It was done in ONE take, with multiple cameras. No rehearsals. This is what it’s famous for. Fred Astaire called it the greatest dance routine ever put to film.
ONE TAKE. ...NO. MISTAKE! TRUE STORY. Nicolas Brothers. Legendary dancers no one can touch these men. Every young black entertainer should look at these old movies and lusten to the olde music black people truly did invent modern music in almost every. Major genre.
Historic records indicate that this routine was shot in ONE Take! Remarkable in every way! The routine has never been duplicated. The number almost never made the screen. The director wanted to cut it out. Thankfully, wiser heads prevailed and we have this most impressive dance number to enjoy well after the brothers passed on "to glory."
My Dad who was a big fan of 40's big band sound, introduced me to the sound when I was into rock n roll of the 50's and 60's. Cab Calloway absolutely stunned me, I could get enough of his sound, then many years later finding him on youtube videos gets this old lady jumping and jiving, even if in the mind. Nicholas Brothers dancing, none better.
One take. And what is REALLY impressive is their landings. Notice that they are PERFECTLY in time when they hit. Anyone can jump in time, but LANDING in time? That takes some skill. They were the ABSOLUTE best. Those who everyone else considers great consider these men the pinnacle. And Cab was the very definition of the word "cool". Nobody cooler. EVER.
@@andrejenningssydnor3004 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band did a homage to Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson. He and Shirley Temple did a few movies together. He really liked Shirley Temple but because of racial prejudice, he couldn't associate with her outside of the studio, from what I understand.
@@andrejenningssydnor3004 Fred had a teacher. They taught themselves. GOD given talent simply the best. I loved Fred too but the Nicholas Brothers came to top themselves. Even Fred Astaire knew they were the best.
- They did that all in 1 take - Fred Astare said that was the best dance routine ever on film - Cab Calloway is so amazing, you need to check out more of his music - he had a massive influence on music
Cab Calloway goes back a very long time. He was a musician, dancer, actor, singer, band and orchestra leader. He began his musical career in New York dance halls, nightclubs and vaudeville in the 1920's, almost 100 years ago.
The Nicholas Brothers are the Greatest tap Dancers of All Time and Black Folks Ancestors and Legacy.....All that greatness is in Black Folks Everywhere...especially in the young!!!
Yeah, the stair splits part was done one take, no rehearsal. The film's choreographer came up with the idea, and had such faith in their abilities, he said let's just do it and film it. Fayard said he added the idea of splitting down a slide on the side to end it. In the late 80s I was on a short NYC trip, turned the corner...and there was Harold Nicholas! I got to say what a fan I was, and I was thrilled that of all the celebs I could have seen, it was a Nicholas Brother! Years later, I saw both him and Fayard doing some appearances. I saw Fayard one last time after his brother died, and as I mentioned a favorite lesser known bit, he beamed and giggled with excitement, almost like a little kid. It was obvious he was thrilled to know how much his work was still loved. It's so thrilling now to see this, and know Harold and Fayard are still amazing new generations, and being loved for their overwhelming talents. Thank god for film!
One take yes. But to say this was done with no rehearsal is beyond ridiculous. You simply don't do a routine like this without rehearsing it no matter how talented the dancer.
It has been proven that the dance was done in one single take due to the budget of the film. This was the final take and last roll of film they had for production. They only had one chance and the amazing part was they created this choreography on the spot. The greatest collaboration ever.
Cab Calloway was a singer and bandleader who was full of life and vitality during the 1930s and 1940s. Few other musical artists of that era could keep up with him.
Love this. Cab Calloway was such an entertainer - you can see him perform Minnie the Moocher in the Blues Brothers movie. Its awesome. It gets you moving. You should react to couples swing dancing...bet no one nowadays could do it. The Nicholas Brothers deserve a lot more recognition than they get. Watching this just makes me smile.
Believe it or not, the dancing was done in one take. Saw one of the Nicholas Brothers interviewed on another video, talking about this, and he swore it was done in one take. Amazing, regardless. They weren't that young then, either.
@@marcuswalters8093 the older brother was about 30 and the younger was 22-23 but they were old in the sense that they had been performing since they were little boys on the "chitlin circuit"
Don't believe it. There are multiple camera angles there. I suppose it's possible they only needed one take per camera set-up, but it was impossible to make some of those POV changes with 40s tech in a single take. It's not the Nicholas brothers' talent that was the limiting factor, they were plenty good enough to nail a routine like this, it's the technology to capture the performance.
