Amazing Tap Dance with trained dog

Eleanor Powell trained this dog herself and this scene was shot in her own living room because it was where the dog was used to do all the tricks. Amazing tap dance and acrobatic routine. I want to have a dog like this one to tap with :)

[@JoMarieM]

Eleanor Powell was not only an amazing dancer, but I think that she probably could have had another job on the side as a dog trainer. She did a FANTASTIC job training this one!

[@bobblowhard8823]

There were a lot of great tap dancers: The Hines Brothers, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, and so many more. But none compares to Eleanore Powell. She had grace, style, athleticism, and she made even the most difficult dance moves look effortless. No wonder The Tap Dancing Guild named her The Best Tap Dancer, and even Fred Astaire said she was the best!

[@eleanorpowell2007]

99 years today since the birth of Eleanor Powell. Thanks Eleanor for all the exhilarating happiness you provided the world with your craft.

[@robertmudrow8034]

110 years

[@girlfromthebronxbywayofelb7288]

Eleanor Powell was my mother's favorite dancer, and my favorite too!! Well, I also have soft spots for the Nicholas brothers and Gregory Hines and Gene Kelly, but really Eleanor Powell owns my heart! 🎶🎭🎵

[@kepckatherinec805]

Eleanor and Buttons are fabulous together! So much fun to watch.

[@luvbach1]

Eleanor Powell was without a doubt the best female tap dancer ever and the equal of the best male tap dancers, and we know who they were.

[@Enchanteexoxo]

I actually think more highly of female tap dancers because they have to do it in heels. I don't think it's acknowledged enough how hard that is.

[@katharinebuckman2815]

Her upright line was so perfect!

[@patrickbattaille2979]

But specifically,how is she a better than Ann Miller, or is she?

[@captainpike332]

@@patrickbattaille2979 Yeah it's always been a toss up between her and Ann Miller!

[@iliyakuryakin4671]

@@patrickbattaille2979 Having watched some of Ann Miller's best routines, Eleanor looks better. Everything is cleaner, sharper; she has the same ease, grace and effortlessness that Astaire had. Ann often uses the dance intercut with singing and consciously relies a sexy image, which detracts from the dancing rather than adding to it. I can't find any footage of Ann putting somersaults in a routine. Some of the problem is the way the routines are recorded; Miller would often dance in ordinary shoes and then do the routine in tap shoes, with the sound track dubbed over the action and this can make it sound somewhat phoney. With Eleanor, there's no over dubbing - certainly not in this scene - so you know the taps you see are what your are hearing.

[@yveeliza]

"One can hardly conceive of a world in which certain beings communicate without verbal language, restricting themselves to gestures, objects, unshaped sounds, tunes, or tap dancing; but it is equally hard to conceive of a world in which certain beings only utter words."[1] - Umberto Eco, A Theory of Semiotics Eleanor Powell had such a natural feminine charm and she made the dancing look so easy. I think the teamwork between herself and Buttons is absolutely amazing!

[@stephaniestanley8041]

The talent amazing. A true athlete. Plus her beautiful face. Eleanor and the pup worked hard. The joy can't be hidden in what she must have felt filming that day. And the joy I feel watching it.

[@gwtwvivien]

I can,t belive it!!!!. I just added as a favorite !!. Eleanor is just amazing here...she seems to enjoy every second of the routine...And the dog!!...what a cute !!...It,s the BEST video I have ever seen of GREAT Miss Powell, and believe me, I saw them all. I will see it again now!!....LOVE THE DOG; LOVE ELEANOR; LOVE THE DECO LIVING ROOM; LOVE HER OUTFIT, LOVE THE MUSIC!!!!. A Real GEM!!. Carlos

[@fran_1978]

That was just AMAZING, definitely the cutest thing I have ever seen! I love Eleanor Powell and I love dogs, so this is Heaven to me.

[@elephantintheroom5678]

Oh! This couldn't get any better! My favourite dancer of all time - with a dancing dog! ❤️👏

[@jondoe888i]

Eleanor, like many other earlier stars were mostly faded by time I really started noticing, in the 60's. They were just old names in old movies. It's so good to see them like this, in their prime. WOW - she can tap! I need to see more of her work.

[@arthurgearheard4701]

She's being seen on KZbin more than anyone else, and she's been dead for forty years!

[@egeo03]

She made those walkovers look like she was doing them in zero gravity. Impressive core strength, balance, and flexibility.

[@yurimisaki1980]

OMG! I think I just in love with her! Really. She’s so graceful and talented. Hope she’s having a good time with Ginger, Fred, Gene and all the others wonderful stars.

[@ToddLorencUkuleleMusic]

Just discovered her lately!! Loving her!!

