Nicholas Brothers - I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo

from the movie "Orchestra Wives" in 1942
with the Glenn Miller orchestra

[@KiannaMoon]

Their dance moves are out of this world, but can we talk about their SINGING as well? They had very smooth voices!

[@rama-annawallace2823]

No dancer will ever come close to the Nicholas brothers' talent ! ❤❤❤ The greatest dancers of all time ! ❤❤❤ Perfection ! ❤ So classy ! ❤ Mind blowing !!! ❤❤❤

[@mdhbh]

They danced with elegance and grace.

[@maureentuohy8672]

You said it Rama!

[@tamaramadison7563]

The one and only Nicholas Brothers

[@rama-annawallace2823]

@@tamaramadison7563 you can say that again !!

[@wolemai]

What?! No CGI, no special effects - just pure talent!!!!

[@Gangstagran]

Pure genius! When I was young, many years ago, my dance teacher said Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly were the best dancers in Hollywood. I said, no, the Nicolas Brothers were much better. He smirked and said, 'but the Nicholas Brothers didn't have class.' I was too scared, young and dumb to make a response. Boy oh boy! What I would reply to that dance teacher today!

[@CK-kd5pn]

They had their own strengths. I'd say it's incorrect to attempt and place one above the other. Edit: After all these years, I want to revise my thoughts. As a non-professional, I don't know whose technique is better and whatnot. I think they're all great. Personally, I like the way Gene Kelly moves when he dances. But again, all are a treat to watch.

[@rickharris1709]

C k I would say there wasn't anything that fred A. or Gean K. could do that the nicholas brothers couldn't do, in my opinion no one could come close to the nicholas brothers.

[@rupertofhentzau920]

Their mother went to great trouble to ensure her children were never dressed or considered in stereotypical fashion which this dance instructor was clearly doing. Even as children Fred Astaire considered them professional peers. Donald O’Connor noted they had had no learning curve. They were great from day one. Fred Astaire considered their performance in Stormy Weather the greatest dance performance ever recorded on film. Gene Kelly danced with them in The Pirate. He was slowing them down! Heck George Balanchine wanted to know where they’d studied ballet! They hadn’t but his confusion was understandable given their precision, use of arms leaping ability, conditioning, etc. Fayard was a self taught dance prodigy who taught his kid brother Harold. The rest is history.

[@CK-kd5pn]

@@rickharris1709 Acrobatic skill isn't all that's necessary to be a great. Sure, physically the nicholas brothers might've been able to do anything gene or fred could do. But they don't have the same dance style or singing voice. They're special in their own way.

[@denverdubois5835]

I'd kick that dance teacher's ass today! LOL

[@lyricaldove]

The Nicholas Brothers were two of the greatest and possibly the greatest dancers in film history. They redefined dancing. I don’t think there is anyone today who even comes close.

[@claudia27502]

The greatest

[@brianhammerstein]

The greatest.

[@alizah8042]

I just sat here with my jaw dropped for 30 seconds, no joke. I am absolutely obsessed with their dance in Stormy Weather, but this?? This is off the chain too!!! The way they combine all these amazing athletic tricks to the music, pulling them off so elegantly, is just so amazing. Will probably never be bettered. And you can really see the first inklings of breakdancing in this routine very clearly. WOW!!!!!

[@tamaramadison7563]

No Dancer today can duplicate these Dancers Pure Genius and Elegant

[@technicianbis5250]

I never saw michael jackson walk up the wall. Though it was done in the movie 1941.

[@grindel324]

And and and THEN HE RAN UP A WALL!!!!!!

[@morespywareforyou2262]

This should be required viewing in schools. These two young men are absolutely dazzling! I love "The Jumping Jive" too, with Cab Calloway's vocal contortions always making me smile and laugh. It's fun and silly and clever and impossible all at the same time.

[@casino_5]

Thankfully my history teacher showed us this and many more

[@LeadershipAlliance]

STUNNING. Love their infectious energy, smiles, presence and uncanny precision and athleticism!