The Nicholas Brothers were dancing since they were kids, and they were still amazing dancers into their "old age". And that move where they pull themselves up from the splits is just 🤯
Had the honor of meeting him in New York at the airport. We had just came home from The Gulf War and they had separated us from the public because we had weapons and he got permission to come to our area and welcome us home. The man was a class act. Very kind and and as you can see very talented man.
In the pre-ww2 era, many dance scenes where filmed in one take, and with one camera as prove that the dancer could do what they did. Meaning no editing tricks, the Nicholas Brothers were 2 of the finest dancers of that era.
Yes he was on the five heartbeats and on uptown Saturday night One take and one rehearsal! They have other routines on TH-cam that are incredible They were the best! Hands down
I love that you didn't interrupt the act. Every single one of the reactions to this video I've seen they interrupt multiple times and I like that you just let the whole thing play through without any interruptions. That was amazing.
Neither Fayard nor Harold had any formal training. Fayard taught himself how to , sing, and perform by watching and imitating the professional entertainers on stage. He then taught his younger
They did the splits coming down the stairs in one take stated in an interview. Those brothers were super bad. They always gave 110% in their performances. Just Awesome Entertainers.
No body could match the Nicholas brothers for the sheer talent and physicality of their dancing! Never saw anything to match this dance scene on the tube! AWESOME!!!
Were the Nicholas Brothers AMAZING or what!!! I don't think there's anyone on the planet who could do the dance they did here. And it doesn't look like they were straining, either -- all of their moves are so smooth. You would think you would pull something doing as many splits as they did, and then rising up without using a bended knee or anything. God bless 'em! I'm so glad we have videos like this that allow us to see what tap dancing was like back in the day.
Hey your really expanding your knowledge.. Fred Astaire always said this was the hardest dance ever put on film. Greg Hines s said it could never be replicated
I'm a 70 year old guy and this is the greatest dance number I have ever seen. I've seen this routine many times, and it never grows old. Two of the greatest dancers ever. Never fails to bring me joy!
I am so glad that you've reacted to this. A few days ago, I was watching an interview with Gregory Hines. That's another one you need to check out. He's an incredible dancer. He was speaking about the Nicholas Brothers. As he was speaking, they were showing this scene & he was talking about the splits and how they got up without using their hands. Then it went to a clip, were the Nicholas Brothers were being interviewed. They said they never rehearsed anything they did. They just play off each other. As I was watching it, I started thinking about you. I thought that this would be something you'd really appreciate and enjoy. I am so HAPPY, you had this opportunity, to watch these incredible entertainers.
the story is they did it in one take. This came from a movie called stormy weather another highlight in the movie was the song stormy weather by Lena Horne.
I could watch them all day. The Nicholas Brothers were PHENOMENAL!!!! That's how to dance. The tap makes music when by itself and the dance goes with the rhythm of the music. This right here is exactly how it's done.
I’m not sure if everyone noticed it or not but the most amazing thing to me was that every time they jumped they landed at the same exact time, particularly on the piano. They were not off a fraction of a second while landing and if they were you would have heard it. Outstanding, these guys are true athletes and bring the art of dance to the next level. Bravo!
One take. Couldn't click fast enough. Widely considered the BEST tap dance routine EVER. I don't think it will ever be duplicated with out the magic of editing and cgi. Just an unbelievable performance. NOTE: Cab Callaway was in the Blues Brothers too!!!
The Nicholas Brothers were AWESOME dancers!!! When you have the time, look up a documentary about them. Not to post here, because it is much too long, but just to watch. They had an amazing life, with some tragedy but some great triumphs, too!
Yes, the Nicholas Brothers put on a phenomenal performance in this film clip. Cab Calloway had a very long musical career. He put on a great performance in the 1980 film, "The Blues Brothers". Calloway also performed in a Janet Jackson music video.
I have watched the Nickolas Brothers in other films some with the great skatter Cab Calloway..He was in the original Blues Brothers who was in the Orphanage when Jake got out of prison..He also sang Minny the Mooger in the ball room killing time for the boys to get to the stage..He is great..
Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers, they were truly legendary, they got started in Vaudeville and were regular performers in Harlem's Cotton Club. You might remember Cab Calloway best from one of his later appearances in The Blues Brothers. Fayard and Harold Nicholas are listed prominently in the Tap Dancer Hall of Fame, their performances getting high praise from the likes of Fred Astaire, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Gregory Hines. In later years they taught Tap Dance at Harvard and Radcliffe, among their students was Debbie Allen and Michael and Janet Jackson. Two of Fayards daughters went on and continued the family legacy, dancing as the Nicholas Sisters
Even Fred Astaire said this was the best dance he had ever seen. Gregory Hines and his brother were being told they were going to be the next Nicholas Brothers. Gregory Hines had never seen them. When he watched this dance sequence he thought, nobody is going to be the next Nicholas Brothers. I never tire of watching this. I found it by accident years ago. I enjoy it just as much now as I did the first time I watched it. They were amazing! They were the best! That had to hurt!