[@KatherineSchmit]

If I could tap like her, I would obnoxiously tap EVERYWHERE

[@reinzasmith269]

+Katherine Schmit Love this comment. I would be exactly the same Katherine

[@Sandra9135]

Amazing! I would also obnoxiously tap everywhere!

[@ROGER2095]

I'd come "waltzing in" everywhere I go!

[@puplover7991]

Holy Sh*t. Vivacious, charming, skill off the charts, and that gymnastics...whoa. She made those front walkovers look like nothin to her! Then to have that adorable pup in her routine...exquisite.

[@kobedragon6069]

Uuuughh! The way she spins! Is magic!

[@markr.katzman3743]

She was great! And kudos to Mr. Dog!

[@gtlfb]

Without doubt the most delightful and charming dance number ever. Heaven!

[@lalva2024]

Five revolution spins was off the charts fantastic!! She was also incredibly attractive!

[@rmcfete]

She did fifteen in Rap Tap Tap. And fascinating rhythm

[@SuperKasper333]

This is wonderful. Thank you for sharing this!

[@janwilliams1270]

1974. That's Entertainment. Eleanor and Fred A. dancing begin the bequine from Brodway Melody of 1940 Scintillating and the movie audience clapped like crazy as if it were a live performance. Nothing better!!!

[@sdftrd]

I love Eleanor Powell, I love Buttons, and I love tap!

[@genovee]

I was just about to ask if anyone had this to post. I love it, Ellie and that very talented doggie. What a great team doing a great turn. Many thanks for the posting.

[@juttaschoner4302]

Just gorgeous, Eleanor Powell.

[@JoshSmith222]

It's inspiring to see that this level of talent is possible.

[@Doggone2007]

wow that was pretty amazing. The dog stole the show

[@hollywoodlalaland8665]

She was simply the best. An absolute phenom.

[@EthanOberlin]

I love tap dancing! I still wonder what it’d be to have Eleanor Powell, Vera Ellen, and Ann Miller in a movie together and tap dancing sisters! I feel like that’d be a great picture

[@esmeephillips5888]

That would truly be a challenge dance-off, for they are the three best lady tappers of whom we have substantial records. I think Ellie would win, because she was a creator as well as a practitioner. As we see here, her imagination was extraordinary.

[@mamasheloves]

Stylish woman, dancer, clothes, set, and dog!

[@eleanorpowell2007]

@dearmalika This is the first film after her 'come back' with Eleanor not being the lead anymore. She wouldn't do many films after this, only small roles. She focused on her family. From this film you REALLY NEED to see the number 'Fascinating Rhythm'. It is a really long continuous 1 take up to the middle of the dance number and then it gets crazier and crazier with acrobatics. Search: 'Eleanor Powell Fascinating Rhythm' and choose the 5:53 video from Shurayuki18411. Eleanor starts at 1:45

[@esmeephillips5888]

You're right. EP had recovered from nearly a year off with gall bladder problems. She had to prove she could still cut it. She was put into 'Lady Be Good' with top billing but as Ann Sothern's confidante: secondary as an actress but asked to supply a couple of big routines, since neither Sothern nor Bob Young could hoof. The duet with Buttons was the first. 'Fascinating Rhythm' topped it, and how- for my money it is the greatest solo dance ever recorded, Exhibit A in support of the belief that Ellie was the #1 mover in movies.

[@BornYesterday0126]

Thank you for posting this. I'm not a huge fan of this movie but this is one of my favorite Eleanor Powell numbers!

[@LynnKsCouture]

Love Eleanor Powell dancing!!

[@JaneAustenAteMyCat]

Wonderful! Her moves are effortless and the dog is adorable.

[@FilmBuffClassic]

Take That "So You Think You Can Dance" !!!

[@scifi707]

Fantastic performer! Eleanor Powell was good too.

[@natlievalite7966]

Magnifique !

[@luishumbertovega3900]

This lady was The Greatest !!!

[@paulbroderick8438]

Beauty and talent. Great duo!

[@jamie48027]

This is wonderful! Thank you!

[@laurelmancini3596]

The Nicholas Brothers, Harold and Fayard, considered Eleanor the best tap dancer. No contest, no gender. Who doesn’t like a dancing dog?

[@cbass2755]

Doesn’t it look like so much fun! lol…She’s great!

[@judyalcatraz918]

Wow amazing!

[@bob110088]

Simply the BEST!!!

[@tubeornotube]

Further evidence of soundstage setup: Look at the floor shadows at 3:00 (immediately before the edit) and 3:28-38. They show how the back fill light had to be mounted above and behind the rear "wall". Eleanor's shadow stretches out away from the wall towards the camera.

[@Mischeaux61]

she was so amazing. thanks so much for posting, I have never seen this clip. really cute!