[@marjorjorietillman856]

Thank you sir!! And one day, we’ll be able to speak about our other contributions to the Country we love, without anybody being offended. We can say who started Rock and Roll without anyone feeling attacked. We know our contributions beyond Sports, Music and dance, but it’s hard for people to hear and accept when they thought we contributed NOTHING, and we understand that! We know Astaire and Kelly were very good dancers, but we know where they got those moves!! But again, we thank you, on their behalf!

[@benjamins6513]

They just don't make entertainers like this anymore. The music was fantastic and the dancing was absolutely insane. I don't think I've ever seen anyone dance with that much intensity. That was straight up impressive

[@Physhi]

Even my mother who was a dance instructor agrees with me that these two men outdo any dancer since -- not only could they sing they could dance; NO! They were acrobats that could dance and sing!

[@Primitive26]

Two of the most brilliant hoofers to every lace up shoes.

[@crawfb]

More than hoofers...much, much more.

[@oranpayne1007]

King Slay the berry brothers were much better than the Nicholas brothers, James Brown, Michael Jackson put together times 10. now before you call me a liar just type in THE BERRY BROTHERS then click on DANCE ACT and also click on "BERRY BROTHERS" and watch them do fascinating rhythm and ask yourself COULD THE NICHOLAS BROTHERS OR ANYBODY ON PLANET EARTH DO THESE TWO ROUTINES? LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK?

[@elliotskydel641]

More than hoofers.

[@CJusticeHappen21]

Blows my mind that I discovered for myself these guys by total accident. They should be more famous than Sinatra!

[@camd0407]

Unfortunatelly we all know the awful reason they aren't.

[@mannylloyd4375]

3:12 Sooo, I obviously need to get my eyes checked because I refuse to believe what I just saw. That is the perfect example of raw natural talent mixed with incredible dedication and training.

[@vickischultz7758]

+Manny Lloyd Actually, they were self-taught. Fayard, the older, led the charge: as a kid, he taught himself by watching dancers at the Cotton Club, then taught his little bro. Isn't that just mind-blowing?

[@luxvrana4798]

Makes it even more incredible that they had no professional training!

[@dsparrow82]

Manny Lloyd me too did it look like for 0.5 sec he levitated before reaching the pillar to do his no hands backward flip

[@nancybogart3899]

You are absolutely correct and adorable

[@theskytrace1104]

WOW! a lot of talented dancers making the charts today.....but nobody will ever come close to this!

[@ejdarly4733]

+Traci Harting The Berry Brothers are Wonderful too. Makes you wonder who inspired who. There's so much talent but it's just not given enough opportunities to shine but we've always had it.

[@TCbamzi]

I must be going crazy!!!! They went through this whole routine PERFECTLY and did not break ONE sweat. How they still looking fine after all of that?!? Holy mother of everything I love lol.

[@LockeTricks]

I've spent my whole life watching and following tricking, parkour, free running, gymnastics and every other sport I can find that involves crazy acrobatic movies... so I've seen literally thousands of people backflip off walls and I am telling you: this is the most aesthetically awesome wallflip I have ever seen. If anyone is wondering how it compares to all the people who can do that move today - it's amazing. His height is, as someone said below, ungodly; the way he takes a giant flying leap to reach the wall instead of simply taking a small step up like everyone else just makes it sooo smooth looking. It just has a nice rhythm to it: run, juuuuump, ba-dum two quick steps, fliiiiiip, land. Also that wall is truly vertical. Many people use a slightly slanted wall to get extra height and to make it generally easier to do but not this time. What a monster. Also it's a small thing, but after he does the crazy spinning jump at 2:53 (which is also really cool, btw) I really love the way he gets back up to the music. XD

[@jdoggydog9812]

LockeTricks don't forget tap shoes the and heel are covered with silver which makes them unbelievably slippery and the only thing that helps is tape which they dont seem to be using and if you want a reference for how slippery they are trying walking on a waxed floor with socks I've had moments in tap shoes walking around my school backstage and just slipping on my ass

[@susiewatkins1775]

I had to re-watch that twirl over and over. These guys are light years beyond Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, or Michael Jackson. No comparison to be made. All that grace and athleticism is so natural and they just radiate joy and charisma. Wish I had heard of them sooner.

