Top 10 Tap Dancers of All Time

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  • Опубліковано 29 чер 2018
  • My top 10 video on the greatest tap dancers of all time.
    ✅WATCH the female dancers • Top 10 Female Tap Danc...
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,6 тис.

  • @2dasimmons
    @2dasimmons 5 років тому +251

    I remember when Astaire praised The Nicholas Brothers and talked about how Bojangles(Bill Robinson from Shirley Temple movies) would show him steps/moves. RIP Fred Astaire, Bill Robinson Nicholas Brothers, et al.

    • @usrawesome
      @usrawesome 5 років тому +23

      yeah, what about Shirley Temple .. keeping up with them Adults .. she was an amazing little girl

    • @neetrab
      @neetrab 5 років тому +12

      @@usrawesome thank you!! That's what I'm saying. She should be on the list!

    • @carameldiva5131
      @carameldiva5131 5 років тому +6

      Thank you for this comment

    • @amazinggrace9073
      @amazinggrace9073 4 роки тому

      usrawesome definitely not

    • @samuellrodd1214
      @samuellrodd1214 3 роки тому +7

      Have you see the video of when he first met the Nicholas brothers and them doing the time step outside MGM studios when Astaire was making Top hat. It’s really sweet and awesome.

  • @willruha3983
    @willruha3983 5 років тому +111

    Gregory Hines said of the Nicholas Brothers, "If they now made a movie about the Nicholas Brothers, they would have to use computer animation, because no one today can do what they did." And he was right. Fayard and Harold perfected dance steps that have never been duplicated. Their self-choreographed, one-take dance finale , "Jumpin' Jive" in the film "Stormy Weather" is a tour-de-force of physically impossible moves manifested before the astonished eyes of an awe-struck audience. Phenomenal.

    • @dee_dee_place
      @dee_dee_place Рік тому +3

      The Nicholas Brothers were as smooth as smooth can get.
      Fayard was interviewed & he said that contrary to popular belief, "Jumpin' Jive" was not filmed in one take & it was choreographed.

    • @scallaghan2118
      @scallaghan2118 Рік тому +3

      Thanks, Will Ruha. What a great synopsis of their dancing. Watching them never fails to amaze me! Thanks so much to those who on UA-cam have allowed us down the road to watch their amazing dancing and acrobatic skills!

    • @danawinsor1380
      @danawinsor1380 5 місяців тому +3

      The "Jumpin' Jive" number was not all filmed in one take. The "one take" idea came from a misquote. The sequence where they jump over each other's heads and land in splits was unrehearsed and done in one take, and later someone mistakenly wrote that the entire number was unrehearsed and done in one take.
      Regardless of how many "takes" it took to film that scene, what does it matter? It's still one of the most if not the most amazing and wonderful dance scenes in all of cinema. I have watched it over and over again and it still blows my mind. Furthermore, the Nicholas Brothers are about so much more than technique. They had great spirit and style and were nothing but class.

    • @CarlNipmuc
      @CarlNipmuc 2 місяці тому

      @@danawinsor1380I agree totally. I first saw the Stormy Weather routine decades ago and I was blown away by it then and I keep going back to it to be blown away again and again. Such beautiful expressions

    • @elrico1989
      @elrico1989 22 дні тому

      The Nicholas Brothers’ Stormy Weather dance finale is nothing short of breathtaking, amazing and awe inspiring. Can never be duplicated, ever! And let’s give kudos to an extremely talented Cab Calloway and his Cotton Club Orchestra which put the beautiful music to this Great Dance routine. I can’t stop watching the video. Extremely talented, Extremely Classy!!!

  • @ndnaf3705
    @ndnaf3705 5 років тому +467

    Tap dance is a dying art. It needs to be more out there!

    • @kurtb8474
      @kurtb8474 5 років тому +10

      I shoot video of many recitals of dance studios. They still learn tap and they learn it well. My only problem is they choose the wrong music, Most will do a tap dance routine to slow numbers without any rhythm.

    • @1diggitech
      @1diggitech 5 років тому +4

      Your right,especially as athletic and creative young people are today.

    • @traceyscott909
      @traceyscott909 4 роки тому +6

      You're right, just like Jazz.

    • @jimtaylor993
      @jimtaylor993 4 роки тому +7

      No...it is in transition, once again. Limited by bad floors and trying how too find a way to mix movement with rhythm in a way that the general public enjoys it again. But it isn't dead and this generation needs to use more of their energy, creativity and love of tap, to make sure it survives and blossoms!

    • @kaiscanlan3746
      @kaiscanlan3746 4 роки тому +6

      it’s not dead trust me...

  • @TheSharron
    @TheSharron 4 роки тому +84

    Does anyone else notice that the Nicholas Brothers look like they are tapping on ice?The way they slide and glide across the floor,is absolutely breathtaking.
    I know every one of the performers in this video would give them 1st place,too.And wanted to thank you for the Gregory Hines clip.It broke my heart when he passed.
    Gone but thanks to film...none of them are forgotten!

    • @randywatson4341
      @randywatson4341 2 роки тому +7

      That Routine Were they're Jumping Over each other on the Stairs an they said they didn't Rehearse that at all it was all Natural Shame on Hollywood for not Giving them their just do!

  • @jamesdimasi5050
    @jamesdimasi5050 5 років тому +127

    Donald O'Connor should definitely be on the list. Watch "Singing in the Rain" again and you will note that Donald not only keeps up with Gene but actually surpasses him in the brilliant "fit as a fiddle" routine.

    • @leahbackman7669
      @leahbackman7669 4 роки тому +7

      And in the dance scene where they are dancing to vowels sounds! He's stupendous!

