Bobby Banas - Dance Highlights

Bobby Banas - Dance Highlights

[@strafrag1]

RIP, Bobby Banas. The best male dancer ever.

[@cwbrooks5329]

The Nitty Gritty brought me here. I thought "Hey, who is THAT guy." Embarrassed to say that I didn't know his name, but glad to say after watching these clips that I've enjoyed his dancing for years. Thanks for putting this highlight reel together.

[@alberthill105]

My reaction when I saw "Nitty Gritty" was "What the hell--who IS that??? Mr. Banas, if you see this, you are bad-ass!! I'm now your biggest fan!

[@janetrobinson340]

Same!

[@BastDG]

Same here - someone sent the Nitty Gritty link, and I found this. Amazing! I suspect he may have been involved with Bewitched - some of the moves are too recognizable.

[@pattywolford]

Me too...he’s great!

[@triciac1019]

Same here.

[@ladyyuna2000]

💐🙏🏻RIP Robert Joseph Banas (September 22, 1933 - July 29, 2024) (aged 90) you will truly be missed and my prayers go out to you and your family. 💐🙏🏻

[@fido3449]

He was a Jet, he danced the Nitty Gritty and he was kissed by Marilyn Monroe. Every one else can just give up...

[@secondsightcinema3957]

...and when he quit dancing, he became a Rosarian, a person who takes care of roses. Fascinating life, amazing career.

[@jpozenel]

If he was dancing with 100 others, your focus goes right to him. He really does stand out in the crowd.

[@MNBluestater]

Thank you for doing this ! I hope Mr. Banas knows how much his gift meant to the world.

[@KMK7355]

RIP Bob Banas, gone but never to be forgotten.

[@erepsekahs]

The man is a genius. I have never in my life seen a male dancer so fluid in his movements, and so capable of translating the music. What a breath of fresh air.

[@midskate5182]

Bobby Banas rocked, I did not know about this guy until I saw his Nitty Gritty video from 1963, this guy is like the Bruce Lee of Dance.

[@leonardomattarmonteiro2824]

Exactly 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@fredievinson7944]

In 1984 I attended the Grove School of Music and Bob Banas was our choreography instructor. I got to go over to his house. What a great guy. I only remember him being in West Side Story and also mentioning he was in a movie with Marilyn Monroe. I had NO idea he actually got a kiss from her and got to dance with Ann Margaret and in front of Judy Garland.... Bob, if you read this, you were and still are an inspiration. I still play music although I'm not as limber as I once was - LoL My son however has the acting/singing/dancing bug and WILL be an Oscar winner someday. Take Care.

[@katherinefarmer1520]

What a treat to have finally discovered the Nitty Gritty video. I was 17 when you performed it. Somehow I missed the Judy Garland Show. You were tremendous. So much energy, such skill, and incomparable pizazz! I have passed it along to several who like me, had missed out. It has been such fun reading about your life and seeing all those dance clips--plus you're now a Rosarian and were a beloved teacher and mentor! Congratulations on a beautiful life! So glad your father formally introduced you and your sister to dance. We have all benefitted!

[@lilirishgrl]

Great memories for you I’m sure. Thanks for sharing them

[@Hallyboodle]

my dance teacher twice a week for 8 years- love you Bobby, you're the BEST

[@bunnyfish714]

you're a woman of so many talents,save some for the rest of us will ya...Ha...you should get on dancing with the stars

[@teresaw1721]

Tracy that explains your dancer presence on screen.

[@lohphat]

Is he still teaching? I'd love to attend if he has any classes -- even if they're infrequent.

[@aiai-j7i]

Lucky you!!

[@iheartcryptoverse2857]

So lucky!

[@lindabehnke1468]

Love to Watch Bobby Dance Never get tired of his Nitty Gritty Dance He's Sooooo Into it .You can tell he Loves what he does And He Was A Cutie Back Then😁😁❤❤❤

[@EyeLean5280]

Aside from everything else he's awfully cute. I wish they'd given him some bigger parts.