[@tukela]

Rebueno.excelentes

[@philippekremer174]

TRADUIRE IN FRENCH! Nous avions également notre Glenn Miller en France: Ray Ventura et son grand orchestre, dont de nombreux films tels, Nous iront à Paris, à la mi-Août etc, à visionner, vous ne serez pas déçus!

[@marieb0625]

@@susiewatkins1775 Michael Jackson has said he studied and patterned himself after these guys and Fred Astaire.

[@eddiecoleman1504]

2:54 Harold’s spin into that split! Take the cake every time!

[@valeriecampbell9581]

i swear if Hollywood ever decided to make a film of these two great dancers it would have to be CGI'd

[@kingheff2771]

valerie campbell word!👍👍👍✊

[@soulstrength]

Exactly! Uncasted...Nobody could imitate these sequences!

[@TraciMann]

THe new generation of tap dancers are absolutely brilliant - unbelievable skills!!!!!! They just don't have the charisma

[@jerryaiello7911]

wow

[@eyesthrurosecoloredglasses]

Traci Mann True that!

[@stephenspencer4672]

Their choreography and timing was impeccable and some of their dance seem to defy gravity. Such agility and grace.😊❤❤

[@buchsm1]

WOW WOW WOW! !! I got chills! ! No one not today comes close to the dance talent of these brothers! !! Awesome! !!

[@augustusblaire2524]

maureen buchser Totally agree!

[@Broonzied]

Superb athletes with tremendous grace, style and timing. They are so good you almost don't believe what you are seeing.

[@1KingEthan]

Am I the only one who thinks that the step they do on 1:32 is smooth as hell

[@BlackBerri83]

It was!

[@Soulgian]

How in the living hell did Harold do that!!!! 3:12, The height that he got on that was beyond earthly!!!. He landed on cue without pause ! On freaking believable!

[@lewisner]

+Soulgian Years of practice and muscles like spring steel.

[@ianjones9961]

+Soulgian It's like if Tony Jaa decided to take up tapdancing.

[@mikewilliam5315]

+Soulgian This is a great video, but check out"Cab Calloway Bill Robinson Nicholas Brothers Stormy Weather"

[@lyndiablack9098]

+Mike William Mike, the Nicholas Brothers were unbelievable in Stormy Weather. The splits and spins they did, was INCREDIBLE, but when Harold walked UP the wall, I don't know, but that is hard to beat, if it can be beaten. That is just my humble opinion.

[@mikewilliam5315]

Lyndia Black They were amazing. Even when they were older they could dance.

[@piddles11]

Nothing like this today!! Golden age Talent!❤

[@broadcasttttable]

Sitting here tonight shaking my head...67 years old and only seeing the Nicholas Brothers for the first time. Jaw-dropping stuff. Fred, Gene, MJ...uh, who are you guys again?

[@krasnykavkaz]

Fred would say, "Nobody, man." He told the brothers they did the best dance sequence in the movies he ever saw (in their next film, STORMY WEATHER, of course).

[@manalcali153]

Sun Search

[@marthadoody]

I've loved the Nicholas Brothers for a long time. You can't beat them with Glenn Miller. What talent! So glad we can watch this instead of what's out there today.

[@SELMER1947]

Best dancers in the world

[@musicfan1517]

Fayard Nicholas gave a presentation to a group of students at UCLA in the late 1980s...A movie starring Gregory Hines had come out, with Mr. Hines doing a lot of tap dancing in it(he was probably the best tap dancer in those days). I had seen the movie and thought Mr. Hines was an incredible tap dancer, then Mr. Fayard Nicholas showed some of these old clips at his presentation and I was just blown away. Hearing him speak, his voice was like a friendly grandfather, hard to believe someone so good could be so free of arrogance, always remembered that.