    • @acalia_sariah
      @acalia_sariah 2 роки тому +10

      Not only "Singin' in the Rain". He's incredible in that movie, but also in "Call Me Madam". In that film, he tap dances and, towards the end, pops balloons with each dance step. In "I Love Melvin" he dances on roller skates. Gene Kelly had done the same thing, but, although I love Gene, I would dare say Donald surpassed him in that category. Donald O'Connor definitely should've been on this list. Given that fact that he was in "Singin' in the Rain" with someone as well known and talented as Gene Kelly, I feel that he's often overlooked. He was WAY more talented than people give him credit for.

    • @lenhummel5766
      @lenhummel5766 2 роки тому +10

      @@acalia_sariah Yes. I have to put Donald's talent in the same category of Gene and Fred. He was a tremendous talent.

    • @poetcomic1
      @poetcomic1 Рік тому

      Try this on for size? It will have you grinning from ear to ear. "Where Did You Learn to Dance'
      from I Love Melvin .ua-cam.com/video/_bfZs1AGCRQ/v-deo.html

    • @pelicanus11
      @pelicanus11 Рік тому +10

      Donald Oconnor remains one of the best

  • @denisewest3858
    @denisewest3858 5 років тому +360

    The Nicholas Brothers......Wow. Truly Amazing.

    • @BuckyBrown-lt4ry
      @BuckyBrown-lt4ry 5 років тому +5

      Yes, I agree. Amazing - for what they did. In that one category they were the best.

    • @grandcatsmama3421
      @grandcatsmama3421 5 років тому +2

      I remember all of these dancers from watching all of the musicals when I was a child. They forgot to show Shirley Temple dancing. If you gave her a routine, she could do it in one take! Yes, I know she wasn't a tap dancer, but she was a great child actress.

    • @grandcatsmama3421
      @grandcatsmama3421 5 років тому +10

      They could fly before Michael Jordan!

    • @1946mc
      @1946mc 4 роки тому +1

      Lucky Number..........

    • @BuckyBrown-lt4ry
      @BuckyBrown-lt4ry 4 роки тому

      @@grandcatsmama3421 And they did not like little boys!

  • @TheMoonchild1969
    @TheMoonchild1969 3 роки тому +35

    The Nicholas Brothers mastering of tap dancing, put this art form to a level, that is almost a human impossibility.✌🌹

  • @stefanedgecombe8628
    @stefanedgecombe8628 4 роки тому +5

    WOW!!!!!!!!!! The Nicholas Brothers, their moves were so clean and refined they had no weaknesses. Beautiful to watch.

  • @patriciasimpson866
    @patriciasimpson866 5 років тому +20

    I never tire of watchng the Nicholas Brothers.

  • @pluevo8277
    @pluevo8277 5 років тому +240

    Underappreciated art form

  • @nobodyaskedbut
    @nobodyaskedbut 5 років тому +58

    Eleanor is the greatest. The elements of gymnastics and ballet she includes is what separates her from all the others. Factor in her beauty and effortless grace and you have the perfect performer. She made everything look easy.

    • @pamelajohnson866
      @pamelajohnson866 5 років тому +4

      nobodyaskedbut The brothers used more elements of gymnastics and ballet. Smooth as oil working the flour as if dancing on ice with class and style. They are the greatest!

    • @eleanorpowellborntodance
      @eleanorpowellborntodance 6 місяців тому +1

      @@pamelajohnson866 The brothers never had any ballet training, which is surprising, given their graceful movements - especially their arms and hands. Fayard was a natural and taught his little brother everything. Fayard also recognized Eleanor's great talent and said that he considered her not only the best tap dancer, but the best dancer - period. I'm happy to report that there is a new biography of the Nicholas Brothers in the works!

  • @PartyUpLive
    @PartyUpLive 4 роки тому +26

    When I was a kid I saw Gregory Hines on TV and I use to want to be a tap dancer. I remember begging my mother to get me a pair of dress shoes from Kmart and I would practice in the kitchen and then when that became a issue, I would go on the back porch and on the concrete in the back yard.
    R.I.P. Gregory Hines 1946 - 2003.

  • @jessied44
    @jessied44 5 років тому +12

    Loved the Sammy Davis, Jr. ranking. Singing, acting, drumming, dancing ... He was the ultimate entertainer.

    • @RedBud315
      @RedBud315 Рік тому +1

      When they got to #3 I was worried Sammy wasn't going to be on the list. All of them are great but, Sammy probably did it longer than anyone since his career lasted 60 years. However, I am biased being related to the Mastin family.

    • @rmcfete
      @rmcfete 2 місяці тому

      It wasn’t about entertainer it was about dancers EP should have been second

  • @dennisradford7330
    @dennisradford7330 5 років тому +163

    Couldn’t agree more about #1. The Nicolas Brothers are the greatest.

  • @MrHammer102
    @MrHammer102 4 роки тому +4

    That was a great list! The Nicholas Brother should be at the top of any list of anyone that knows and understand tap.

  • @barbarathomas5530
    @barbarathomas5530 4 роки тому +124

    I'm very surprised Ann Miller did not make the list. She was an excellent tap dancer.

    • @dianekennedy7086
      @dianekennedy7086 4 роки тому +8

      I think if the list was expanded to the top 15, Ann would have made it - she was agreeably a good dancer. They could have also thrown in James Cagney and Shirley Temple, even though she was a child at the height of her career. FYI - Diane.

    • @hongkongnananewterritories1513
      @hongkongnananewterritories1513 4 роки тому +3

      Ann Miller DID make the list, she is at time: 2:07, right after Eleanor Powell. It was when she was younger.

    • @laurenceelisha689
      @laurenceelisha689 3 роки тому +1

      hongkongnana Newterritories / thank you for clearing that up. I didn’t recognize her and some artists names didn’t appear. I think a machine gun tap middle of her time at MGM would have been a better clip choice.

    • @JadenB-od2jj
      @JadenB-od2jj 3 роки тому +2

      hongkongnana Newterritories That is Eleanor Powell it’s just that her hair is different that was the film call 1000s Cheer that she ( Eleanor ) was dancing in .