[@chuckinla]

Bob Banas is a magical dancer with fierce unstoppable energy!! I studied with Bob in the late 70's thru the 80's and what a honor that was!! Brilliant man

[@2degucitas]

lucky you

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

Robert Musselman , to robert musselman, how great!

[@estegardea]

What a magical experience that must have been. Would love to see a biopic on Bobby.

[@lonewolffullmoon]

Where? East coast west coast ?

[@aliseal]

My boyfriend showed me the Nitty Gritty video a few years ago, and we both became two of Bobby Banas' biggest fans. If you watch that dance alone, you see the other guys dancing well, but Bobby is just exponentially better. He has the kind of boneless moves that those of us who have never been able to defy gravity on a dance floor can only wish we had even for a moment. I kept thinking that he has the same fluidity of motion that Dick Van Dyke does and, low and behold, he danced with Dick Van Dyke in MARY POPPINS. He also danced with Debbie Reynolds in THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN. Heck, he even kissed Marilyn Monroe on the lips! What a stellar career he had. They just don't make dancers like Bobby anymore. In fact, we went to see LALA LAND and, as wonderful as it was, we came out of it saying we noticed no one stood out with the same dance finesse that Bobby Banas has. He's truly unbelievable! Love this reel!

[@rubberduky1829]

You really need to check out Stephen Sayer and Chandrae who are both world champion dancers of this era who do a STELLAR version of the nitty gritty and they make it look so clean. They are both well connected and in sync with the very difficult ( clock hands ) circular move near the beginning. You will be amazed.

[@bradwb6238]

I couldn't agree more.. He is the best.... Does anyone know more about him..

[@LazyIRanch]

He reminds me a lot of Donald O'Connor, he had that fluid motion that made him look like he was made of rubber, and about to lose control, but every movement was precise as clockwork. Same with Bobby Banas.

[@johanoradovis3921]

@@rubberduky1829 y

[@secondsightcinema3957]

@@LazyIRanch Good point re O’Connor. Such a joy to watch great dancers do do that voodoo that they do so well...

[@nancysimpson9045]

I have just seen Nitty Gritty for the first time & I’m sold I’m now a fan of BOBBY BANAS 💕🇦🇺💕

[@debbieparadis5885]

That's how I got hooked! Seeing him dance the Nitty Gritty, I was instantly drawn to his amazing talent, so much so, that I had to Google search him, and have been a huge fan ever since, so thanks so much for this video, it was amazing! OMG, and yes, he sure was a cutie! Rest in Blissful Peace, Bobby Banas. ❣❣❣

[@lorenamcgovern]

I watch nitty gritty when I'm feeling blue and it cheers me up.

[@rugosetexture2716]

Ha! Ha! If I've had a bad day and fire up 'Nitty Gritty'--it cheers me up every time! :o)

[@carolynsorahan1003]

Lorena McGovern me too! Every time I watch it I smile!

[@Mitzi73]

Looks like he didn’t choose dance. Dance chose him. I thought the clip of the dance routine at the beach in the water was phenomenal. Modern times don’t have the brain capacity to think up such an amazing piece of art in contemporary times.

[@minnwise884]

Bobby, if you ever catch these comments, thanks for sharing your gifts with us in movies and then passing it on with your teaching! xoxo

[@EyeLean5280]

Amen!

[@blxart]

he was adorable and sooo talented!!!

[@nadinenc3097]

Bob just outshines every other dancer. Can't believe more people don't know him.

[@lisahall4758]

I am obsessed now. Cant stop watching bobby. Beautiful.

[@laurahicks9558]

He was so committed to whatever move he was doing. That's what made him stand out I think.

[@alexandercastellini8622]

The Nitty Gritty..... so great.....

[@diannefroman7916]

Can't stop watching it... groovy man!

[@janemay1062]

He dances like he means it.

[@Emy53]

Great dancer.

[@derekmyers3258]

I'm not even a fan of dancing, and I got here by a series of accidents, but this man performs his craft with such style, passion, and perfection, he brought a tear to my eye, because one thing I love is excellence in any art form.

[@pattiaustin1808]

I could watch Bobby Banas dance all day!