Cab Calloway's grandmother was my grandmother's nanny in the 1920s and 30s. I still have the original full vinyl 78rpm album that Cab gave his grandmother wich she gave to my grandmother! LOVE LOVE LOVE CAB CALLOWAY!!!
Cab Calloway was the first hip hop star before it was a thing. I'm speechless about The Nicholas Brothers I'm amazed at how many times they did those splits and how they won't sweating lol. They were truly phenomenal dancers moved like gymnasts.
I like some Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire as well. Even the final dance scene of Dirty Dancing. A good dancer is always fun to watch RIP to all those guys and gals no longer with us.
Thank you for finally reacting to these three CLASS ACTS. CAB CALLOWAY was Awesome in his own right and played into the 1980's and was even featured in the movie the BLUES BROTHERS. And the Nicholas Brothers were simply AWESOME.
Anytime you find a video with the Nicholas brothers or Cab Calloway, watch it. Cab was famous as a band leader, singer and dancer. You might know several of his hits, one of the most popular ones was Minnie the Moocher. Cab was also one of the main characters in the Blues Brothers movie. Peace
Another clip to check out is Glenn Miller doing Chattanooga Choo-Choo in the movie Sun Valley Serenade. His band and singers are "practicing" their music number and then the Nicholas Brothers join in with some great dancing. I saw it on the late night movies when I was young and I've always loved that number. I was so impressed with their style and lighter-than-air ability.
This was my childhood. These were the songs/movies my parents were watching. I grew up to this. Amazing music. I would come home from kindergarten and watch this stuff on "Armchair Playhouse". We had 78 rpm records of this music. Love it! Please do some Mitch Miller - In The Mood!
If you watch the two sax players in front when they're jumping on the stands in front of them, the guy on the right keeps leaning out of the way, while the guy on the left just trusts they won't kick him in the head. The Nicholas Brothers were literally a once-in-a-century talent. We're lucky that they were at their prime at a time when they could be captured on film.
Brother you’ll fine this hard to believe. But you asked how many takes they had to do to complete this. The answer is that it was done in ONE take! Now think about for a minute 😃
Love Cab Calloway and also the Nicholas Brothers. I am glad I was able to see Calloway make TV appearances. He was a legend. And the Nicholas brothers---well, what can you say other than they were absolutely fantastic.
Ahhh, "Stormy Weather" This is one of the highlights of the first major motion picture with an all black cast if memory serves. A gem for the ages 🎼🎵❤💥💛💥🤎💥🤍 we're all precious in His sight. Good to see you branching out, @Modern Renaissance Man (world affairs. we need young leaders like you) Oh, I don't know that these young men passed this gift on you know, genetically??😉😉
Omgosh .. that was off the wall 🔥🔥🔥🔥. So that's Jumpin Jive with the Nicholas Bros & that Cab Calloway was Jive Tuning too!!! I've got to watch this again but full screen .. Luv Luv👌🏆 But Ty .. ROTFL .. the pain in ur face when they jumped over each other on the steps landing in full splits over & over made me laugh out loud..priceless!! How in the world do they slide back up from a full split w/o using hands. I have trouble even using my hands & knees😁 Many thnx Victoria & Ty .. seize the day🥰BTW: this is from a 1943 movie titled "Stormy Weather"😉
Cab Calloway is one of my all-time all-time all-time favorites, and I believe the Nicholas Bros. did this in one take. Fred Astaire is quoted "the greatest dancing ever seen on film"
Cab Callaway was also in the the first Blues Brothers movie where he performed "Mini the Moocher" which sadly is the extent of my Cab Callaway knowledge. I enjoyed this.
Calloway does not sing or dance in the music video. I would like to apologize. It has been many years since I watched the music video back in 1989. I remember seeing publicity photos at the time of Calloway and Jackson both wearing "zoot suits", trying to make it look as if they were going to do a dance number together in the music video. That did not turn out to be the case.
