent source of entertainment and a warm presence in living rooms across the country, making him a truly recognized and well-liked personality of his time, really.
Bobby Burgess - More Than Just a Performer?
Beyond his time as a celebrated performer on television, Bobby Burgess has also taken on a significant role as a teacher and guide in the world of dance. He is, in fact, known as the cotillion master of an organization called Burgess Cotillion. This means he helps young people learn proper social graces and dance steps, which is quite a different kind of performance, you know.
He brings the extensive knowledge he has gathered from a lifetime of moving to music to his students. This involves not just teaching steps, but also, in some respects, sharing the joy and discipline that comes with the art of dance. It's clear that his commitment to dance extends far beyond just performing it himself, so.
Furthermore, he is recognized as a certified instructor of dance, and someone who continues to learn and study the art form deeply. He has, apparently, even led sessions that explore the theory behind dance as it applies to the television and film industries for those pursuing higher education. This really shows his dedication to all aspects of dance, basically, not just the performance side.
What Was Bobby Burgess's Role in Early Television?
Bobby Burgess played a significant part in the early days of television entertainment. His appearances on shows like "The Magical World of Disney," which started in 1954, and "The Donna Reed Show" really placed him at the center of how people experienced entertainment in their homes during that period. He was, in a way, a familiar face bringing joy to families, you know.
Being one of the original Mouseketeers meant he was part of a groundbreaking show that captured the imaginations of countless children and adults alike. This particular program, produced by a very famous studio, helped shape what family entertainment looked like for years to come. His presence on it was, obviously, a big deal for the time, really.
His various performances across these different programs meant that he was a consistent and welcome presence for many viewers. He contributed to the cultural fabric of early television, helping to define what it meant to be a performer in that new medium. It's pretty amazing how much he was involved in, considering how young he was when he started, so.
The Enduring Charm of Bobby Burgess
Even after his most prominent television roles concluded, Bobby Burgess remained a cherished figure for many who remembered his performances. His ability to connect with people through his dancing and singing created a lasting impression, a kind of warmth that stayed with audiences. He was, basically, a genuinely liked person on screen, and that feeling continued, you know.
His natural charisma and the joy he seemed to find in performing were, in some respects, infectious. People remembered him not just for his technical skill, but for the pleasantness he brought to their living rooms. This made him someone who was, and still is, thought of with fondness by many who watched him, really.
The fact that he continued to be involved in dance, teaching others and sharing his extensive experience, also speaks to his enduring appeal. It shows a consistent passion for his chosen path, which is something people tend to appreciate. He has, in a way, built a legacy that goes beyond just being a performer, demonstrating a true love for his art, so.
What Are Some Fun Facts About Bobby Burgess?
It's always interesting to learn a few extra tidbits about someone who has been in the public eye for so long, especially someone like Bobby Burgess. For instance, he was considered by many to be a child prodigy, someone who showed incredible talent and skill at a very young age. This really highlights how naturally gifted he was from the beginning, you know.
His birthday is May 19, 1941, which means he shares his birth date with many other interesting individuals. He was born in Long Beach, California, a place that has been home to many creative people. Knowing these little details, actually, helps paint a fuller picture of the person behind the performances, so.
He is, also, quite well-known for his long-standing performances on "The Lawrence Welk Show," where he was a popular dancer from 1961 to 1982. This long tenure on a single program is pretty remarkable in the world of television. It shows, basically, a consistent presence that made him a familiar and welcome sight for generations of viewers, really.
The Continued Influence of Bobby Burgess
Bobby Burgess has not simply faded from the public eye after his television career; he has continued to share his knowledge and passion for dance. As the cotillion master of Burgess Cotillion, he actively teaches and guides young people, passing on the social graces and dance steps that have been a part of his life for so long. This is, you know, a direct way he influences new generations.
His commitment to dance is deep, as he is recognized as a certified teacher of the art form. He is also someone who continues to study dance, showing a true dedication to always learning more. He has, in some respects, even led special sessions focusing on dance theory for those involved in television and film, sharing his insights with aspiring professionals, so.
He brings a lifetime of moving to music to his students, giving them the benefit of his vast experience. This means that his influence extends beyond just entertainment; he helps shape individuals through the discipline and joy of dance. He is, basically, still a very active and important figure in the dance community, really, showing no signs of slowing down.
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