    • @edwinjones1000
      @edwinjones1000 3 роки тому +1

      Wow. I'm going to have to Google her. I have never heard of her. Thanks

  • @b0ajvk8
    @b0ajvk8 5 років тому +247

    Realistically you could have named this video “The Nicholas Brothers and the 9 Next Best Tap Dancers”. Those brothers were magicians and the others on this list could hold their own against any comers. Excellent video. I never get tired of watching it.

    • @yakamarezlife
      @yakamarezlife 4 роки тому +4

      Agreed

    • @jamesrawlins735
      @jamesrawlins735 4 роки тому +2

      I think there's no doubt that the Nicholas Brothers were the best tap dancers on film there has ever been. Certainly the other nine dancers are great too, although it's hard to pick from all the greats (hard to leave out "Honey" Coles and Ann Miller, but if you put them in, then you leave out someone on this list). I will say while I loved the Nicholas Brothers dancing, I was never a huge fan of their high pitched singing as much as other singers on the list.

    • @laquayle7990
      @laquayle7990 4 роки тому +5

      @@angelagunn7986 lol same here. If they weren't number 1 the whole list was a fraud. There's no one like them.

    • @johnnythompson4592
      @johnnythompson4592 4 роки тому +1

      they were faster tappers and more athletic but to me not as graceful as eleanor powell

    • @edwinjones1000
      @edwinjones1000 4 роки тому +5

      "Stormy Weather routine STILL blows my mind. Nicholas brothers are like Muhummed Ali and Bruce Lee. They are 1 in a trillion.

  • @TheFaraha20
    @TheFaraha20 4 роки тому +8

    The Nicholas brothers were so stupendous in every sense of the work, Showmen, rhythm makers, toe stoppers. They were by far the best!

  • @sarahpiaggio2693
    @sarahpiaggio2693 Рік тому +22

    If you'd shown the end of that first Eleanor Powell routine, it would have demonstrated she's right up near the top: amazing energy, timing, speed, endurance and musicality

  • @Wolfsky9
    @Wolfsky9 4 роки тому +23

    The Nicholas Brothers were in a class all by themselves. No one----ever-----combined style & outrageous routines as they did. Kelly & Astaire were exceptionally creative -------& Hines /Glover, were the untimate solo tappers. -------among women, Rita Hayworth deserves mentioning too. she & Fred were an amazing duo in the 2 films they made together. --------------------WolfSky9, 72 y/o

  • @tuandonvseverybody
    @tuandonvseverybody 4 роки тому +23

    The Nicholas Brothers belong in a class by themselves. Dancers now cant do what they did. Nobody will ever touch their legacy. Rest in peace to both of those brothers.

  • @bfgtech48
    @bfgtech48 5 років тому +192

    Sammy Davis Jr. The ultimate all round entertainer, he could do it all.

    • @patbrennan6572
      @patbrennan6572 4 роки тому +2

      he could probably do nurosurgery if you asked him to.

    • @seanswinton6242
      @seanswinton6242 4 роки тому +2

      kenneth joseph Most definitely. I'd say Gregory Hines was the closest performer to Sammy Davis Jr. I ever got to see. I mentioned that to him when we met. Both were complete entertainers who could do it all!

    • @jaymesaimettibelles6767
      @jaymesaimettibelles6767 4 роки тому +4

      I’m confident that they’ll never be another Sammy Davis Jr. again in our lifetime. What an extraordinary talent!

    • @barbaradyson6951
      @barbaradyson6951 4 роки тому

      @@jaymesaimettibelles6767 you obviously never saw Bruce Forsyth, sammy Davis appeared at the London pallidum and Bruce forsyth out shone sammy davis by a mile.

    • @jaymesaimettibelles6767
      @jaymesaimettibelles6767 4 роки тому

      Barbara Dyson Thank you, Barbara. I will check Bruce Forsyth out.

  • @jaunenito
    @jaunenito Рік тому +4

    All of these dancers were supremely athletic. Gene Kelly looked like he played football. Fred Astaire was a freak and Sammy, probably the most talented, could do anything. Ginger Rodgers tapped with force, grace & precision. But, the GOATS are without question the Nicholas Brothers who, to this day, still haven't been duplicated or surpassed with their sheer athletic abilities. Bravo! Great Top 10.

  • @haroldbrooks4235
    @haroldbrooks4235 5 років тому +236

    Fred Astair said that the Nicholas Brothers were the best he'd ever seen. Really disappointed that Donald O"Conner didn't make this list

  • @frankie7011
    @frankie7011 5 років тому +117

    Classic the nicholas brothers the best

    • @lilbatz
      @lilbatz 5 років тому +4

      They are nothing less than Gods. What beautiful dancing.

  • @waterbearer4627
    @waterbearer4627 2 роки тому +49

    Fred was always too self involved in his dancing, Ginger was not known as a great dancer but known as a great partner. Eleanor is just jaw dropping and easily the greatest. Her skills, timing, grace and power is pure art along with those wonderful and dynamic Nicholas brothers.

    • @laurieannlepoff6580
      @laurieannlepoff6580 Рік тому +12

      I knew Fayard Nicholas in the last years of his life. He said in his opinion, Eleanor Powell was the greatest tap dancer of all time. Not the greatest female dancer. The best that every was.

    • @patricemoran7469
      @patricemoran7469 Рік тому +2

      Ginger was known as a great dance partner as well as a great actress....as per Fred..
      she sold their10 movies.

    • @scallaghan2118
      @scallaghan2118 Рік тому +3

      Just a thought that deserves consideration. How about Rita Hayworth? What an amazing dancer! I think all those in this conversation were amazing dancers, but I believe I read that Fred Astaire preferred her to Ginger, not to make that any dismissal of Ginger's dancing skills. Geez, we should not be rating all these talented dancers against one another. They are all so good, and so skilled and entertaining. I just think Rita Hayworth deserves a place on the platform.