I remember seeing these guys in movies on Saturday afternoons when I was a kid. (60s) I just recently rediscovered them. Astaire and Gene Kelly always seemed to get more attention and I CANNOT figure out why. Another clip that doesn't get as much attention as Jumpin Jive, is Nicholas Brothers 'I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo'. My jaw still drops after watching it multiple times. I really think you'd enjoy it. Another favorite of mine is the duo dance with Gregory Hines and Mikhail Baryshnikov from 'White Nights'. The side by side steps of Mr Hines' loose jointed, casual and seemingly effortless style with Baryshnikov's exactingly precise ballet style is just beautiful. RIP Mr Hines. We lost you way too soon. Nicholas Brothers will always be my favorite dancers, though. They were the best.
@@HawkwindAus True. Incredibly sad, ridiculously irritating, but all too true. Sadly I didn't discover them until recently and even at a glance I can tell what I have been missing
The only thing better than watching the Nicholas Brothers dance is watching them dance and sing with the lovely Dorothy Dandridge. Watch the video of them performing "Chattanooga Choo Choo" for a treat.
It was done in ONE take, with multiple cameras. No rehearsals. This is what it’s famous for. Fred Astaire called it the greatest dance routine ever put to film.
ONE TAKE. ...NO. MISTAKE! TRUE STORY. Nicolas Brothers. Legendary dancers no one can touch these men. Every young black entertainer should look at these old movies and lusten to the olde music black people truly did invent modern music in almost every. Major genre.
Historic records indicate that this routine was shot in ONE Take! Remarkable in every way! The routine has never been duplicated. The number almost never made the screen. The director wanted to cut it out. Thankfully, wiser heads prevailed and we have this most impressive dance number to enjoy well after the brothers passed on "to glory."
I love listening to Cab Calloway scat. So much energy!
The Nicholas brothers always blow me away. Their dancing deserves to be seen and shouted about! Great! Great! Great!
Without a doubt one of the greatest dance segments ever filmed.
No stunt doubles, no special effects, no cuts or redos. TALENT. These were moves not matched for several decades later.
Old school. Young kids need to see how it’s done. I love this and am so proud!!!! Such talent.
My Dad who was a big fan of 40's big band sound, introduced me to the sound when I was into rock n roll of the 50's and 60's. Cab Calloway absolutely stunned me, I could get enough of his sound, then many years later finding him on youtube videos gets this old lady jumping and jiving, even if in the mind. Nicholas Brothers dancing, none better.
This is generally considered the finest dance sequence ever put to film. The movie that it's from is called Stormy Weather. Great movie too.
I heard that and why would anyone be skeptical? Especially in that time period.
With the stunning Lena Horne!🎥😍
Also with the somewhat less stunning but always fun to watch Fats Waller.
@@SirOtter1 😅 I always think of that movie " Be Kind Rewind" where Jack Black & Mos Def make a movie abt him~👍
Yep!
One take. And what is REALLY impressive is their landings. Notice that they are PERFECTLY in time when they hit. Anyone can jump in time, but LANDING in time? That takes some skill. They were the ABSOLUTE best. Those who everyone else considers great consider these men the pinnacle.
And Cab was the very definition of the word "cool". Nobody cooler. EVER.
Difficult to get up from the splits using only the legs, too! 👏
It wasn't just jumping and landing, they faced alternate directions when they landed. It's a nice touch.
They didn't get the recognition they deserved. They were among the best, if not the best tap dancers in Hollywood's Golden Age.
I love Cab just scooting off stage at 4:01 - "All right, fellas, I'll get out of your way, show them what ya got!"
Fred Astaire called this the best dance routine ever filmed. Man knew what he was talking about
When Fred Astaire compliments you, you know you're good!
Astair had a GREAT teacher...Bill Robinson (Bojangles!)
@@andrejenningssydnor3004 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band did a homage to Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson. He and Shirley Temple did a few movies together. He really liked Shirley Temple but because of racial prejudice, he couldn't associate with her outside of the studio, from what I understand.
@@andrejenningssydnor3004 Fred had a teacher. They taught themselves. GOD given talent simply the best. I loved Fred too but the Nicholas Brothers came to top themselves. Even Fred Astaire knew they were the best.
- They did that all in 1 take
- Fred Astare said that was the best dance routine ever on film
- Cab Calloway is so amazing, you need to check out more of his music - he had a massive influence on music
Cab Calloway goes back a very long time. He was a musician, dancer, actor, singer, band and orchestra leader. He began his musical career in New York dance halls, nightclubs and vaudeville in the 1920's, almost 100 years ago.
Ain't no school like the old school!
Cab was cool! I do see his influence for Prince!
Old school is better than no school.
you aint lyin'
Word!👍
Actually more Morris Day of the time.
