Applied Mathematics - Donald O'Connor Solo Tap and Acrobatic Dance

A very fast and impressive semi-solo dance of Donald O'Connor's complete with amazing tapping and full-scale acrobatics from the 1948 musical "Are You With It?" The bar tender is played by Donald's actual tap teacher, Louis Da Pron, and the third dancer is Lew Parker.

[@MBrusaZappellini]

Such a shame Donald O’Conner didn’t get more recognition- he was a phenomenal artist

[@trhansen3244]

I think he is quite possibly the best dancer ever.

[@midnightdeirdre]

Mmm I loves me some Donald O’Connor…RIP you handsome, charming thing you… 😚

[@shelleywantiez7964]

Donald O'Connor outshined them all. He was the superior dancer on many levels. How ironic, Donald's dance instructor, Louis DaPron, was in this scene. Donald was perfection in this scene.

[@nightcoresubliminals2038]

We humans have achieved our highest point, our true perfection, and his name is Donald O'Connor

[@claudiasantos3361]

It's true

[@emilylarimore127]

Yup

[@Happyboymargarine]

I second that, and now we have the Kardashians. No talent sluts, making way more money than this guy ever did

[@omarcogle1965]

You also have Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a predecessor.

[@shelleywantiez7964]

Donald O'Connor was the real deal!

[@Irisheyesd1]

One of the most underrated dancers in movie history. Every bit as good as Gene or Fred.

[@seanohare5488]

So true

[@cl604driver]

I think better. Watching this routine, swinging around, dancing on tables etc,. He could hang with the Nicholas Bros.

[@shelleywantiez7964]

Perhaps better. Neither of the other two could incorporate the acrobatics like Donald O'Connor could

[@robertedwards7900]

I would say he was much better than those guys in some ways. Gene had a more athletic approach and Fred was more fluid/graceful. Don’s acrobatics we’re UNPARALLELED!!!

[@letty5515]

Amen

[@GROWLEYMOLD]

I've been watching clips of this man dancing and I can't believe how good he is . This guy is something else .

[@shelleywantiez7964]

There were no limits to what Donald O'Connor could do.

[@harley3849]

To think he was only 23 when this film was released! He was absolutely astounding x

[@seanohare5488]

So true

[@wakeupamerica4610]

And this folks is why both fred astaire and gene kelly said donald O'Conner was a better dancer then them.he was virtually over looked when kelly and astaire came to fame.

[@shaibullard8870]

They all are amazing dancers 🤷I never compare any of them by saying who's better than who I respect all they're styles but I love Gene more he was very athletic

[@alanoliver7616]

He had a heart condition that cut is career short so sad, a loss to all of us.

[@judyloukides]

He was every bit as good as either of the others, but always played a comic role or second banana, so he didn't get as much credit for it. That routine he did in "Singin' in the Rain" was spectacular!

[@deirdremacdougall8415]

Yes and I so agree that indeed he was. And, was for some reason was shamefullly not as well known or recognized in households across America as being so wonderful. He was so very charming and talented.I just adore watching him dance !

[@mirozen_]

@@judyloukides I think people loved him in the comic roles he played so much that they didn't focus as much on how good his dancing actually was! A marvelous dancer and actor.

[@DrSho]

instead of watching dancing with the stars they should show clips like this so the world can see what REAL dancing looks like

[@AJ-ld5mv]

YAAAAASSSSS

[@benjaminfreyman4273]

Agreed

[@angelasturges5550]

@@benjaminfreyman4273 Yes!!!

[@angelasturges5550]

@@AJ-ld5mv Oui!

[@angelasturges5550]

@@AJ-ld5mv Oui!

[@alwaysblake148]

Thank God for KZbin. Donald O'Connor is at long last getting his due as one of the greats. And in my book, I'd rather watch him than all the others.

[@seanohare5488]

Me too

[@yourgirlme9163]

@@seanohare5488 me too

[@micaelaroyo4837]

Donald O Connor looks so young in this, hes absolutely adorable!!!!!

[@someonesomeone7423]

he was 23 and looking fresh for hollywood

[@shelleywantiez7964]

Totally agree

[@francescaa8331]

Absolutely

[@tammie1078]

Tapping while table cloth is being whipped underneath you and your still tapping and you don't fall, lol wow Don, just wow!!!

[@georgeorwell4534]

I read that when Donald O'Connor was signed by Paramount they gave him a dancing instructor to help define his talent for films. His instructor quit after the first day, saying he was "untrainable". He didn't mean that he wouldn't take instruction, but he learned far more from real life hoofers like Bill "Bojangles" Robinson than instructors, did things differently than they draw them up on charts, and knew as much as the instructors.