[@sukie584]

just wonderful. She was so extremely talented and I'm pretty sure that is an American Rat Terrier which is the breed of dog everyone is looking for, they just didn't know they existed.. !

[@EnoVarma]

The dog yawning at 2:46 is adorable.

[@dandy2111]

Impresionante!!

[@sourtaps]

WOW! incredible somb Eleanor, bomb dog

[@conradmartinez4175]

ELEANOR, WAS THE ULTIMATE TAPPER. WHAT A LEGEND.

[@glook]

My goodness... the parts with the dog were cute but the solo parts were freaking amazing. She sure knew how to tap. *Plays back in awe*

[@edporzio5692]

unbelievable!

[@Livingabeautifullife]

Just saw this on tv~so fun!!

[@lorenzuhl6535]

this is genius! no nudity, no violence, just a woman and her dog dancing!

[@TheCMac518]

love this and the art work in her place. wish i could see color photos!

[@Lillyan69]

Omg that was awesome!!

[@aaandreamalet]

Eleonor é perfeita, simplesmente

[@sugarrosedupre24]

I love this !!!!

[@janbarber7807]

I think she's the greatest!With Cyd,of course!

[@randomvintagefilm273]

The original parachute pants!

[@hamtrak]

Eleven thumbs down? wtf?

[@michellelekas211]

Haters gotta hate hate hate!

[@thehomeplatespecial597]

hamtrak they have clicking noises anxiety. please dont blame them.

[@potterabbit]

I second the motion. Carlos!!!!

[@doctorz102649]

Hey, how did she keep taping through the summersaults?

[@glenjones7597]

that was what so unique about miss Ellie, She love gymnastics, ballet, and utilized all her training into her tap dancing

[@hardmember]

BHBD Ms Elle...tap my lights out

[@robertsmith1860]

I really enjoyed the entire Routine, but it made me nervous because I was afraid the dog would bite her in the End!!

[@Ukepa]

she makes the impossible look effortless... never goes off balance or timing or makes missteps... just amazing

[@slimanazka]

légère et admirable bien takouska bravo

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

My hunch: The pooch was much better company than her hubby (Glenn Ford), who I hear was a real pain in the a**.

[@esmeephillips5888]

She did not meet Ford till two years later. Introduced by Pat O'Brien.

[@SammyProductionsNYC]

Elanor is insane!! Check out my new MGM style web series!! There's a dog even!

[@braxtonsnose9313]

Grandma falling down the stairs be like: 1:13

[@ghbook]

What was she able to do with such a trained dog. Don't we say : the more i see men, the more i love dogs....

[@giftedhunterlol]

she nicked mc hammers trousers lol

[@stmalachy]

Good eye! This is no doubt why the dog is going for her throat in the very last shot...lol.

[@laurarold]

😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@johnhand871]

Best of the best. The one woman Fred Astaire felt was his match. Never saw anyone that could do spins like her, male or female. Four years ago I said this was the clip I keep coming back to, and here I am again.

[@anthonydecarvalho652]

She was incomparable. The greatest all around dancer in Hollywood history (male or female). Even Fred Astaire admitted this in private.

[@eleanorpowell2007]

The tap dancer, Eleanor Powell - also known as "The Queen of Tap" - was the dog trainer. As explained above she was supplied with different dogs by the studio and none would work well. She got one and trained it herself in her house. Once the time came to shoot the scene the dog would not repeat the same things with accuracy on the film set so this scene was finally filmed in Eleanor Powell's own living room, in her house.

[@MrRichiekaye]

Wonderful to know this!

[@laurarold]

eleanorpowell2007 WOW 🤩

[@esmeephillips5888]

Gilbert Adrian, MGM's costume designer, created the fancy bow collar Buttons wears in his opening close-up. Allegedly the pooch became so attached to Ellie that whenever John Carroll as her screen b.f. got smoochy, Buttons would attack him.

[@TheStockwell]

To paraphrase the famous Bob Thaves quote about Fred Astaire, "Eleanor Powell did everything he did backwards, in high heels . . . and with a dog!"

[@eleanorpowellborntodance]

Buttons was the dog belonging to the daughter of a property man at MGM. They had hired one previously, but after about a week, he was let go. While it's true that Eleanor took Buttons home for six weeks and trained him herself, it is not true that they shot this number in her living room. For one thing, her living room (in her Tudor-style house) didn't even resemble this set, but practically speaking, it would have been impossible to get all the heavy lighting equipment and cameras of the time into a regular-sized living room and get the same angles used in this number. Buttons was clearly at ease on set, and he appeared throughout the movie. Eleanor described him as "a little ham who couldn't wait to get to work." He also went on to appear in The Emperor Waltz with Bing Crosby. You could say that Eleanor launched his career!