The Nicholas Brothers are the Greatest tap Dancers of All Time and Black Folks Ancestors and Legacy.....All that greatness is in Black Folks Everywhere...especially in the young!!!
Yeah, the stair splits part was done one take, no rehearsal. The film's choreographer came up with the idea, and had such faith in their abilities, he said let's just do it and film it. Fayard said he added the idea of splitting down a slide on the side to end it. In the late 80s I was on a short NYC trip, turned the corner...and there was Harold Nicholas! I got to say what a fan I was, and I was thrilled that of all the celebs I could have seen, it was a Nicholas Brother! Years later, I saw both him and Fayard doing some appearances. I saw Fayard one last time after his brother died, and as I mentioned a favorite lesser known bit, he beamed and giggled with excitement, almost like a little kid. It was obvious he was thrilled to know how much his work was still loved. It's so thrilling now to see this, and know Harold and Fayard are still amazing new generations, and being loved for their overwhelming talents. Thank god for film!
One take yes. But to say this was done with no rehearsal is beyond ridiculous. You simply don't do a routine like this without rehearsing it no matter how talented the dancer.
It has been proven that the dance was done in one single take due to the budget of the film. This was the final take and last roll of film they had for production. They only had one chance and the amazing part was they created this choreography on the spot. The greatest collaboration ever.
Cab had a bit of a revival in the late 70s when he was in "The Blues Brothers." 👍👍
I didn't really know who he was when I watched that film (quite recently, actually), it was crazy seeing him as a younger more dynamic man.
Cab Calloway was a singer and bandleader who was full of life and vitality during the 1930s and 1940s. Few other musical artists of that era could keep up with him.
He then enjoyed another resurgence in the 90's, when we had our brief swing revival.
Ed Ford Cab Calloway...the one and only true master of skat singing! 💥😎😡
He also got a reference in Trans Siberian Orchestra's Christmas Nights in Blue. "How old is he, cannot say. But says he taught Cab Calloway."
Love this. Cab Calloway was such an entertainer - you can see him perform Minnie the Moocher in the Blues Brothers movie. Its awesome. It gets you moving. You should react to couples swing dancing...bet no one nowadays could do it. The Nicholas Brothers deserve a lot more recognition than they get. Watching this just makes me smile.
Mr. Calloway was so far ahead of his time... it was a grown man playing ball with children. A superb talent!
this was filmed in ONE take and its been called the best dance sequence ever put on film
Believe it or not, the dancing was done in one take. Saw one of the Nicholas Brothers interviewed on another video, talking about this, and he swore it was done in one take. Amazing, regardless. They weren't that young then, either.
Were they not? I assumed they were in their early 20's here!
I saw that!! The only take and they killed it.
@@marcuswalters8093 the older brother was about 30 and the younger was 22-23 but they were old in the sense that they had been performing since they were little boys on the "chitlin circuit"
Don't believe it. There are multiple camera angles there. I suppose it's possible they only needed one take per camera set-up, but it was impossible to make some of those POV changes with 40s tech in a single take. It's not the Nicholas brothers' talent that was the limiting factor, they were plenty good enough to nail a routine like this, it's the technology to capture the performance.
Yes it was I read the reviews from when it was performed. Done in one take and spur of the moment upracticed.
The Nicholas Brothers were dancing since they were kids, and they were still amazing dancers into their "old age". And that move where they pull themselves up from the splits is just 🤯
And they were self taught!
I know, can you imagine the leg/ab strength it would take to do that!
Had the honor of meeting him in New York at the airport. We had just came home from The Gulf War and they had separated us from the public because we had weapons and he got permission to come to our area and welcome us home. The man was a class act. Very kind and and as you can see very talented man.
In the pre-ww2 era, many dance scenes where filmed in one take, and with one camera as prove that the dancer could do what they did. Meaning no editing tricks, the Nicholas Brothers were 2 of the finest dancers of that era.
They did this in one take!!!! These brothers have been performing since they were young children. Checkout their bio!!!
That’s when people could sing and dance. Real talent. Love it!
The Nicholas Brothers taught themselves to dance! Phenomenal! The splits at the end were unrehearsed!
the Nicholas Brothers IMPROVISED this dance and got perfection in ONE TAKE!!!
Don’t see dancing like that anymore. Wow!
That's because they weren't able to have kids after all those damn splits. 👌🏽
I cry when I watch this because it is so damn good. True talent.
Cab Calloway: Heidihihideo !! Sure I didn't spell it right, but that's how it sounds. True classic.