    • @waterbearer4627
      @waterbearer4627 Рік тому +1

      ​​@@scallaghan2118 love Rita so much! A good example of how great she was was in the film Down To Earth in the green dress sequence. Where we can see how her grace and charm is shining compared to the other dancers. Love the turn sequence on the platforms she does. Eleanor may not have the beauty or presence of Rita but Eleanor can't be matched in her power and speed when she does the continous 9 turns in this video. Her skills are jaw dropping. I wonder if she had ballet training as a child in able to do this? In any case both ladies were beautiful to watch.

    • @johnlewis9745
      @johnlewis9745 Рік тому

      Water Bearer: What do you mean when you say that Fred Astaire was too self involved in his dancing ?

  • @RijackiTorment
    @RijackiTorment 5 років тому +21

    Great list. I don't disagree with any of them, but I would rank some of them differently, all but the incomparable and utterly amazing Nicolas Brothers. They are and always will be a class of their own.

    • @AuntieCass
      @AuntieCass Рік тому

      Yes; who ranked these acts?

  • @randallolson6235
    @randallolson6235 11 місяців тому +7

    Thanks for this terrific compilation. The Nicholas Brothers were magnificent! Interesting to note that Sammy Davis Jr., Busby Berkley and the Nicholas Brothers all considered Eleanor Powell to be the greatest tap dancer of their time, male or female. Gene Kelly, although he never danced with her thought highly of her and like some viewers commented here also considered Donald O'Connor to be very good. After seeing Kelly and O'Connor dance together in Singing in the Rain, I am inclined to agree.

  • @JHMDEUCE
    @JHMDEUCE 5 років тому +50

    The Nicholas Brothers were absolute virtuoso's.

  • @chanelhopeful5336
    @chanelhopeful5336 4 роки тому +12

    Nicholas Brothers!!!!, nothin else needed to be said👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

  • @SuperCoolmack
    @SuperCoolmack 5 років тому +13

    The Nicholas Brothers are so far ahead of anyone else, they are number one and number two!!!!

  • @nancydemoss8421
    @nancydemoss8421 4 роки тому +18

    Two things:
    You needed to include Fred Astaire dancing on the floor, walls and ceiling in" Royal Wedding". What a classic!
    And you needed to show the Nicholas Brothers doing the splits and coming right back up. Another classic!

  • @lorinapetranova2607
    @lorinapetranova2607 2 роки тому +4

    This video is serious American culture and sooo fabulous to see. So good to be reminded of great talent and diverse cultural experiences like we used to have and Should be having on regular tv. All these dancers were pioneers in Black entertainment and deserve an elegant place in American culture. I can't emphasize this enough. And tap dancing is definitely Not easy to do.

    • @rmcfete
      @rmcfete 2 місяці тому

      They were’t all black! Tho it did start with them as far as I know long ago

    • @lorinapetranova2607
      @lorinapetranova2607 2 місяці тому

      @@rmcfete if I hadn't seen something about Isadora Duncan on PBS I wouldn't have known about her. She was during the 1930s I believe. Anglo lady. Kinda chic. More great dancers.... Baryshnikov and Nureyev. Saw a vid on YT n sighed. Seems like there's a lot of gapeing holes in this culture sometimes. So tragic. Kids need the Arts in school. Sigh again. Many blessings.

  • @keetrandling4530
    @keetrandling4530 5 років тому +38

    Great list, would have added Donold O'Conner - I'm sure you had a hard time whittling it down to just ten.

    • @WhirledPublishing
      @WhirledPublishing 3 роки тому +1

      Ann Miller and Ray Bolger also belong in the top 10 - I always felt Donald O'Conner was a better dancer than Gene Kelly who starred because he didn't mind playing the boring lead while O'Conner got to do all the fun stuff.

    • @rogerpropes7129
      @rogerpropes7129 3 роки тому

      @@WhirledPublishing O'Connor is best known for 'Mak'em Laugh', after which he had to go to the hospital since he filmed it twice.. He is under-represented in film history because Kelly was better looking and more ambitious.

    • @WhirledPublishing
      @WhirledPublishing 3 роки тому +2

      @@rogerpropes7129 When O'Connor and Gene Kelly are dancing side-by-side, O'Connor is clearly the better dancer - he was also good looking but he apparently preferred the goof-ball roles so he could have more fun.

  • @rosedial
    @rosedial 4 роки тому +11

    Not only are the Nicholas Brothers the greatest Tap Dancers of all time IMO they are the greatest DANCERS of all time.

  • @wonder5487
    @wonder5487 3 роки тому +21

    What about Vera Ellen? Her tapping in Wonder Man to "So In Love" was amazing. Starts slow without dancing, but once she gets going, WOW! Also Ann Miller as someone mentioned, and maybe Rita Hayworth. Rita sure kept up with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly in movies and looked gorgeous doing it!

    • @vicki4838
      @vicki4838 Рік тому +2

      I agree. Also, what about when she comes down from the air in Choreography from White Christmas. Blows me away every time i watch it.

    • @wonder5487
      @wonder5487 Рік тому +2

      @@vicki4838 Yes, she was an amazing dancer!

    • @DaenerysStormborn-cw5ws
      @DaenerysStormborn-cw5ws 10 місяців тому +4

      No Ann Miller???? FAIL! Top 10 is not enough. They really need a Top 20, there were so many greats back in the day.

    • @leonardohummel8658
      @leonardohummel8658 4 місяці тому

      @@DaenerysStormborn-cw5ws I agree. Vera Ellen. Rita. Donald O'Connor. they are surely top 10 or 20.👍👍💎

  • @ceci8556
    @ceci8556 5 років тому +28

    I saw the entire Nicholas brothers number that was clipped here and it was a full 3 minutes with crazy splits and jumps even at the end. Christ, I tried one shuffle-ball-change and it laid me out.

    • @MoneyComethToshelia
      @MoneyComethToshelia 4 роки тому +1

      🤦😂😂😭

    • @highonimmi
      @highonimmi 4 роки тому

      step ball change is all I could do....lol wanna borrow my tiger balm?

