Ann Miller Sez: Let's Get Patriotic on This 4th of July!

Happy Fourth of July, Comrades!

Today we celebrate our independence with acts of patriotism, be it lighting off fire crackers, grilling foodstuffs, singing some nationalistic tunes, going to an outdoor concert sponsored by the city, or heading to the beach. And, of course, FIREWORKS.

So long as we're saluting America this week, I'd like to take a minute to salute American Ann Miller, the woman of 10,000 taps. Ann Miller loved four things: tapping, singing, smiling and AMERICA.  And probably saying things like "Tinsel Town" and "That's showbiz, kid!".

I invite you to view the photos, most certainly, but also to watch the two clips below, both pretty great war-time patriotic numbers and feature Miller's amazing footwork and, uh, the things between her feet and hips.

If I thought this was what it looked like to have a factory, I'd be a titan of heavy industry and manufacturing:

So as we brace ourselves for Independence Day, let's hope we can all get as excited about America as the lovely Ms. Ann Miller, who was never afraid to be show some leg for Mom, Baseball and Apple Pie.