Minnie the Moocher
Wonder if it's true that Calloway's mother didn't make it to the maternity ward in time & he was born in a cab, so that's how he got his first name.
I hear you. Heidi Heidi Heidi HO! Hey Dee hey dee hey dee. HEY!!
Bill Olsen no. His name is Cabel.
A pinnacle of 19th century achievement. Should be in the content on that space capsule for aliens to see long after we're gone...
Yes he was on the five heartbeats and on uptown Saturday night
One take and one rehearsal! They have other routines on TH-cam that are incredible
They were the best! Hands down
The Nicholas Brothers are the best Tap Dancers ever! You should see more of their dancing.🤗
The amount of class, skill and natural talent these guys had is just incredible. Such a joy to watch!
They didn't have the fame or fortune of Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly,but they are the GOAT.
Fred Astaire also felt the Nicholas Brothers were the GOAT.
@@josephedwards4932
You are so right!
I can only imagine the work they had to put in with the orchestra and you said it, the timing of it was on point. Amazing thing to watch
This has to be the single best display of dancing I have ever witnessed. Love Cab Calloway too, I miss this type of entertainment.
Cab, the original super star....Those dancers, PURE ATHLETES...Just imagine the cardio involved!
I love that you didn't interrupt the act. Every single one of the reactions to this video I've seen they interrupt multiple times and I like that you just let the whole thing play through without any interruptions. That was amazing.
Neither Fayard nor Harold had any formal training. Fayard taught himself how to , sing, and perform by watching and imitating the professional entertainers on stage. He then taught his younger
It was done in ONE TAKE - only performed one time.
They did the splits coming down the stairs in one take stated in an interview. Those brothers were super bad. They always gave 110% in their performances.
Just Awesome Entertainers.
It's been said that The Nicholas Brothers did this dance number in one take. No matter if they did or didn't they were amazing
I had to get knee replacement surgery just from watching this video...
🤣 bilateral hip surgery too!
No body could match the Nicholas brothers for the sheer talent and physicality of their dancing! Never saw anything to match this dance scene on the tube! AWESOME!!!
Were the Nicholas Brothers AMAZING or what!!! I don't think there's anyone on the planet who could do the dance they did here. And it doesn't look like they were straining, either -- all of their moves are so smooth. You would think you would pull something doing as many splits as they did, and then rising up without using a bended knee or anything. God bless 'em! I'm so glad we have videos like this that allow us to see what tap dancing was like back in the day.
Hey your really expanding your knowledge.. Fred Astaire always said this was the hardest dance ever put on film. Greg Hines s said it could never be replicated
I'm a 70 year old guy and this is the greatest dance number I have ever seen. I've seen this routine many times, and it never grows old. Two of the greatest dancers ever. Never fails to bring me joy!
I am so glad that you've reacted to this.
A few days ago, I was watching an interview with Gregory Hines. That's another one you need to check out. He's an incredible dancer. He was speaking about the Nicholas Brothers. As he was speaking, they were showing this scene & he was talking about the splits and how they got up without using their hands. Then it went to a clip, were the Nicholas Brothers were being interviewed. They said they never rehearsed anything they did. They just play off each other. As I was watching it, I started thinking about you. I thought that this would be something you'd really appreciate and enjoy. I am so HAPPY, you had this opportunity, to watch these incredible entertainers.
I love Gregory Hines too albeit the Nicholas Brothers made basically everyone envious of their amazing talent.
White Knights was amazing!!
Harold Nicholas was also married to Dorothy Dandridge.
the story is they did it in one take. This came from a movie called stormy weather another highlight in the movie was the song stormy weather by Lena Horne.
One take they have been dancing since they were kids
I could watch them all day. The Nicholas Brothers were PHENOMENAL!!!! That's how to dance. The tap makes music when by itself and the dance goes with the rhythm of the music. This right here is exactly how it's done.
I’m not sure if everyone noticed it or not but the most amazing thing to me was that every time they jumped they landed at the same exact time, particularly on the piano. They were not off a fraction of a second while landing and if they were you would have heard it. Outstanding, these guys are true athletes and bring the art of dance to the next level. Bravo!
One take. Couldn't click fast enough. Widely considered the BEST tap dance routine EVER. I don't think it will ever be duplicated with out the magic of editing and cgi. Just an unbelievable performance.
NOTE: Cab Callaway was in the Blues Brothers too!!!
The Nicholas Brothers were AWESOME dancers!!! When you have the time, look up a documentary about them. Not to post here, because it is much too long, but just to watch. They had an amazing life, with some tragedy but some great triumphs, too!
