It seems bizarrely appropriate that while I’m currently surrounded by finger waves, sequins, tulle and ballet shoes that the phenomenal Cyd Charisse should pass away. She began her career with the Ballet Russes, a training which would come in handy for working with the likes of Gene Kelly when she found success in Hollywood.

“If I was black and blue,” she said, “it was Gene. And if it was Fred, I didn’t have a scratch.”

Like most people, I was borderline obsessed with her segment from Singing in the Rain and that spectacular green pseudo-flapper dress she wore. Who wouldn’t want legs that long, or a face that sultry and oh such beautiful hair? I also realised I was obsessed -as a child- with a photo that my film-loving Uncle (kudos to him for having given me a life-long obsession with the Hollywood classics!) had, amongst many others, of Charisse and Astaire hanging on his wall.

I have little more to say, because it’s all been said. So I’ll leave you with a few more favourite pictures and mourn the loss of yet another classy, glamorous lady. We have so few left these days……