[@bovnycccoperalover3579]

Definitely her cutest partner'! Such a fun number.

[@jazzroomcabaret]

I am 16 years old and I dance tap dance. My dream is to be as her. Every time I see her dancing, I think it's impossible to become a good dancer!!!! She is the best!

[@cindyhutchins5532]

I know it’s been 15 years since you made this comment. I hope you’re a successful tap dancer nowadays!

[@michaelvaughn169]

The dog has more talent than most of today's so-called stars.

[@JoMarieM]

Eleanor wasn't just an insanely talented dancer. . .she was also apparently a pretty good dog trainer, too!

[@juliag.5114]

Her facial expressions are the most adorable thing ever

[@alisbuus6]

What a great number, and I think the dog liked it as well, it shows they trust each other, and had fun. I love to watch tap-dance, and she was one of the best dancers.

[@Scathingly]

She was THE BEST--only Fred Astaire in her time came pretty close. He admitted himself that even he was intimidated by her tapping skills. Why he ever teamed up with Ginger Rogers will always be a mystery to me. It's not personal or anything about Ginger, but she wasn't near the dancer that Eleanor was. And boy, did Eleanor have a stage presence. Can you possibly tell that in my eyes she was and still is the best of the best--there'll never ever be another like her I swear.

[@rmcfete]

Not one of the best. Fayard Nicholas heard someone say he and his brother were the best tap dancers ever. He said well we weren’t that’s eleanor Powell she’s the best dancer period

[@eleanorpowell2007]

She was indeed The Best. The Studios/Hollywood couldn't even provide her with a suitable dog, able to perform lots of tricks, so she gave back all the puppies suplied and got one herself, to train it personally.

[@hannahbobanna9650]

I love how her feet look like they're moving on their own

[@qp8596]

She had the best spins!!

[@TheSaneHatter]

The hoofer and the woofer.

[@benrobles752]

ROFL!

[@johnboys4697]

Nick Hentschel ha ha cute

[@cinnabar585]

Excellent!! 😂

[@jonEbird]

That final leap to the bed sealed it for me.

[@brendaaugustine4925]

That was the best! Eleanor was always great , but that little dog ... move over, Fred!❤

[@FatManDoubleZero]

"Amazing" is an understatement. Incredible is more like it!!!!! What a superb athlete Eleanor Powell was.

[@JudithIN410]

I think that the scene was shot in the studio on a set made to resemble EP's living room. It would have been very difficult to get the necessary lights and cameras into even a large residential room. Corroborating evidence comes from a promotional still photo currently offered at ebay, which clearly shows the open top of the walls of this set. Check out item #370105373007 ending Nov 6.

[@JudithIN410]

Wasn't her dog. It belonged to the daughter of one of her prop men. She did "adopt" it for a few months of training; it had just been a pet before this film. The dog went on to perform in several other movies.

[@mapearce1]

LOL! Damn! I am so fortunate to have seen this kind of stuff as a kid growing up....and let's throw in some Victor Borge,. and Carol Burnette,....and hey,....it just goes on and on......so when I see shows like AGT and Stern says America has never seen ANYTHING like this before....lol.....come on.....many of the acts you see on AGT have been around for years,.....but stuff like this.....gonna have to wait a long time before it comes around again,....

[@lauramonteson4482]

I can watch this clip over and over and I have! The greatest. In an interview in her later years she said before she started tapping that she hated it. Never will be another Eleanor Powell! RIP dear lady. ❤

[@orchardist1965]

JUST WOW. What a lovely lady,enjoying every moment of this sensational routine with her wonderful friend.

[@JudithIN410]

The dog - formerly just a pet - was trained by Eleanor Powell herself. The dog went on to have a further movie career.

[@curtite]

Lucky dog, Eleanor is wonderful. I not seen this in a movie before. Thanks you for sharing.

[@grayforester]

It was a short subject, and not part of a feature film.

[@curtite]

@@grayforester Thanks, that explains why never found this gem

[@folioio]

Not to say that this portion wasn't released separately as a short -- it may have been. But this number is part of the 1941 feature film Lady Be Good, also starring Robert Young and Ann Sothern.

[@kelseyparker7737]

She and Buttons look so cute together!

[@eleanorpowell2007]

@dearmalika It's from the film 'Lady Be Good' like the title song of this music number, from 1941. Only two year before Eleanor Powell was a leading lady in her films, even overshadowing stars like Fred Astaire and Robert Taylor, but after filming Broadway Melody of 1940 she was ill for a while, when she returned back MGM behaved horribly and left her with no more leading roles, after all she did for them (her films with her own choreographed showstopping dances saved MGM from bankruptcy).