Yes, the Nicholas Brothers put on a phenomenal performance in this film clip. Cab Calloway had a very long musical career. He put on a great performance in the 1980 film, "The Blues Brothers". Calloway also performed in a Janet Jackson music video.
I have watched the Nickolas Brothers in other films some with the great skatter Cab Calloway..He was in the original Blues Brothers who was in the Orphanage when Jake got out of prison..He also sang Minny the Mooger in the ball room killing time for the boys to get to the stage..He is great..
I've seen this routine I know 100x. The movie is Stormy Weathers. Your joy made me love it at a higher level. Everybody be safe.
THE Cab Galloway! That man is a brilliant performer and singer with a resume miles long. Well known for his Scat Singing.
Been hoping you'd do this one. These guys are phenomenal
Holly Odell....
Weren't they amazing? Didn't take much practice....that's how good they were!
Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers, they were truly legendary, they got started in Vaudeville and were regular performers in Harlem's Cotton Club. You might remember Cab Calloway best from one of his later appearances in The Blues Brothers. Fayard and Harold Nicholas are listed prominently in the Tap Dancer Hall of Fame, their performances getting high praise from the likes of Fred Astaire, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Gregory Hines. In later years they taught Tap Dance at Harvard and Radcliffe, among their students was Debbie Allen and Michael and Janet Jackson. Two of Fayards daughters went on and continued the family legacy, dancing as the Nicholas Sisters
There were NO out-takes. It was done in ONE SHOOT!!!
YOU'VE just seen PERFECTION!!!
Even Fred Astaire said this was the best dance he had ever seen. Gregory Hines and his brother were being told they were going to be the next Nicholas Brothers. Gregory Hines had never seen them. When he watched this dance sequence he thought, nobody is going to be the next Nicholas Brothers. I never tire of watching this. I found it by accident years ago. I enjoy it just as much now as I did the first time I watched it. They were amazing! They were the best! That had to hurt!
Big Band /Swing is so 😎😎
Cab Calloway's grandmother was my grandmother's nanny in the 1920s and 30s. I still have the original full vinyl 78rpm album that Cab gave his grandmother wich she gave to my grandmother! LOVE LOVE LOVE CAB CALLOWAY!!!
The fact that they were brothers helped them as they practiced many hours a day. They were amazing.
Cab Calloway was the first hip hop star before it was a thing. I'm speechless about The Nicholas Brothers I'm amazed at how many times they did those splits and how they won't sweating lol. They were truly phenomenal dancers moved like gymnasts.
I like some Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire as well. Even the final dance scene of Dirty Dancing. A good dancer is always fun to watch RIP to all those guys and gals no longer with us.
One version is "What's such a big deal about Fred Astaire? Ginger Rogers did everything he did, backwards, and in high heels!"
This is freaking *classic*... The Nicholas Brothers were absolutely amazing dancers...and Cab Calloway a total incomparable icon !
Thank you for finally reacting to these three CLASS ACTS. CAB CALLOWAY was Awesome in his own right and played into the 1980's and was even featured in the movie the BLUES BROTHERS. And the Nicholas Brothers were simply AWESOME.
Anytime you find a video with the Nicholas brothers or Cab Calloway, watch it. Cab was famous as a band leader, singer and dancer. You might know several of his hits, one of the most popular ones was Minnie the Moocher. Cab was also one of the main characters in the Blues Brothers movie. Peace
Another clip to check out is Glenn Miller doing Chattanooga Choo-Choo in the movie Sun Valley Serenade. His band and singers are "practicing" their music number and then the Nicholas Brothers join in with some great dancing. I saw it on the late night movies when I was young and I've always loved that number. I was so impressed with their style and lighter-than-air ability.
Modern Renaissance Man I was 7, 8 years old the first time I watched this, 57 now the enchantment is still there!
One take, unrehearsed, two cameras. Fred Astaire called it the greatest dance routine ever put to film. And he was right!
This was my childhood. These were the songs/movies my parents were watching. I grew up to this. Amazing music. I would come home from kindergarten and watch this stuff on "Armchair Playhouse". We had 78 rpm records of this music. Love it! Please do some Mitch Miller - In The Mood!
Greatest dance sequence ever filmed. These guys were definitely pushing the envelope of what the human body is capable of.
Amazing athletes!
If you watch the two sax players in front when they're jumping on the stands in front of them, the guy on the right keeps leaning out of the way, while the guy on the left just trusts they won't kick him in the head.
