fbpx

Revering History: The Nicholas Brothers

0 Comment

There will never be enough words to describe The Nicholas Brothers…

Allow me to try my hand in describing Fayard and Harold Nicholas. Two talented tap dancing brothers practically born into the entertainment industry; household names during the Golden Age of Hollywood, performing with the likes of Dorothy Dandridge, Cab Calloway, and Gene Kelly; pioneers of “flash dancing” two of the most acrobatic dancers to ever live; never imitated nor duplicated innovators.

And yet the more I keep asking people, the more I realize that few people recognize their greatness. Well no need to fear. Your friendly neighborhood blogmaster is here!

This is less about giving a retrospective on the brothers and more about providing a resource for the greatest moments in their careers. Quite frankly, their dancing skills and abilities speak for themselves. Even if I made an attempt earlier, nothing I say can/will do them justice. So please enjoy the following clips of their best dance numbers and try not to lose your minds. You’re also encouraged to seek the movies from which the clips are from for more entertainment.

Lucky Number – 1936

Down Argentine Way – 1940

Chattanooga Choo Choo (with Dorothy Dandrige) – 1941

I’ve Got a Gal in Kalamazoo – 1942

Jumpin’ Jive (with Cab Calloway) – 1943

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8yGGtVKrD8&w=560&h=315]

Be A Clown (with Gene Kelly) – 1948

Live performance at Hollywood Palace – 1965

We Sing, We Dance (Documentary) – 1992