  • @joeltham1979
    @joeltham1979 5 років тому +3

    You got the #1 spot, spot on. Brilliant.

  • @garydassing3047
    @garydassing3047 4 роки тому +6

    I would have loved to learn tap dance. I especially love watching old MGM musicals.

    • @susanbrown2909
      @susanbrown2909 4 роки тому +1

      gary dassing same here...it’s a dying art.
      We need some young people to take it up and revive it again.

    • @fifimsp
      @fifimsp 3 роки тому

      You know you can still learn.

  • @joepedroza4707
    @joepedroza4707 5 років тому +57

    Holy shit those Nicholas brothers were spectacular. So much speed too. Mezmerizing.

  • @Wolfsky9
    @Wolfsky9 5 років тому +50

    The Nicholas Brothers !! ----------Just those diving--full splits are enough to make them all-time # 1, UNDISPUTED!! -------PS: No one else ever was good enough--crazy enough-----or perhaps, desperate enough, to ever attempt those diving flying, full splits. ------Awesome. Simply, awesome. ---------------WolfSky9, 72 y/o

    • @normanklein3155
      @normanklein3155 5 років тому +2

      The amazing thing about the Nicholas Brothers is that Fayard Nicholas taught himself tap dancing, then taught his younger brother Harold how to tap and devised the act, when he was still in his early teens. They were an immediate sensation at the Cotton Club when still in their early teens. And as soon as they got to Hollywood, they sought out Fred Astaire, who kindly coached them on some of the finer points of tap. The Nicholas Brothers were amazing and definitely a strong #2, but Fred Astaire was the greatest and its not close. There's a reason Michael Jackson created Smooth Criminal as an homage to Astaire.

    • @HariSeldon913
      @HariSeldon913 5 років тому +1

      Those splits just look like they have to be painful, but we'll never know. By the way, that's Cab Calloway they're working with.

    • @grandcatsmama3421
      @grandcatsmama3421 5 років тому

      Those full splits look as if they hurt!

    • @Dubfansince
      @Dubfansince 4 роки тому +1

      The Berry Brothers did mind-bending splits. They weren't as good as the Nicholas Brothers (no one is), but their splits are astounding.
      ua-cam.com/video/fBP1C_kcvok/v-deo.html

  • @alyssaholley9003
    @alyssaholley9003 5 років тому +227

    Bojangles Robinson should be higher than 5. He literally was the start of tap dance on the large screen.

    • @BuckyBrown-lt4ry
      @BuckyBrown-lt4ry 5 років тому

      That's all he could do. How can anyone say he was better than FA or GK or DO? And even in his field there were better.

    • @ss-lz6fu
      @ss-lz6fu 5 років тому +9

      I second this emotion.

    • @alyssaholley9003
      @alyssaholley9003 5 років тому +15

      @@BuckyBrown-lt4ry If it wasn't for Bojangles, tap wouldn't have had the exposure it had. He paved an avenue for the hoofing tap masters to have the success that they did, so that weighs extremely heavily.

    • @alyssaholley9003
      @alyssaholley9003 5 років тому +16

      @m howard I get what you're saying, but this video is totally based on the best tap dancers of all time. Going off that specifically and not looking into his personal life, Bojangles has to be ranked higher. He brought an African-American created art form to the forefront and the big screen. If you take any intro level tap class that incompasses tap history, the first tap dancer you talk about is Bojangles before you talk about the Nicholas brothers or the Copasetics Club or anyone else, and that's because if it wasn't for him, none of them would've been able to be as successful as they were. Hence why he should be ranked higher.

    • @carameldiva5131
      @carameldiva5131 5 років тому +12

      Who do they think everybody else on this list learned from? ?

  • @michaelali7151
    @michaelali7151 5 років тому +16

    The scene from the movie " Tap " included some of the greatest of all time. Sammy Davis Jr, Savion Glover, Gregory Hines, Sandman Sims as well as Harold Nicholas including others. Classic Movie ✊

    • @stevenjoyal6565
      @stevenjoyal6565 2 роки тому +1

      Don't forget Arthur Duncan, who for many years danced for Lawrence Welk.

    • @markcepeda8144
      @markcepeda8144 Рік тому +1

      @@stevenjoyal6565 agreed !!!!!!

  • @dennisloniak8774
    @dennisloniak8774 4 роки тому +12

    Amazingly, the Nicholas Brothers were self taught. No formal training at all! Unfortunately there are very few clips available of them in their prime. But absolutely the very best.

  • @josephworby724
    @josephworby724 5 років тому +12

    the two brothers I remember seeing them as a child were outstanding and you could not take your eyes off of them the dance moves were out of this world episode number brilliant dancers (the wife

  • @notconvincedgranny6573
    @notconvincedgranny6573 5 років тому +131

    I'd rank Gene Kelly a little higher - dude tap danced in roller skates. But the Nicholas Brothers...oh my, I'll bet they could have done a trapeze act in white tie and tails and made it look easy.

    • @maem7636
      @maem7636 5 років тому +3

      notconvincedgranny , I'm 60 years of age and as a child we would go outside, in the rain, and tap dance singing " Singing In The Rain " to mimic Gene Kelly . Lol ❣✌

    • @BuckyBrown-lt4ry
      @BuckyBrown-lt4ry 5 років тому

      We get caught up in TAP. Why? It's only one part of being a true dancer. FA and GK did it ALL. FA was doing modern jazz in his 60s.

    • @carameldiva5131
      @carameldiva5131 5 років тому +3

      @@BuckyBrown-lt4ry the video is about TAP!!! Might I suggest if you want to discuss all around entertainers or whatever you're talking about you search for a video on that subject. Or make a video of your own

    • @ryldurant9732
      @ryldurant9732 5 років тому +6

      loved gene kelly but he can't top the nicholas brothers, no one can.