[@someonesomeone7423]

Source?

[@georgeorwell4534]

@@wkwalter1529 my respects. I've been a fan of his for a long time. My favorite is "Moses Suposes".....while you watch Gene Kelly showing such power in his dance, Donald O'Connor is gliding, graceful. Thank you for your post.

[@cl604driver]

@@georgeorwell4534 I prefer to watch DOC in Moses vs GK.

[@skeletorlikespotatoes7846]

Any books you know on the hoofers? And their style?

[@dudley5533]

Donald was definitely one of the best ......he did it all....acrobatics, difficult tap routines and multiple dances done with the female dancers.

[@shelleywantiez7964]

I think he outshined them ALL. It's a crime he didn't receive a lifetime achievement award. He was acting and dancing at a much earlier age than his Compadre's. His list of movies is endless. He was the real deal. He also had all the Hollywood Hotties as leading ladies. It speaks volumes.

[@trhansen3244]

After watching him in several films, I am not so sure he wasn't the very best dancer of them all.

[@johanna6050]

Grateful that this mans' talent is preserved on film.😊

[@FanFan-ib8lu]

When I first saw this number, I wondered who the hell was the bar tender because he got such moves, quick and sliding. He's Louis da pron !! Teacher of Donald. Great to see them dancing together !!

[@Mari-zl3sg]

Donald O'Connor is a masterpiece....

[@susanyork5089]

Love this man , did not get the recognition he deserved , stunning

[@fenrislyulf950]

Sheer magic without creative editing, just talent.

[@Cookies_crumbs]

Would you look at this kid move?! I love Donald and own most of his movies. It is not surprising to me that Gene Kelly wanted to dance with Donald and specifically requested him as his co-star in "Singin' in the Rain".

[@txmedic37]

He was supposed to play opposite Bing Crosby in White Christmas, but injured a leg just before filming. The choreography number was written for Kay, if you watch White Christmas after say Singin' In The Rain, you can tell the rest was written for Donald.

[@amanda1271]

@@txmedic37 that's crazy. I always watch that movie and wish Donald had been cast in it, such a shame to know he was and missed out on it.

[@valentinelove8029]

@@txmedic37 actually I believe he got sick due to the mule that played Francis

[@jejrstans]

@@amanda1271 Me too!! We watched it last night and just imagined Donald in it instead. sigh.

[@seanohare5488]

So true

[@joeblow578]

I am a big Donald fan, and this might be my favorite of his films. The actors and dancers at that time were (like Donald) often started in vaudeville, a family enterprise that meant learning acrobatics and dance and music in very early childhood, as early as possible. Louis DaPron, the 'bartender' here, was actually Donald's dance instructor for film, and he also started dancing in early childhood! Nice to see the two dance together - a master and his brilliant protege.

[@lewistrotter1039]

What's the movie? I'd love to check it out.

[@DonaldOConnorFan]

+Lilly Trotter Are You With It?

[@Arkelk2010]

It must be a great feeling to dance with and see one's dance student do so well.

[@lindapullan6937]

I'm a big Donald O'Connor fan too. I've never seen this clip before. It's fabulous. I never get tired of watching this man dance.

[@marygoodson4920]

I've never seen this before! What movie is it? thanks for the background info too! Donald has always been my Fave.

[@loganperry5167]

Never gets old, often only looks better, a gem,thanks for posting.

[@sosidecop64]

You can't help but smile when you watch these wonderful dance routines.

[@seanohare5488]

So true

[@CoconutMigrationCommittee]

donald is the greatest actor, dancer, and singer. ever.

[@plugh1]

When entertainment was exactly that. No cgi no costumes with capes. Just great movies.

[@jaypierce7125]

as a professional dancer myself, I think that Donald O'connner is the most underrated dancer = I was not tap dancer but I always appreciated him.

[@bexbeckyxx]

Donald is the only person in the world who could ever make maths look like so much fun :) i love him!

[@thomasbeverick4528]

All great. Add Tommy Rall to this group.

[@carmellayates2503]

My mother took me to the movies to see Donald at the time this movie was made i was only 5yrs old . Anyway it wasn't this movie that I saw I'm pretty sure I was around 7 yrs old . And I was so infatuated by him and I told my mom when I grow up I'm going to marry Donald O'Conner . I watched all of his Frances the talking mule episodes they were much better than Mr Ed . Probably because Donald was the star. I did miss his dancing and I'm glad that its now on utube .