[@chrystal0411]

And, that's why my favorite Nicholas Brother was Fayard. There's no denying that they were exceptional because, not only could they dance, they could also sing, all with such class. To me, they are the bar. But, I especially liked Fayard because he always came across as being very humble and friendly. And, that's a rarity, even then.

[@josefinagarza241]

Lucky you to have him as a speaker at the university ❤

[@ebonyjohnson1580]

This is my very first time seeing this performance and my very first day hearing of this talented duo (I just saw a video of them when they were younger and didn’t realize that these were the same guys at first) and my jaw literally dropped.

[@phoebegilliland8897]

Was the other one you saw "Lucky Numbers"?

[@NeilGastonguay]

This isn't just excellence; this is genius. The Nicholas brothers are the highest expression of dance that I have ever seen.

[@bettyeugene9624]

The Nicholas Brothers were TREMENDOUS!!!! They have NO EQUAL!!! Oooooweeee!!!!

[@salvatorepedi5183]

Don't know when this video was made, but for me, its "timeless!"... no one else at that time could ever compare with these two brothers!.. thank God for "youtube" that these two dancing "giants" can still be seen!..

[@nancybogart3899]

I was in the 1940s

[@studyonline4763]

Says 1942

[@Poisson4147]

@@studyonline4763 The movie is _Orchestra Wives._ The whole film is online and on DVD.

[@karriemburton9024]

The rhythm, the smoothness the flow the timing oh my goodness

[@augustusblaire2524]

Great! I love Harold's spin in the air and splits at 2.53 and the steps off the wall - magnificent!

[@johnhiram1207]

They just made my jaw drop! Amazing talent. Not sure anyone has ever equaled this wonderful talent.

[@inkpen9547]

They're so exciting. I would love to own a full collection of their dance segments. I love them!

[@shewhoiskay1]

Him RUNNING up the wall, doing a flip and landing perfect!!! OMG

[@iggyguy88897]

And in tap shoes

[@JudgeJulieLit]

Where e're their imaginations soared, their bodies followed. True, quantum-leap artists.

[@docdre1100]

I'm a 60's baby. But I am well versed when it comes to the Nicholas brothers. I used to sit up with my mom and watch them do their thing. They were so ahead of the time with their dance routines and skills. Much respect to the Nicholas brothers who paved the way for the many famous African American tap dancers.

[@WJack97224]

Just wish I could have met these guys and shook their hands and said thank you. When the Resurrections come along and we have perfect physicals restored, I sure would like to see these fellas dance again like days of old.

[@bryanstanley6673]

Stormy Weather was awesome, but that flip off the wall into a split was Harold at his best.

[@johnrussell6602]

The Nicholas Brothers are the tops in taps. Their parents stood by them and they all made it through the Great Depression fine.

[@williamscott4018]

They are the best

[@trunky123]

I wince everytime I see the Nicholas brothers do the splits....... Outstanding dancers.

[@karenstewart1265]

PURE CLASS!!! THIS NEVER GETS OLD TO WATCH!!! 💝💝💝💝💝

[@anetajohnson8446]

If i ever did the "splits" like they do, id be in traction! I might never be able to walk again!

[@claythomas7982]

These guys are freaks of nature, talent is off the charts.

[@muzikman183]

2:53.. seriously???? jump and spin was graceful as ever, straight into smoove jazz split ON BEAT--which he landed with his back to the camera shot. so he managed to stick the turn around--also on beat... C'mon man! these men were the REAL DEAL..

[@shelleymccrory-martines9906]

They don’t make them like this anymore and talent like that doesn’t even exist today. This is a time gone by we will never see again. Love Them

[@Frostgrl681]

I am tired just from looking at them. But they were greatest ever. Real talk.