    • @jamesrawlins735
      @jamesrawlins735 4 роки тому +2

      That tap number Kelly does on roller skates - I have no idea how he did that

  • @michaelrutledge7048
    @michaelrutledge7048 5 років тому +14

    Cannot dispute Nicholas Bros.(Fayard and Harold) as #1. They were the GOAT!! AND Harold was married to Dorothy Dandridge... not a bad gig!!

  • @livingislearning2227
    @livingislearning2227 4 роки тому +1

    Cheers 4 the video dear Terry!

  • @glenjones7597
    @glenjones7597 5 років тому +17

    Eleanor Powell was known as the Queen of tap,She was good friends with Bill Robinson and John Bubbles and she said they both taught her a lot about tap, Back in those days she couldn't dance with any of them on stage or film because of the color of their skin. I'm pretty sure she would've to dance with The Nicholas Brothers. she was friends with all of these dancer from that time

    • @HariSeldon913
      @HariSeldon913 5 років тому +6

      She did dance on stage with Bill Robinson, but she had to wear blackface while doing it. She'd be ostracized for that today, but when she did it, it was in order to be able to perform with a black man because she had no problem doing so. She was way ahead of the curve on civil rights. She talks about it in this interview (it's really long and not great quality and sorry I don't remember what time she talked about Robinson):
      ua-cam.com/video/Z92h-bAMXBw/v-deo.html

    • @glenjones7597
      @glenjones7597 5 років тому +1

      @@HariSeldon913 - that's very true

    • @EJP286CRSKW
      @EJP286CRSKW 5 років тому +7

      Eleanor Powell was judged the best tap dancer in the world by the Dancing Masters of America _before_ she went to Hollywood. 'World' meaning USA of course ...

    • @glenjones7597
      @glenjones7597 5 років тому +2

      @@EJP286CRSKW -she was Great, I love her movies

    • @getreal4real169
      @getreal4real169 5 років тому +2

      I love the way she danced

  • @louismazzei5862
    @louismazzei5862 5 років тому +19

    Much respect to all of them. They’re all truly phenomenal. Was thinking that Donald O’Connor might have been in there, though. ;)

  • @barbaranicholas5568
    @barbaranicholas5568 3 роки тому +3

    Nicholas brothers are great, god bless them. That’s way my surname is Nicholas.💃🏾🇯🇲🌹🇬🇧🙏🏾

  • @davidschmidt6013
    @davidschmidt6013 3 роки тому

    Mr. Swoope, thank you for putting this together. Was always fascinated by tap, and it's great to see people still enjoy it and revere it enough to put out a vid like this. Thanks again!!

  • @bearlystated
    @bearlystated 5 років тому +46

    I would have thought that Vera Ellen would have made this list.

  • @v.gorski3050
    @v.gorski3050 5 років тому +67

    You missed one of the greatest film clips of Fred Astaire partnered with Elenor Powell -- a black and white film -- and they dance to a tune called Begin the Beguine. THAT is fantastic tap dancing and there will never be anything like it by anyone ever again.

    • @JHMDEUCE
      @JHMDEUCE 5 років тому +4

      My all time favorite Astaire clip.

    • @williamoreilly125
      @williamoreilly125 5 років тому +2

      That film you mention was “The Big Broadcast of 1940”. A stunning number by Astaire and Powell.

    • @williamoreilly125
      @williamoreilly125 5 років тому +2

      I was wrong. The movie with the outstanding tap duet by Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell was Broadway Melody of 1940, not Big Broadcast. Sorry,

    • @MH3GL
      @MH3GL 5 років тому +5

      The only time I've ever watched anyone out dance Astaire. (He didn't like it much... You'll notice they never danced together again...)

    • @marilyncatalano6478
      @marilyncatalano6478 5 років тому +4

      I agree even though I love the Astaire and Rogers musicals. "Night and Day" was a flawless routine. So, for me, Fred Astaire with ANYONE is a good time. Gene Kelly also but Astaire was just...........sigh....💕

  • @susanpound317
    @susanpound317 5 років тому +4

    What a great video! I was lucky enough to see some of these great dancers during their later years. Wow, they were incredible, especially the fabulous Nicholas Brothers!

  • @edisonwarfield1230
    @edisonwarfield1230 5 років тому +7

    Nicholas Brothers amazing and so talented love them

  • @jamesmason8052
    @jamesmason8052 5 років тому +9

    The Nicholas Brothers footwork; faster then the human eye :)

  • @martinepstein3332
    @martinepstein3332 5 років тому +33

    Can't totally agree with the list, Ginger Rogers higher than Eleanor Powell, Sammy Davies higher than Fred Astaire, but can't argue with the Nicholas Brothers at number one. Someone once said that if they ever made a film about the Nicholas Brothers, they would have to use a computer image, because there is no one who could duplicate their dancing

    • @michaelrainey9668
      @michaelrainey9668 4 роки тому +1

      Martin Epstein Truth is no one can duplicate ANY of these dancers. And to think that Harold and Fayard learned to dance by Fayard who was the eldest (taller and lighter of the two), snuck into the theaters to watch performers, memorized their steps and went home and taught his brother.

    • @kathleencoop4005
      @kathleencoop4005 3 роки тому

      It must have been a difficult choice. I forgot Sammy Davis danced. Donald O’Connor was good. Also the dancer from Oklahoma. Can’t remember his name. Became a choreographer after an injury. The Nicholas brothers are awesome. So in tune with each other. An enjoyable video. Thank you.

    • @xavierfernandes5349
      @xavierfernandes5349 3 роки тому

      Totally agree with you. Eleanor was a much better dancer than Ginger but Ginger made more musicals cuz she was a better actress than Eleanor. Further more, even the great Fred Astaire was nervous dancing along side Eleanor but was OK with Ginger alongside cuz he knew he was better than Ginger but not as good as Eleanor.