[@ValeriePallaoro]

Every scene I'm thinking, 'which one is Bobby Banas?' And then he pops up! Like he's the stand out character in every scene he's in. It's just phenomenal!! Thanks for the collection, as one who (like so many others) was turned head over heals watching the youtube of his 'Real Nitty Gritty' I appreciate you gathering together this selection of him on film. Good bit of editing work too. Nicely done!

[@denisebennett4747]

I LOVE to watch him dance!!!! He gives every move all he's got!

[@beverlyhayshouston2770]

He is adorable!

[@b.glover7386]

Banas is real champion of dance. His skill stands out amongst the others. Beautiful to watch. The Real Nitty Gritty dance performance in 1963 was stellar.

[@CruceEntertainment]

Bobby Bananas was an amazing dancer!

[@TheWhanfried]

Came across him doing the nitty gritty. he's going all out. Also the get smart dancing.

[@lajas46]

This clip from the Judy Garland show has become an iconic classic

[@galenstone9097]

He was a force of nature in his element.

[@hebneh]

I just discovered another of Bobby's appearances in a musical scene I've been watching since the early 1980s. I always noticed this particular dancer but never knew who he was. It's the combination of the songs "The Squat" and "What'd I Say" from "Viva Las Vegas". Bobby's dressed in a light blue coat and he's most prominent at 2:45 cutting loose on the right hand side, doing the Dog. Also in this scene is Terri Garr - Bobby's dance partner in the beginning - who became a significant movie star in the '70s and '80s. And Toni Basil has a split-second highlight when Elvis sings "See the girl with the red dress on / She can do the Dog all night long" while she gyrates frantically in the right foreground. She's most famous for her hit song "Hey Mickey" from the early 1980s.

[@pixiefrog5]

Happy Birthday to the immensely talented Mr. Banas ! He was my dance teacher back in the 80's and it was an incredible HONOR to have been taught by him. He was very inspirational & had an electric aura. Even after all these years I still remember some choreography he taught me & my duo partner. Thanks Eden Jet for sharing these dance highlights of the amazing Robert Banas. Keep calm and Dance on !

[@mosogotam]

Ahhh...Bob Banas.....brilliant...and so much fun to watch!

[@tropicalpancake56]

I so agree...

[@taylormaddux8433]

tropicalpancake56 I also. Although I'd seen him before ("West Side Story," Judy Garland, "Girl Most Likely", "Let's Make Love') it was only recently watching a clip from "Billie" that I truly "discovered" him. So thank you for much for making this reel clip so I didn't have to fast-forward through every movie he was in to find him. I agree also that he's so much fun to watch. Thanks also to Jamie Rae below for the anecdote. Hope he's well. P.S. Gym number in Billie also features Donna McKechnie (sp?).

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

Bobby Banas is incredible. i just learned about him tonight. i wish there had been more tapes like the nitty gritty one whereby you can fully see him completely spotlighted. That little clip of him doing the swing-like dance was such a tease. I bet he was brilliant in those kinds of dances. wow. it was like he was high voltage socketed whereby everybody else was just plugged in. oh i wish there were more videos. it is awful the way dancers arent credited.

[@francanino6865]

Incredible just learned about him now on Instagram watching his Nitty Gritty dance that he coreographed and got me here to watched more. He's on his 80's, Mr Bobby Banas.

[@revrotunda3206]

There seems to be a shortage of his dancing accomplishments on film. Too bad for an extremely sought after choreographer. I would have luved to see more as in The Real Nitty Gritty.

[@jeffc8242]

OMG he must’ve mingled with all of the big names of that era, The stories he must have! Great career and dancer 🕺.

[@thesprtsspeciaist4192]

A true talent.....timeless

[@phyllisgreenberg5]

Bobby...Great artist, Dancer and friend...cheers Bobby.