[@elyseeficino9839]

Never grow tired of watching these guys, my mom enrolled me in classical ballet classes but by the time I was I teenager I 'discovered' these guys. Told my parents I wanted to dance like the Nicholas brothers and demanded they enrolled me in tap dance lessons instead, luckily they gave in. However, I never managed to master the utter brilliance of these guys.

[@kelleyhenley7973]

It don't get better than that...GREAT!

[@PepperWilliams_songcovers]

The back flip off the wall and into a split with perfect musical timing, was done without CGI, wires, or anything!!! Unbelievable athleticism, (Parkour before there was Parkour). I wish that I was a time traveler!!!!!

[@ronkopald]

Every swear word I know very well is my comment on this amazing god-damn shit. Hoiy schnickes. These guys are RIDICULOUS. I'd still go to the cinema if they made talkies like this!!

[@angelworlds9588]

THE NICHOLAS BROTHERS GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS THE BADDEST BROTHERS THAT EVER COULD BE.

[@djleslie777]

That’s what you call smooth!!!

[@whity72]

They dont even seem to sweat in the end.. anyone else would los his.. eh.. family planning by such artistry... stunning and astonishing! Cant find anything until today that comes close.

[@maureentuohy8672]

Wonderful!! There is NO one close to the Nicholas Brothers. Just the best.

[@chantsmantrasandrelaxation5079]

NO FORMAL TRAINING. Started performing in teens. Magic, genius, beauty in motion...so much has been said in praise of these guys it's hard to find any new words. Bringers of joy.

[@GreeneLes]

The off the wall moves from both brothers are outstanding .

[@MRLAK-sb3mo]

I think they were really Gumby dolls, humans just can't move like that 😉😁 Fantastic guys, really!!!

[@rubensdeliz]

The Nicholas Brothers were unbeatable when it came to tap dancing and juggling. Amazing and impressive the capacity and lightness of both. Rest in peace both, and make many shows there.

[@thabompakanyane1429]

Absolutely awesome! Superlatives are inadequate. Even Fred Astaire would agree.

[@nandofigueira2005]

Legends !!!

[@jennadyannwalker19]

Early roots of Parkour w/some gr8 jazz and toe-tapping too.

[@ThatGuy-gp7tj]

The greatest dancers ever. And many so called "credible" dance instructors never taught their students about them or showed their students any film of them. And you know why! Thankful for You Tube.

[@Michael-qs1yd]

@ 2:50 are you freaking kidding me? oh my god these dudes were talented! artistry and grace

[@sharongranger5860]

Why hasn’t anybody ever did a movie on their lives! What fantastic sings and dancers 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@UWalvern0810]

Do you a mean a documentary? Because if they ever did a feature length film, all the dance sequences would have to be CD’d, because nobody in the world can dance like that.

[@donnatate458]

Words are inadequate to describe how talented, graceful, athletic these men were. Thank you for this post.

[@VGodisgood]

I bet they've never took a vitamin or a red bull a day in their life. 😆 🤣 😂 I'm being silly...but Geez...the energy they had was unreal. They deserve more than a hand 👏 👏. There will never be another Nicholas Brothers act. None can compare and if you try...please take many seats

[@rednosecreations_official]

The Nicholas Brothers have great tap dancing talent! This performance was great to watch!

[@RToni]

11 thumbs down. boah... common. Thats high-class act/acrobatic. Call me names of people who can do this today. Today they would use fast cuts for a tap dance number. And this has nearly no one cut. Its simply: BRILLIANT

[@jon780249]

One has to ask why, in an age of musicals and dance movies, they were not massive stars. So talented. The answer of course is obvious.

[@tralonwilliams6499]

I was born and raised in Kalamazoo Michigan and I still live there

[@ThePeterWilliam]

Supreme...lovely men too...good chaps...