    • @GaryNReese
      @GaryNReese 2 роки тому

      @@xavierfernandes5349 Absolutely right. The only dancer Astaire performed with who he said "intimidated" him was Eleanor Powell. She had a faster tap. She deserves billing over Ginger Rogers for sure as a tap dancer for chrissakes. Nicholas Brothers? Numero Uno. In any universe.

  • @Love-Is-Kind
    @Love-Is-Kind 4 роки тому +1

    Those Nicholas Brothers though....... Whew!!! they were dancing kings to be reckoned with! Sort of like today's Les Twins in another genre of dancing but young kings of dancing in today's times. Thanks for sharing!

  • @dannij7081
    @dannij7081 4 роки тому

    ALL are gifted and talented! I LOVE the Nicholas Brothers.

  • @nolita88
    @nolita88 5 років тому +27

    Nicholas Brothers! YES!!!!

  • @kathrynmolesa1641
    @kathrynmolesa1641 4 роки тому +7

    Donald O'Connor in Singing in the Rain was phenomenal dancing up the wall.

  • @pathfinderstravelmagazine2903
    @pathfinderstravelmagazine2903 5 років тому

    Enjoying watching this. Thanks for the compilation.

  • @tubularblonde
    @tubularblonde Рік тому

    Thank you so very much for this wonderful series of performances by fantastic dancers! Wow!!!!! I NEVER get tired of watching them and I NEVER stay feeling "down" when I sit down and watch! Whatever ails you, watch these dancers and you'll better in a flash!

  • @mjnaz65
    @mjnaz65 5 років тому +9

    Astaire said the Nicholas brothers were the greatest he'd ever seen. All are/were amazing. Tap is truly an underappreciated art form.

    • @mdt471
      @mdt471 4 роки тому

      Actually, Fred said that that dance scene was the best ever filmed.

  • @layna-heyhey
    @layna-heyhey 5 років тому +3

    Pretty good list. It was correct with number one.

  • @OTseven
    @OTseven 13 годин тому

    Exhilarating! Thank you so much for uploading this. . I'm so grateful that I got to share part of my lifetime with these great talents. Sad that most are no longer with us, but happy for the joy they all have given me. It's a very personal thing. Xoxxx

  • @LindseyWoolsey
    @LindseyWoolsey 4 роки тому +2

    Wow!!!! What wonderfully talented ppl....lol and Fayard with his elegance and hands...lol them brothers were awesome together also 💞

    • @richardovery2006
      @richardovery2006 3 роки тому

      Who are the dancers after Gregory Hines and before Fred Astair? Thanks

  • @amahra100
    @amahra100 4 роки тому +9

    Terry, I can understand that you can't satisfy everyone with your list, but forgetting Ann Miller and Donald O'Conner...two icons of Hollywood and Broadway is a HUGE oversight.

  • @nickywilks7928
    @nickywilks7928 5 років тому +10

    Nicholas brothers, Eleanor Powell,and Fred Astaire!!!!!! (In my humble opinion).

  • @robertbryson4585
    @robertbryson4585 4 роки тому

    Thank you so much Terry for sharing, you're the best! Have a beautiful happy journey.

  • @trinadagriff1140
    @trinadagriff1140 Рік тому

    Those Nicholas Brothers were COOOLD! So fluid, smooth, and agile wit it! Just WOW😮!

  • @jewelofthevirginislesjesus8230
    @jewelofthevirginislesjesus8230 5 років тому +44

    I must say tap dancing is harder than it looks.l can imagine one would have to be light on the feet have good coordination skills and balance.l couldn't do it even if someone was holding me up.So l will just watch and enjoy 💃😂Thanks Terry!!))

    • @TerrySwoopeVideos
      @TerrySwoopeVideos  5 років тому +5

      Thanks for commenting Jewel glad you enjoyed the video appreciate your feedback.

    • @electric8668
      @electric8668 5 років тому

      Factz ua-cam.com/video/nlpvhtd1uaI/v-deo.html

    • @MOLEGGZ74
      @MOLEGGZ74 5 років тому +3

      Broo lollll IMMA TAP DANCER OVER 20 yrs HARDBODY WHO EVER MADE THIS LIST DONT KNOW SHH BOUT TAP DANCING!!! PERIOD

    • @jimbosan710
      @jimbosan710 5 років тому +2

      AMEN!

    • @valeriepagendarm6376
      @valeriepagendarm6376 5 років тому +1

      It isn't greatest tap dancers tho some of them are great. It's mostly great dancers with a few of the greatest tap dancers thrown in. But Sam Weber isn't there and Gregory Hines thought Sam greatest! Look him up.😏

  • @yvette7798
    @yvette7798 4 роки тому +4

    my top 5:
    1. Nicholas Bros.
    2. Bill Bojangles
    3. Sammie Davis
    4. Fred Astaire
    5. Gene Kelley
    and for good measure I will add Ginger Rogers
    The legends should have been first the always, than the rest in any order.

  • @flipz4398
    @flipz4398 5 років тому +1

    LOVE THE GREATS!!!! Thank you for this video! Really enjoyed it!!!

  • @jollyhollywood3922
    @jollyhollywood3922 2 роки тому

    Such tremendous talents all! Thank you for sharing this outstanding tribute 😊

  • @charlesleffler586
    @charlesleffler586 4 роки тому +10

    Eleanor powell was praised as the greatest woman tap dancer by fred Astaire in an interview and the greatest tapper period by a Nicholas brother!! if she didn't give it all up to marry glenn ford, she would be a legend

    • @taddyd1
      @taddyd1 2 роки тому +1

      She IS a legend.

  • @TheMrsCDB1
    @TheMrsCDB1 5 років тому +30

    Nicolas brothers wow

  • @SidniOrchids
    @SidniOrchids 5 років тому +2

    Wow!!! This is definitely a lost art. Thanks for posting this, this has made my evening.

  • @roxibatmanmeow
    @roxibatmanmeow 29 днів тому

    Sooo wonderful..thx for sharing .

