The dance was inspired by the excellent Charlie Chaplin film, City Lights. City   Lights   is   a   1931   American   silent   romantic   comedy   film   written,   produced, directed   by,   and   starring   Charlie   Chaplin.   The   story   follows   the   misadventures   of Chaplin's Tramp   as   he   falls   in   love   with   a   blind   girl   (Virginia   Cherrill)   and   develops a turbulent friendship with an alcoholic millionaire (Harry Myers). Filming    started    in    December    1928,    when    sound    films    were    already    being developed,   and   ended   in   September   1930.   City   Lights   marked   the   first   time Chaplin   composed   the   film   score   to   one   of   his   productions   and   it   was   written   in six   weeks   with   Arthur   Johnston.   The   main   theme,   is   the   song   "La   Violetera" ("Who’ll   Buy   my   Violets")   from   Spanish   composer   José   Padilla   and   Chaplin   lost   a lawsuit to Padilla for not crediting him. City   Lights   was   immediately   successful   upon   release   on   January   30,   1931   with positive    reviews    and    box    office    receipts    of    $5    million.    Today,    many    critics consider   it   not   only   the   highest   accomplishment   of   Chaplin's   career,   but   one   of the greatest films of all time.