[@debbie3218]

Donald O'Connor, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly... I always am happy every time I see them dance. Love them all!

[@cheryldahl9192]

ME too! Why does everyone feel the need to compare them? They were all great!

[@seanohare5488]

Me too

[@tiffanysalling4272]

I absolutely love Donald O'Connor. His dancing is very much missed. I want to dance like that.

[@chelliebean5773]

With some of the nonsense on KZbin, Deborah thank you for sharing this TREASURE!

[@DonaldOConnorFan]

You are so welcome!

[@rettathomas837]

I agree, I love Donald O’Connor, he was underrated

[@louismazzei5862]

I’m always amazed at just how light on his feet that guy really was. Amazing!

[@seanohare5488]

So true

[@maizie9454]

this is exactly what I was thinking. he was just air

[@Pau_Pau_Pau_Pau]

I can't believe what I just freaking saw my god that was amazing. He's elastic!!

[@catwomanpl1]

Admire him, adore him, love him..... He's the greatest of ''em all:))))))

[@ejdarly4733]

I love the stories they told when they tap danced. We need to keep this type of stuff alive so that legends like this will always be known. It's almost insulting this type of stuff should have millions of views, so how am I just now seeing this? Makes me what to look up even more dancers from bad in the day.

[@TheMaisie80]

Terrific routine. Donald o'Connor was fantastic. Thanks for posting this..

[@MrPoupard]

Breathtaking ... pure virtuosity ....they all make it look so easy ..... did the cinema audiences 70 years ago appreciate what they were seeing?

[@patirvin-bz9pg]

Yes, we did. We were mesmerized. It could be why I rarely see a film today. Most of today's actors are boring with little talent.

[@bbcisrubbish]

What a fantastic scene! One of the best tap dancing episodes I have ever seen.

[@lynnbethechange]

When I was a brand new teen, I had such a crush on Donald O-Connor. Great song and dance man with fantastic comedic timing.

[@smallbluehour]

Adorable guy in suspenders who dances fabulously. I'm just going to go melt now, thank you.

[@dottie8115]

I always loved how Donald could Tap Dance and he was one of the best 🎶💞🎵💞🕺

[@Dirty_Squirrell]

Wow. That was phenomenal. Make sure you read what the uploader added below the video to find out who the other two dancers are!

[@Alcagaur1]

Like the Nicholas Brothers, while watching you couldn't actually swear that there is a garden-variety human spine in there.

[@zaraevee]

I happened upon this and it utterly delighted me and had me smiling the whole way through! I already loved Donald O'Connor but I keep seeing things that make me in awe of his skill and charm

[@RavenSelena]

This is how I want to learn my math! I want to go back in time and get tap dancing and math lessons from Donald!!

[@SJPDurham]

Now that's dancing.

[@shaibullard8870]

Better than Chris brown 😂

[@yvettejones5323]

Gosh, he's so young in this movie.

[@hollygolightly8048]

This is when one had to have talent to perform. An era we’ll never witness again.

[@tankhalffull]

Talent like this just doesn't exist today...

[@allisavercool227]

A time before color saturated the world and any stranger walking into a random cafe was required to participate in a friendly dance battle. The guys at table three are just waiting their turn.

[@MasterArchfiend]

He's right. Everything boils down to math. Dancing is just one wonderful way we use it.

[@timeslush]

this is so suave and cute and snappy and just plain impressive i'm losing my mind

[@ruthnagarya2028]

I always felt Donald O'conner was a better dancer than Gene Kelly...and he was younger and more handsome! What a talent God blessed s with! I've never seen this before...he looks like he's 16 !!!!! What movie is this from?

[@shaibullard8870]

He's not better he's just as good 🤷 I never compare them cause they both talented and have different styles 😉 I love Gene Kelly more but I do feel Donald contributed enough to be in Gene's category

[@DakariKingMykan]

@@shaibullard8870 Did you know that Donald danced on skates before Gene did?