The Nicholas Brothers were literally a once-in-a-century talent. We're lucky that they were at their prime at a time when they could be captured on film.
Enjoy....part of your heritage.
Ummmmmm.........what?!
To see one of my Mentor,Cab Calloway
I call him Mr.Entertainment &
The Nicholas Bros, The Kings of Tap Dancing of The World
Just P💯R💯I💯C💯E
L💯E💯S💯S...
I've watched this countless times. They are fabulous. Watch Lucky Number, when they were young, Gal from Kalamazoo, Down Argentine Way
and others.
Astounding. Wowee. Great music and great dancing. It's even better than watching AC/DC (arguably)!
Brother you’ll fine this hard to believe. But you asked how many takes they had to do to complete this. The answer is that it was done in ONE take! Now think about for a minute 😃
Love Cab Calloway and also the Nicholas Brothers. I am glad I was able to see Calloway make TV appearances. He was a legend. And the Nicholas brothers---well, what can you say other than they were absolutely fantastic.
Ahhh, "Stormy Weather" This is one of the highlights of the first major motion picture with an all black cast if memory serves. A gem for the ages 🎼🎵❤💥💛💥🤎💥🤍 we're all precious in His sight. Good to see you branching out, @Modern Renaissance Man (world affairs. we need young leaders like you) Oh, I don't know that these young men passed this gift on you know, genetically??😉😉
Omgosh .. that was off the wall 🔥🔥🔥🔥. So that's Jumpin Jive with the Nicholas Bros & that Cab Calloway was Jive Tuning too!!! I've got to watch this again but full screen .. Luv Luv👌🏆 But Ty .. ROTFL .. the pain in ur face when they jumped over each other on the steps landing in full splits over & over made me laugh out loud..priceless!! How in the world do they slide back up from a full split w/o using hands. I have trouble even using my hands & knees😁 Many thnx Victoria & Ty .. seize the day🥰BTW: this is from a 1943 movie titled "Stormy Weather"😉
Cab Calloway is one of my all-time all-time all-time favorites, and I believe the Nicholas Bros. did this in one take. Fred Astaire is quoted "the greatest dancing ever seen on film"
Cab Callaway was also in the the first Blues Brothers movie where he performed "Mini the Moocher" which sadly is the extent of my Cab Callaway knowledge. I enjoyed this.
Cab Calloway performed in a Janet Jackson music video. You might want to check it out.
@@LaptopLarry330 which song?
@@lemhanback9595 "Alright". He appears at the end of the music video.
@@LaptopLarry330 ty I'll check it out.
Calloway does not sing or dance in the music video. I would like to apologize. It has been many years since I watched the music video back in 1989. I remember seeing publicity photos at the time of Calloway and Jackson both wearing "zoot suits", trying to make it look as if they were going to do a dance number together in the music video. That did not turn out to be the case.
Oh man, he's going to flip. My sister loves these classic dancers.
Yay! Cab Calloway! THIS is the Big Band Era! Mr. Calloway made an appearance in the Blues Brothers movie.
Probably the best dancing to ever come out of Hollywood bar none. Thanks for this one.....
What you just watched is the roots of most of the music and dancing we enjoy today.
I remember seeing these guys in movies on Saturday afternoons when I was a kid. (60s) I just recently rediscovered them. Astaire and Gene Kelly always seemed to get more attention and I CANNOT figure out why.
Another clip that doesn't get as much attention as Jumpin Jive, is Nicholas Brothers 'I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo'. My jaw still drops after watching it multiple times. I really think you'd enjoy it.
Another favorite of mine is the duo dance with Gregory Hines and Mikhail Baryshnikov from 'White Nights'. The side by side steps of Mr Hines' loose jointed, casual and seemingly effortless style with Baryshnikov's exactingly precise ballet style is just beautiful. RIP Mr Hines. We lost you way too soon.
Nicholas Brothers will always be my favorite dancers, though. They were the best.
The answer to why the Nicholas Brothers didn't get the recognition they deserved? Skin colour.
racism. simple and stupid as that. these gentlemen should've been millionaires and playing to sold out houses world wide. there but for skin color
@@HawkwindAus True. Incredibly sad, ridiculously irritating, but all too true. Sadly I didn't discover them until recently and even at a glance I can tell what I have been missing
Dang indeed!! These musicians! AND the dancers!.... WOW.... Smokin’!!
The only thing better than watching the Nicholas Brothers dance is watching them dance and sing with the lovely Dorothy Dandridge. Watch the video of them performing "Chattanooga Choo Choo" for a treat.