  • @JoeHarkinsHimself
    @JoeHarkinsHimself 4 роки тому +10

    The great Russian dancer Baryshnikov, a formidable power in all dance forms, was once asked to name his dance idol. He said, "Fred Astaire."

  • @mamyguette
    @mamyguette 5 років тому +14

    Wonderful Eleonore Powell

    • @glenjones7597
      @glenjones7597 5 років тому +3

      she should be higher than Ginger Rogers, Eleanor could do things Ginger never could

    • @xavierfernandes5349
      @xavierfernandes5349 3 роки тому

      She should be no. 2 if we are talking about purely TAP DANCERS. She was simply mind blowing but yes, the NICHOLAS BROTHERS were stupendous and rightly no. 1

  • @hamiltontavaresmartins4538
    @hamiltontavaresmartins4538 3 роки тому

    Tap dancers....Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Donald O'Connor, Nicholas Brothers, Gregory Hines,🕺🕺🕺🕺🕺Ginger Rogers, Lena Torne, Judy Garland...... 💃💃💃incredibles ,amazings, the Best dancings...R.I.P.

  • @karenknicely1788
    @karenknicely1788 5 років тому +1

    It's a real shame that there aren't great tap dancers anymore. Thank you for a great list!!!!

  • @TheMotownPhilly
    @TheMotownPhilly 4 роки тому +4

    Nicolas brothers hands down best tap duo of all time. I'm still a big fan of Gregory Hines. Just really like his style and swagger when he taps. All of them are great in their own way. Little Sammie was something back in the day.

  • @peterfranks6243
    @peterfranks6243 5 років тому +3

    Nicholas brothers...MASTERS OF DANCE .PERIOD.

  • @Wings91
    @Wings91 Рік тому

    Thankyou, that was just awesome 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

  • @aking3624
    @aking3624 5 років тому

    Amazing list! Thank you so much😃

  • @glenjones7597
    @glenjones7597 5 років тому +180

    love this list but Eleanor Powell was a better tap dance than Ginger Rogers, Eleanor was known as the queen of tap

    • @usrawesome
      @usrawesome 5 років тому +2

      From the videos I think he got it right. .. she may have been during her time but Ginger was a stronger Tap from the looks of these videos.

    • @glenjones7597
      @glenjones7597 5 років тому +28

      nope sorry ginger was good at dancing but not at tap dancing , Eleanor Powell had skill in her tap dancing something Ginger didn't have

    • @margaretross955
      @margaretross955 5 років тому +22

      Eleanor Powell... just the best female tapper of all time. Yeah, Ginger was great too, but Eleanor was just amazing.

    • @MandiGould
      @MandiGould 5 років тому +21

      I love Ginger Rogers but I agree that Eleanor Powell should have been ranked much higher. She was incredible. Ginger looks great in the videos because she was a beautiful performer but Eleanor was tops.

    • @HariSeldon913
      @HariSeldon913 5 років тому +18

      Rita Hayworth would also rate above Ginger, but Eleanor should be much higher, and the clips used were far from her best.

  • @elnabjelland-hughes8172
    @elnabjelland-hughes8172 5 років тому +4

    Fantastic video! I love tap dancing I love watching tap dancers- I would’ve like to be able to be a tapdancer however I had two left feet 😂

  • @porgie51
    @porgie51 5 років тому +1

    great video. thankyou

  • @cancangirl2888
    @cancangirl2888 3 роки тому

    Shivers up my spine just watching this! Thank you very much.

  • @michaelperez6477
    @michaelperez6477 5 років тому +6

    I'm not sure if Sammy Davis would have agreed with being placed ahead of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly but what an amazing list!

    • @jean-claudeledanois1247
      @jean-claudeledanois1247 2 роки тому +1

      Once a journalist asked Rudolph Noureev : "For you who is the greatest dancer of the 20 th century?" Here is the answer of Noureev : " In this century ? well I see three great dancers ,Nijinsky, me ,and Fred Astaire...and most certainly the true genius of the three is Fred Astaire "..

  • @andersonwade9963
    @andersonwade9963 5 років тому +48

    I've always thought Sammy Davis Jr was number One (#1) but seeing the Nicholas Brothers for the first time in my life I'll have to say "WOW your right". But I still love Sammy he was the renaissance man.

    • @maurerevans
      @maurerevans 5 років тому +2

      watch their entire dance piece on Stormy Weather. It was stopped right before the most powerful part

    • @gmaureen
      @gmaureen 5 років тому +2

      The Nicholas Brothers were in a class of their own. Watch their bio:
      ua-cam.com/video/jTmJowrBwOY/v-deo.html

  • @joettewaters
    @joettewaters 5 років тому

    thanks for sharing. Thrilling to watch!

  • @tramp3
    @tramp3 Рік тому

    Thanks for this video. Could not agree more on the selections. Glad to see Sandman get his mention. I could watch this all day!

  • @antjuanstephenson3310
    @antjuanstephenson3310 5 років тому +3

    This truly takes me back to when ppl truly had passion for entertainment and it gave off the vibes that changed ppl whole life for ex. Greg Hines to Sammy Davis

  • @marilyncatalano6478
    @marilyncatalano6478 5 років тому +5

    Judging just from these clips, hands down I'd have to say Fred Astaire was the absolute best by far. I especially loved the incorporation of the drums!! As a child born in 1956, I used to sneak up at night and watch the late show when a Astaire and Rogers musical was on and these two together we're pure magic. There will never be another pair or individual dancers such as these two. The famous quote about these two was "he gave her class, she gave him sex". Can you dig it?!! So, RIP and I know you're dancing on the clouds up in heaven and I'll see you in heaven.💕

  • @clarification007
    @clarification007 Рік тому

    Great reunion here! Thanks!

  • @ricklemus8835
    @ricklemus8835 9 днів тому

    Wow GOD bless them all - what an unforgettable era of complete beauty in all aspects 🙏🏻🌹✝️💕🛐❣️♥️🌼