[@lucasis2cute]

I had such a crush on Bobby after West Side Story. Imagine my thrill to discover his jazz class in Hollywood shortly after I started on the Carol Burnett Show. Just Bobby, the class and a bingo player. So much fun!💕

[@lucasis2cute]

Bongo player😂

[@leonardomattarmonteiro2824]

THANKS Eden Jet for keeping the memory of the astonishing SENSEI BOBBY BANAS alive.👏🏼👏🏼✨🖤

[@lindamalone6380]

WHAT A MARVELOUS THING TO HAVE SOMETHING SO MAGICAL THAT IT JUST LIGHTS UP THE WORLD. THIS IS WHY I SO APPRECIATE THAT WE HAD THE MEANS TO PRESERVE THESE MOMENTS. I MEAN, WHAT A HORRIBLE LOSS FOR US, IF HE DID HIS MAGIC 300 YEARS AGO. TIMING IS EVERYTHING, AND HE HAD IT IN SPADES. WHAT A MARVELOUS PERFORMER.

[@jebsmith323]

This man doesn't have a tight joint in his body. And he was in everything!

[@scottvermillion3993]

LOVE this...and I especially love his performance in The Judy Garland Show and in Let's Make Love!

[@classicmwk]

If anyone could have taken the torch from Fred Astaire, it’s Bobby Banas! The man is almost unbelievable!

[@themirrorsofmymind]

6:15 *Holy crap, it's Ann-Margrock!* I mean, Ann-Margret. Damned _"Flintstones"!_

[@Vwjl1207]

Lol!!!😄😆🤣

[@ThePatGraney]

Bobby Banas is incredible!

[@pcm7315]

Most fun I've had watching dance in a long time.

[@nancywood9531]

One of the great dancers right up there with the top names. Lived to ripe old age. That dancing gave him longevity...thanks for the song and dance Bobby. He is 88 and we share same birthrate. He will be 89 in September.

[@edentylerxx]

Bobby is still around and still has the grooves! 88 and looking great!

[@anneraso5621]

@@edentylerxx Is he in the New York area?

[@TheMickeymental]

I have just found Robert Banas the man was Astaire's and Kelly's equal Dancers amaze me, the athleticism, the strength, the muscle isolation are astounding. What is even more amazing is they perform fully dressed in heavy clothing, under extremely hot lights, but the hardest part would be to smile the whole time and pretend not to be exhausted. Professional hockey players are spent after thirty seconds. These dancers are great

[@arco8643]

I've enjoyed this video so many tiimes......Bob Banas, you are one of the greats of all time. Thank you for all the years of enjoyment you have given us.

[@hkl8264]

great dancer. he was in Don't Knock the Rock (1956) with Little Richard, Alan Dale, Bill Haley, Alan Freed and others. He must have some great stories.

[@rharvey2124]

He should write his autobiography.

[@darialinderssen1572]

Ohhh man, when West Side Story was showing in the walkin theaters, I absolutely fell in love with that movie. Of course I had no idea of Bobby Banas. Ohhhhhh man wow.

[@TheNavarro6767]

I didn't realize he was in Mary Poppins. My favorite childhood movie.

[@MrJeleo]

b norwood he is Mary Poppins.

[@RKusmie64]

I didn't know he was in all those movies. But the Nitty Gritty is still the best!

[@TrudyPatootie]

What a fabulous career for a Fabulous Dancer. Bobby.. When I saw you doing the Nitty Gritty I fell madly in love. You were the ONLY one on that stage. The others just faded out..amazing.. Love you Bobby.. xoxoxox

[@Benny-ye7ro]

Nova Chandra me too!! Omg!

[@TrudyPatootie]

@@Benny-ye7ro absolutely riveting. I have watched this so many times. I can't get enough. He owns that stage Shirley. Wow.

[@ColettaDesign]

Love him

[@janettomlinson389]

Just fabulous Bobby

[@nini1957]

He even rocks the Charleston!!

[@19gregske55]

This needs to be re-worked: highlight Bobby BANAS in each respective clip. This would catapult the number of views!

[@lynettenasseri753]

What a gifted dancer! He felt the music and his personality stood out in every dance role he was in.

[@judith14011]

Love this tribute. Bobby Banas was in all of my favorite musicals - "Lil Abner" "West Side Story" "Mary Poppins" "Billie" "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" and The "Twizzle" on "The Dick Van Dyke Show" - he was in the background but always doing the hard dancing work! Not to mention "The Nitty Gritty!" - the best of all! Thanks for putting this together!

