Cyd Charisse’s Iconic Physique: Unpacking The Weight, Height, And Measurements Of Hollywood’s Silken Dancer

The legendary Cyd Charisse remains one of the most iconic figures of Hollywood's Golden Age, a dancer whose elegance and striking screen presence set her apart. While her dazzling performances in films like Singin' in the Rain and The Band Wagon are timeless, a persistent curiosity revolves around the physical attributes that made her such a magnetic force on screen: her exact weight, height, and body measurements. As of this December 2025 analysis, we dive deep into the verified statistics that shaped the career of the woman Fred Astaire called "beautiful dynamite," exploring how her dancer's physique was perfectly calibrated for cinematic greatness.

The fascination with Cyd Charisse’s body stats is not merely about numbers; it’s about understanding the disciplined athleticism required to partner with dance titans Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. Her height and lean, powerful frame were integral to her on-screen persona, allowing her to transition seamlessly from classical ballet to the sultry, dramatic jazz sequences that became her signature. This detailed breakdown reveals the figures behind the "Silken Dancer" and the profound impact they had on her enduring legacy in musical cinema.

Cyd Charisse: Full Biography and Physical Profile

Cyd Charisse, born Tula Ellice Finklea, embodied the pinnacle of Hollywood glamour and disciplined artistry. Her life story is a testament to perseverance, overcoming a childhood illness to become one of the greatest dancers in film history. The following profile provides a complete overview of her life and the key statistics that defined her career.

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• Full Name: Tula Ellice Finklea
• Date of Birth: March 8, 1922
• Place of Birth: Amarillo, Texas, U.S.
• Date of Death: April 17, 2008 (Aged 86)
• Spouses: Nico Charisse (m. 1939; div. 1947), Tony Martin (m. 1948; died 2008)
• Children: 2 (Nico "Nicky" Charisse, Tony Martin Jr.)
• Occupation: Dancer, Actress
• Known For: Musical films of the 1940s and 1950s, particularly her lead dance roles at MGM.
• Height (Peak Career): Approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
• Weight (Peak Career): Approximately 115 lbs (52 kg)
• Body Measurements (Peak Career): Often cited as 35-22-37 inches (Chest-Waist-Hips)
• Hair Color: Dark Brown/Black
• Eye Color: Brown
• Training: Classically trained in Russian ballet, studying with Adolph Bolm and Bronislava Nijinska.

The Exact Numbers: Cyd Charisse’s Height and Weight in Context

The physical statistics of a professional dancer, especially one who reached the heights of MGM's musical productions, are never arbitrary; they are the result of rigorous training and a specific aesthetic ideal. Cyd Charisse’s height and weight were perfectly suited for her demanding roles, particularly when partnering with two of the most different male dancers in history: Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.

Height: The 5’6” Advantage

Cyd Charisse’s height is most reliably cited by MGM studio biographies as 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm). While some sources suggest she was slightly taller, around 5' 7½", the 5'6" figure is the most commonly accepted number during her cinematic peak. This height was a significant advantage.

• Partnering Gene Kelly: Kelly, who was also around 5'10", often chose partners who could match his athletic, grounded style. Charisse's height allowed her to appear dynamic and powerful, especially in the dramatic "Broadway Melody Ballet" sequence in Singin' in the Rain (1952) and the noir-inspired "Girl Hunt Ballet" from The Band Wagon (1953). Her long legs, often described as "registered as deadly weapons," were visually stunning and proportionate to Kelly's frame, making their lifts and leaps look effortless.
• Partnering Fred Astaire: Astaire, who was 5'9", famously preferred slightly shorter partners, but he made an exception for Charisse. Her grace and ability to perform complex ballroom and tap routines in films like Silk Stockings (1957) demonstrated that her height did not compromise her elegance. Astaire himself claimed that she was his favorite partner, stating, "When you’ve danced with Cyd Charisse, you’ve been danced with."

Weight: The Ballet Dancer’s Discipline (115 lbs)

Her weight, consistently listed as 115 pounds (52 kg) by MGM, reflects the extreme discipline of a classically trained ballet dancer. This weight, combined with her height, gave her a sleek, lean physique that was ideal for the camera. The 115 lbs figure is a testament to the low body fat and high muscle density required for the demanding choreography of the 1950s musicals.

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This lean body composition was crucial for her most famous sequences. The "Girl Hunt Ballet," for example, required her to embody a sultry, dangerous femme fatale. Her defined, powerful lines—a direct result of her rigorous training and maintenance of a dancer’s weight—lent a dramatic intensity to the performance that a less athletic body could not have achieved. Her control and strength, often hidden beneath a veneer of silken glamour, were the true secrets to her cinematic impact.

The Measurements That Defined the ‘Silken Dancer’ Persona

Beyond the simple weight and height, Cyd Charisse’s full body measurements—often cited as 35-22-37—created the hourglass figure that became synonymous with her glamour. Her tiny 22-inch waist, in particular, was a signature feature of Old Hollywood beauty standards and a practical asset for a dancer.

• The 22-Inch Waist: A small waist in a dancer is a sign of incredible core strength and control. This measurement allowed her to execute turns, balances, and intricate partner work with precision and a visually stunning line. The contrast between her defined waist and her famously long legs (the result of overcoming childhood polio) amplified her dramatic presence on screen.
• The Legs as a Trademark: While not a 'measurement' in the traditional sense, the length and shape of her legs were perhaps her most famous physical attribute. Charisse's legs were insured for a staggering $5 million, a testament to their value as a cinematic asset. Their length made her a formidable partner for both Astaire and Kelly, as they could carry the visual weight of the complex choreography in long shots.
• The Ballet Foundation: Charisse’s early training in classical ballet provided the foundation for her enduring physique. Ballet demands a specific kind of strength—long, lean, and flexible—which she maintained throughout her career, allowing her to transition from the pure classicism of the "Broadway Melody Ballet" to the sophisticated, jazzy movements of *The Band Wagon*'s "Girl Hunt Ballet." This versatility cemented her status as the most technically proficient female dancer of the era.

Cyd Charisse’s Legacy: More Than Just Body Stats

The fascination with Cyd Charisse’s physical statistics is ultimately a gateway to appreciating her artistic legacy. Her height, weight, and measurements were the tools of her trade, enabling her to execute the demanding choreography of the 1950s musical golden age. She was more than just a beautiful woman; she was a powerful athlete who brought a rare blend of sensuality and technical brilliance to every role.

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Her work in *Brigadoon* (1954) and *It's Always Fair Weather* further showcased her range, proving that she could handle everything from Scottish folk dance to modern jazz. The precision of her movements, the powerful extension of her legs, and her ability to hold a dramatic pose were all direct results of the disciplined physique she maintained. In an era of glamorous stars, Cyd Charisse stood out not just for her looks, but for the sheer, undeniable power and grace she commanded on the dance floor, forever earning her the title of Hollywood's "Silken Dancer."