Transcription: Upshaw: A self-made star
By Ed Cravens / IDS Staff Writer
Fifteen years ago Victor Upshaw was a 13-year old living near Watts in Los Angeles, where much of his time was spent hanging around Hollywood with a group of friends—waiting to be discovered.
Later that same year, Upshaw found himself a sudden object of attention in his local ballet class.
“They came in one day,” he said, “and asked me if I could do a flip. I had never done one in my life; but I said yes, did it, and found myself with a small part in the Judy Garland movie “A Star is Born.”
Perhaps the title was symbolic; for on that afternoon Victor Upshaw got his first taste of show business. Years later it was that taste that sent him toward Paris and fame in place of school teaching and piano at home in L.A.
At 8 tonight in the I.U. Auditorium, a Hoosier ballet audience will get the opportunity to see one small facet of Upshaw’s multi-talented career. He will be dancing solo for the 1.U. Ballet in the world premiere of “Jazz Concerto,’’ choreographed by Upshaw especially for “An Evening of Ballet.”
Movie premieres
Yet, as Upshaw is darting across the stage in expressive interpretation, another important first for him will be making its debut in Paris, his home for the last l0 years.
“I’m really excited,” Upshaw smiles, “It will be the first showing of ‘Le Voyou’ -that’s ‘The Hoodlum’ -in France. I have been making the film with the help of Claude Lelouche, producer of’ A Man and a Woman.’
When he went to Paris in 1960, Victor was a dancer with the world famous Bluebell Girls. But after a year as a show partner, he was asked to stay as the lead dancer and choreographer. “I hated Paris,” he said grimly, “I lived in a motel, worked late every night, and wasn’t especially liked by the other dancers.”
Talent proven
It didn’t take Upshaw long to prove his talent, though, and offers began to roll in. He re-created the Gaumont Palace in the image of New York’s Radio City Music Hall; established the Vic Upshaw Six which has since grown into a 59-person dance group, and appeared on television in a show about Fred Astaire.
He has done six shows for Paris, Hollywood, and Las Vegas, and is tabbed to do a musical production next year under the production of LeLouche.
Through it all, Victor Upshaw has maintained his basic individuality. “My personal style is one of classical, jazz, and primitive,” he comments, “By primitive I mean Afro style. I do what I want and dance what I want. I guess that’s easy when you have a choice and don’t have to work for money.
Few other interests
Outside of his stage activities, Upshaw has little interests. He has cut two record albums, two in French, but freely admits, “I don’t enjoy or have time for other interests.”
“I couldn’t go without dancing,” he continues, “Or for that matter. Without choreographing either. I love the stage and the people.
Timid person
“You know, it may be hard to believe but I’m a timid person. I don’t like to show off. But I also know that I’m a very aggressive person. I want to do well. When I first went to Paris, I told myself I was going to go and outdance everyone else.”
Upshaw is not afraid to talk about his success and accomplishments. “I had the opportunity when I was young,” he said, “and I made the most of it. Any Negro or other person could do the same if they really wanted. Everyone gets a chance at something sooner or later; but if you miss it, you rarely get a second.
“Success is merely a matter of publicity. When you talk about Nureyev being the greatest dancer, it’s only because he defected and was noticed. He is certainly one of the best, but others are great but in the background.
“I just know that if you work for what you get, you earn it. If you let someone give it to you, they take it away pretty soon. I earned all I have.”
When the Hoosier ballet students had left their practice Wednesday, Victor Upshaw turned on the record players and began to practice his solo for “Jazz Concerto.” He’d had little time in his two short weeks of choreographing the ballet. Now he must work, for Friday would bring the performance. ANd you only get the recognition you earn.