[@tonithenightowl1836]

He should have had a much bigger part in West Side Story. The man is a phenomenal dancer.

[@ayamagishi2112]

A dancing icon! The BEST!

[@PTSDRemission-PRENEUR]

he stood out in a many ways........obviously his loose fluid free movements, he was cute as heck and had a killer bod. No wonder Marilyn chose him to kiss. He was easy to pick out of a group dancing.

[@KingsCrossVIP]

Wow he is amazing

[@DreamingDarlin]

I was watching Patty Duke's movie Billie and saw Mr. Banas in the dance scene in the locker room and was so surprised because I remember him from West Side Story, one of my all time favorite movies. What a treat to see he's been in so many movies! Thanks for this compilation!

[@karlamalcolm9249]

Just discovered him today... what a dancer... so cool.

[@donaldauguston9740]

A true talent.

[@alejandroizquierdo5322]

Wow! Bobby brilliant in every move!👍😍

[@angelagonsowski8080]

Such energy and such talent!

[@pleasedontmakemelate]

Great career, great dancer....Mr. Personality. Bobby'll always remain 28. Thanks Bobby❤❤❤

[@starcrib]

ahahhahah....wow. ...i never realized he was that guy in all those terrific movies..had a huge influence on me and my moves. ..and didn't even know who he was....

[@everycoLor_312]

Marius M me too :)

[@francescaa8331]

Thanks. I just found out who he was from the Nitty Gritty dance. I see he's quite talented and performed in many venues.

[@bernie205]

very good dancing hes up there with the best of them .

[@HTNPSullivan]

Happy trails to you, Bobby. Thanks for all the wonderful energy.

[@Katya_Lastochka]

He reminds me of today's Derek Hough. Dancing energetically , to me is the only worthwhile way to dance.

[@SquigSoup]

Wow, I wish we had more singing and dancing movies these days!

[@ddunnguard7746]

His individual style in every movement makes spotting he & his choreography easy. He outperformed most of the cast surrounding him, but he was a total team player-engrossed in the performance. I have thoroughly enjoyed this video & thank the compiler with gratitude. Great work showcasing a great talent! 🤠🇺🇸🇨🇱

[@tabbazzseaye7549]

Bobby Banas iconic dancer...

[@debralevine1098]

I super enjoyed watching this, Bobby Banas. Cheers!

[@Kwantifye]

Bobby Banas - what an incredible dancer - the Nitty Gritty and Jets are my favorites.

[@sugarlove]

what a wonderful career

[@pauladouglas9891]

He was always having such a great time.

[@tgallemore]

Yes, Bobby, you are the best!

[@dannyc.jewell8788]

Let Me get in line to say Bobby Banas is great,have seen the nitty gritty went farther foud out more ,nice,Thanks

[@leoniemikele6]

Wow, he is just so fabulous...

[@carolimmel9736]

I had to have more of that awesome guy dancing the nitty gritty! Such talent and to think I’ve watched him for years! I stand in awe ❤️

[@oldandnew1234]

Absolutely amazing. When I'm feeling a little low, I come here. Gives you such a happy feeling. X

[@nealsausen4651]

Bobby Banas is to Dancing what Buddy Rich is to Drumming! The BEST Drummers are Dancers and the BEST Dancers are Drummers! So closely related are the two! It's all about the.... RHYTHM!

[@gloriamann3413]

This man is phenomenal. When I need to feel better I read my Bible and watch him Nitty Gritty. I wish I could hug him !

[@bradwb6238]

Bob.. Man you are amazing.. So wished i could of been taught by you. Be such a honor to hear from you and talk about your life..

[@butchie2752]

Some people, regardless of their field, have the kind of talent that just oozes out. Natural and unforced. He’s one of them. Had great natural talent and developed it through hard work. Great!

[@martabehr9976]

Got love boby banas..

[@johnjakle943]

bobby banas is great

[@davidmakous6983]

Wow. So Cool . BB A BIG PART OF OUR CINEMA HISTORY.

[@lauraneville50]

I cannot love this more!!

[@macrumpton]

That's one heck of a resume!