[@roman23bullard52]

@@DakariKingMykan yup and he was amazing too I feel he should be just as famous as gene even though I like gene a bit more

[@DakariKingMykan]

@@roman23bullard52 I honestly Can't decide... especially when it comes to MOSES SUPPOSES

[@tigermaximus8003]

you know. the first time i saw donald. ive seen him in tales from the crypt. its called string along. he was a puppetir. in the story!;) great acter. when i saw in hes younger days!;) ommmg!!!!;) i didnt realize he was a legend maan!;) tapp dancing even tap dancing in roller skates!??;) and the way he move!;) with hes feet? maan!;) love this guy!;) when i saw tales from the crypt. i though deep down he acted very well!;) hes persona. the way he laugh in the carrecter. and the way he pertrait the carreter of the puppet tir!;) as soon as i saw hes name. i said let me found out who he is!;) hes an interesting person. this is how you know when a person that you dont know. affects you. when i found out who he was back then!;) ommg!;) i was blown away!;) what talent maan!;) even tho he was at hes 60 or what ever!;) he can teach you how to dance !;) hes a master!;) i was soo glad to look for him!;) ive never knew he was that talented!;)

[@deirdremacdougall8415]

Marvelous Donald O'Connor ! Just adore him thanks for this wonderful share 💞

[@sandrastitt527]

Loved Donald O’Conner & all the old musicals

[@LenHummelChannel]

Thank you. this was a long-lost clip. Donald was a truly amazing & athletic talent !

[@acehandler1530]

I just watched "Are You With It?" last evening - and LOVED this dance number! And here it is in all its wee glory - thanks so much for posting this for everyone to enjoy...so ENJOY! 💖 🇨🇦

[@DonaldOConnorFan]

You’re very welcome! It’s one of my favorite routines of his.

[@lisanealy1703]

Back when hollywood had great people, great talent, great movies and great patriotism.

[@tamolyn5141]

That's Lew Parker, who portrayed Marlo Thomas's father on "That Girl". I never knew he was a dancer.

[@craigkdillon]

When tapping with the other guys, you can see how clean and efficient his moves were. He looked so relaxed. He always did.

[@NicoleWharton]

Thank-you so much for posting this and the info on the other two dancers. I've never seen this routine by Donald O'Connor before. Loved it.

[@jdswenson]

Donald O'Connor was the best. He still is in my opinion.

[@tamarab6680]

Awesome, always loved Donald O'Connor!

[@Realmasterorder]

What an awesome talented dancer and great actor at such a young Age as well ! i think he was pretty underatted,mainly cause of the Kelly and Astaire super stardom at the time.

[@jddj2952]

Nothing like watching great talent.

[@lenhummel5614]

Donald O'Connor belongs in the same class of superb - super performers as Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire.🎯💯👍

[@shelleywantiez7964]

He's a class all his own. He outshined both of them with dancing, singing and acting.

[@olu001]

This is unbelievable

[@allanpalmer9763]

The movie, for everybody who's asking (including me) is "Are You With It?" 1948

[@shawncurtis3686]

Donald O' Connor exuded physical self confidence.

[@CoconutMigrationCommittee]

We gotta bring tap dancing back to Hollywood musicals

[@billlonee9470]

I first became aware of Mr. O'Connor through the Francis the Talking Mule series. Later on, I saw him in a musical and thought, "Wow, he can dance, too." Boy, what a dope I was. Donald O'Connor is magic.

[@Cookies_crumbs]

Bill Lonee - Me too!

[@ruthsmith7614]

Mesmerizing and brilliant dancing......

[@user-eh5gj1hx9z]

'WHAT'S WRONG WITH 28 PEOPLE'? This was GREAT! Donald O'Connor - one of the best triple threats EVER!

[@lynneward2471]

Boy oh boy can this man dance absolutely fantastic such elegance really lovely

[@olliedynoduck]

I love him! Always have...so talented!

[@50s_fan]

Now, how in the world any idiot calls Gene Kelly better than him, I have no idea- Gene Kelly may have danced well, but he hadn't a heart. This fellow did, and was truly my favorite person- one of my deepest regrets to have never met him.

[@claynadian]

This is so great!

[@katiebenson1883]

2:42 did anyone else realize that was the same routine Donald used in I love Melvin when he was tap dancing in his roller skates?

[@cameronmonteath4910]

No!!! I just checked and wow it is!! That's so interesting wow

[@valentinelove8029]

Also the song is "gotta give my feet a break" which don and peggy ryan danced to like 5 years prior

[@someonesomeone7423]

This is my favourite scene of the movie

[@rustyfrank]

@Sadielou001 I was lucky enough to study tap with Louis for years. He was AMAZING!!! And the sweetest man. I only wish he had lived longer. Thanks so much for posting this clip. I've always loved it, but my copy was so dark I couldn't see what Donald was doing on the table tops (such a great part.)

[@lenhummel5766]

Fred, Gene, and Donald. 💛THE GREATEST💛🎯🎼🏅🎶

[@lcg101]

what an amazing video! I wish I could see the whole movie.

[@MariaAlvarez-sm8bv]

Absolutely spectacular. Never surpassed.