[@reginayahara5002]

OMG! I have been blessed to watch their magic. PEACE:-)!

[@celesterob7068]

Always ...Classy !!!!!!!

[@mandiedonaldson1763]

I only found out about these guys today from a video on my Instagram feed. They are an absolute joy to watch.

[@BigSleepyOx]

OMG, that walk up the wall and back flip. 3:12

[@colleensanders9042]

NICHOLAS BROTHERS ARE LEGENDARY PERIOD

[@matulich77]

Love! I love this Era of entertainment! What a time is must of been! Style,mannars,clean cut handsome men n women!

[@rava2107]

I could happily watch these two guys for hours and still want more!!!

[@Majeed.]

tremendous talent

[@crimsoncarbon1]

These Brothers Here are some Jumping Jive Brothers LOVE The Nicholas Brothers this takes me way back!

[@shereeross9022]

I've never seen a dance dual dance quite like the Nicholas brothers. "Giving respect to all professional dancers."

[@mga2899]

How the hell are there two guys that can dance like this.

[@rook3065]

Oh my, I like this better than the Cab Calloway routine..

[@katyarnold-ji8sv]

WOW!!!! is all I can say. I'm such a fan of the Nicholas brother tap dancing. The Nicholas brothers were phenomenal!!! in this video. What strength, power, stamina they had when they were young men. This type of tap dancing mixed in with break dancing is unbelievable. What a performance. Pure talent!

[@mickram23]

The greatest dancers that ever lived. Here's a challenge, show me anyone better.

[@belknapdlg26]

well Gene Kelly and Donald O'Conner for starters. they are equal if not better. kinda make you wonder how much dance wax was on the floor.

[@carrie1793]

belknapdlg26 Oh, Please.

[@belknapdlg26]

no please about it, there were several innovative tap dancers of that period. check out the Ross Sisters on youtube. they were equally as athletic as the boys above. Me thinks you're a bit prejudice.

[@carrie1793]

So you got prejudice from 2 words? Are you serious? I never gave you my reasoning. I also never said there weren't other innovative dancers of that period. You're pulling out this theory from your own prejudice. Before you reply, please remember that I still haven't given you my opinion on who was the best and why.

[@carrie1793]

belknapdlg26 And thank you for recommending The Ross Sisters. I recently saw a video with a clip of them in it, and couldn't figure out who they were. They are very flexible entertainers, that is all.

[@poppashots994]

Living on Saint Nicholas avenue in New York... This makes me proud.

[@eternalbeing3339]

Damn those boys can dance. What a performance.

[@johnlinden7398]

Just love watching these great performers ! Supreme poetry in motion ! Just Amazing !

[@genesissanchez1813]

You could still feel the spirit of dancing

[@Eddie_Schantz]

OMG. Every time I watch the Nicholas brothers perform and watch them doing thos splits, I have to go see my chiropractor to get over it. Greatest dance team ever. The only dance number I can think of that would equal them in precision moves is "Begin The Beguine" with Eleanor Powell and Fred Astaire. There are probably other dance numbers that I have never seen that could equal these.

[@c200d45e95]

The master himself, Glenn Miller, as the trombone on the left at the very beginning.

[@AntDevon]

😔😔✊

[@PANDORASBOXRELEASE]

Music and dance bring people together.

[@notnice3721]

Oh Thank God we have them forever on video!! They are and always will be the G.O.A.T.!!!

[@katsujinkin60]

The definition of class!

[@baharimeli]

I’d pay $1000 to watch them live. Too bad this form of entertainment is long gone

[@bruceshark5501]

I'd give my dorsal fin to dance like that. Amazing.

[@kingheff2771]

THIS IS FUCKIN AMAZIIIIIIIIIIIING!!!! That's actually the old dude/ choreographer from the 5 heartbeats. "Show me your best combination" CRAZYYYYYYYY!

[@corey-bird3489]

King Heff Vulgarity is no substitute for wit