The Nicholas Brothers – Legends of Tap
Fayard (1914–2006) and Harold Nicholas (1921–2000) were African-American tap-dancing brothers, widely regarded by Fred Astaire, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and countless others as the greatest tap dancers of all time — and possibly the greatest dancers period.
Grew up in a musical family in Philadelphia → parents played in vaudeville pit bands.
Completely self-taught: Fayard watched performers from the orchestra pit and taught Harold.
Started professionally as kids (“The Nicholas Kids”) and were headlining the Cotton Club by the early 1930s (Harold was only 11).
Completely self-taught: Fayard watched performers from the orchestra pit and taught Harold.
Started professionally as kids (“The Nicholas Kids”) and were headlining the Cotton Club by the early 1930s (Harold was only 11).
Pioneers of “flash dancing” — lightning-fast tap combined with acrobatic leaps, full splits (landing in splits!), flips, and balletic grace.
Their routines looked almost superhuman and are still considered unmatched in technical perfection and showmanship.
Their routines looked almost superhuman and are still considered unmatched in technical perfection and showmanship.
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Classic high-res shots capturing their energy, precision, and charisma — all fixed for reliable loading.
“Jumpin’ Jive” from the 1943 film Stormy Weather with Cab Calloway.
Frequently called the greatest dance sequence ever filmed. Even today it leaves viewers speechless.
Frequently called the greatest dance sequence ever filmed. Even today it leaves viewers speechless.
The legendary "Jumpin' Jive" routine from Stormy Weather (1943) — filmed in one take, no wires, no CGI. Fred Astaire called it the greatest dance number ever put on film.
Alternative colorized version: Watch here
Appeared in numerous Hollywood films (Stormy Weather, Sun Valley Serenade, Down Argentine Way), Broadway shows, nightclubs worldwide, and performed for royalty.
Overcame severe racial barriers of their era while dazzling audiences everywhere.
Their influence on tap, jazz, and dance in general remains enormous decades later.
Overcame severe racial barriers of their era while dazzling audiences everywhere.
Their influence on tap, jazz, and dance in general remains enormous decades later.