[@square-on-wheels]

I'm speechless with joy. 😊

[@rodlabbe2976]

I didn't know Lou Marie could dance so smoothly.

[@debrabrabenec3731]

@Liam Berg (STUDENT)Lou Marie was his name in the show That Girl, starring Marlo Thomas.

[@earlsgirlblack]

The best of all white dancers.. Total self taught, natural of dancers ,, he had has and will always have IT !

[@andrewtongue7084]

Only one word can describe this: Sublime.

[@markhatfield5621]

Back when audiences demanded that entertainers had to have talent.

[@leonardohummel8658]

Donald, Fred, and Gene. Truly incomparable, genius, timeless talent❗💥🎆❗💎🎆❗

[@Nikkyeshiva83]

Bartender was cold as ice with that slide

[@normanriggs848]

O'Conner was quite the talent and quite the athlete. Every bit as good as the "best!"

[@blazingtimeblazer9004]

Now this is what teachers need to show in math class. (I'm watching this as I'm doing a math exam XD)

[@billymusicwb]

This kind of entertainment may have reached a zenith in this period. We could do it again, but that kind of talent will require starting some four-year-olds on a training program now.

[@BillyElliottDMT]

wow, thankx for enlightening me on O'Connor...I luv learning about those for whom history doesn't leave a calling card!

[@billymusicwb]

Billy Elliott I'll try to find something on Will Spoor. I came across his kinetic mime when I was at CalArts. He created some of the first flash mob art experiences with something similar to a Merce Cunningham dance happening in a crowded space without warning. Thought you should be aware of him. Since he moves and stuff.

[@faith4094]

Billy Elliott Donald is an incredible legend...one of the best dancers ever...he was in show business from 2 on...his family had a vaudeville act...he was in movies at 12...like Sing You Sinners with Bing Crosby....he was a teen idol in the 40's....wonderful movies with his brilliant comedic timing and dancing....then, in the 50's huge....movies...Singin' in the Rain considered the best musical ever for which he won the Golden Globe as best actor in a musical or comedy, Call Me Madam with great numbers with Vera Ellen and and a showstopping duet with Ethel Merman...Donald had a terrific voice, as well....Walking My Baby Back Home with Janet Leigh...Donald does romance like no other...There's No Business Like Show Business..fabulous solo...Anything Goes - with Bing Crosby and great dances with Mitzi Gaynor...and so many more...on a TV show 5 Hollywood actresses said Donald was the best kisser in Hollywood....you can sure tell.....he was also a very beloved gentleman.

[@BillyElliottDMT]

Billy Sheppard that would be awesome... I went to a Performing Arts HS, and learning the history of the craft was very important. So I enjoy learn about all this stuff. 🔱

[@BillyElliottDMT]

***** hey thanks so much for filling me in on that info. I love musicals and I really think that was true acting and talent back then. There may be talented actors today, but it's not in the same way as those of old Hollywood. Wouldn't you agree?

[@condoguy710]

I watched so many DO movies as a kid , but I don’t recall this amazing dance number . 🔥

[@danielhughes441]

In agreement with all who say how underrated he was! I think the thing that strikes me the most is how fearless, yet playful, he was as a dancer! (Also known to be one of the kindest people in the biz)

[@mazay83]

Perfect, perfect, perfect !!!

[@kerry5586]

Absolutely fantastic. Thank you for posting.

[@feralbluee]

when tap dancing was tap dancing!!!!!! jeez! Donald O’Connor was totally amazing.

[@donnatunney1981]

Love Donald O'Connor.

[@rustyfrank]

Hi there! It would be great if you could add to your description that the other dancer is Donald's choreographer, Louis DaPron (my beloved tap teacher), Louis is the bartender. THANKS

[@curtlewis2795]

Just a small correction, if I may. The third dancer is Lew Parker, not quite 40 here. An old vaudeville song-and-dance man who made the transition to movies and later TV (most notably as Marlo Thomas's father on That Girl). Here, Parker was re-creating his role from the Broadway musical of the same name from a few years earlier. He and O'Hanlon were of the same generation but I'm not aware that George was known as a dancer.

[@ianwhitcomb]

Rusty, the older dancer? Isn't that Eddie Foy Jr?

[@curtlewis2795]

@@ianwhitcomb Sorry, not Rusty. But the "older" dancer (he was in his late 30s here) is Lew Parker, a vaudeville song-and-dance man who danced on Broadway, film and, later, TV. And, in the 60s, he was Marlo Thomas's TV dad on That Girl.

[@ianwhitcomb]

Absolutely see it now