Top 10 Tap Dancers of All Time

[@2dasimmons]

I remember when Astaire praised The Nicholas Brothers and talked about how Bojangles(Bill Robinson from Shirley Temple movies) would show him steps/moves. RIP Fred Astaire, Bill Robinson Nicholas Brothers, et al.

[@usrawesome]

yeah, what about Shirley Temple .. keeping up with them Adults .. she was an amazing little girl

[@neetrab]

@@usrawesome thank you!! That's what I'm saying. She should be on the list!

[@carameldiva5131]

Thank you for this comment

[@amazinggrace9073]

usrawesome definitely not

[@samuellrodd1214]

Have you see the video of when he first met the Nicholas brothers and them doing the time step outside MGM studios when Astaire was making Top hat. It’s really sweet and awesome.

[@willruha3983]

Gregory Hines said of the Nicholas Brothers, "If they now made a movie about the Nicholas Brothers, they would have to use computer animation, because no one today can do what they did." And he was right. Fayard and Harold perfected dance steps that have never been duplicated. Their self-choreographed, one-take dance finale , "Jumpin' Jive" in the film "Stormy Weather" is a tour-de-force of physically impossible moves manifested before the astonished eyes of an awe-struck audience. Phenomenal.

[@dee_dee_place]

The Nicholas Brothers were as smooth as smooth can get. Fayard was interviewed & he said that contrary to popular belief, "Jumpin' Jive" was not filmed in one take & it was choreographed.

[@scallaghan2118]

Thanks, Will Ruha. What a great synopsis of their dancing. Watching them never fails to amaze me! Thanks so much to those who on KZbin have allowed us down the road to watch their amazing dancing and acrobatic skills!

[@danawinsor1380]

The "Jumpin' Jive" number was not all filmed in one take. The "one take" idea came from a misquote. The sequence where they jump over each other's heads and land in splits was unrehearsed and done in one take, and later someone mistakenly wrote that the entire number was unrehearsed and done in one take. Regardless of how many "takes" it took to film that scene, what does it matter? It's still one of the most if not the most amazing and wonderful dance scenes in all of cinema. I have watched it over and over again and it still blows my mind. Furthermore, the Nicholas Brothers are about so much more than technique. They had great spirit and style and were nothing but class.

[@elrico1989]

The Nicholas Brothers’ Stormy Weather dance finale is nothing short of breathtaking, amazing and awe inspiring. Can never be duplicated, ever! And let’s give kudos to an extremely talented Cab Calloway and his Cotton Club Orchestra which put the beautiful music to this Great Dance routine. I can’t stop watching the video. Extremely talented, Extremely Classy!!!

[@michaellovell1368]

Spot on assessment. Jumpin' Jive is off of the scale !!

[@stefanedgecombe8628]

WOW!!!!!!!!!! The Nicholas Brothers, their moves were so clean and refined they had no weaknesses. Beautiful to watch.

[@ndnaf3705]

Tap dance is a dying art. It needs to be more out there!

[@kurtb8474]

I shoot video of many recitals of dance studios. They still learn tap and they learn it well. My only problem is they choose the wrong music, Most will do a tap dance routine to slow numbers without any rhythm.

[@1diggitech]

Your right,especially as athletic and creative young people are today.

[@traceyscott909]

You're right, just like Jazz.

[@jimtaylor993]

No...it is in transition, once again. Limited by bad floors and trying how too find a way to mix movement with rhythm in a way that the general public enjoys it again. But it isn't dead and this generation needs to use more of their energy, creativity and love of tap, to make sure it survives and blossoms!

[@kaiscanlan3746]

it’s not dead trust me...

[@TheSharron]

Does anyone else notice that the Nicholas Brothers look like they are tapping on ice?The way they slide and glide across the floor,is absolutely breathtaking. I know every one of the performers in this video would give them 1st place,too.And wanted to thank you for the Gregory Hines clip.It broke my heart when he passed. Gone but thanks to film...none of them are forgotten!

[@randywatson4341]

That Routine Were they're Jumping Over each other on the Stairs an they said they didn't Rehearse that at all it was all Natural Shame on Hollywood for not Giving them their just do!

[@denisewest3858]

The Nicholas Brothers......Wow. Truly Amazing.

[@BuckyBrown-lt4ry]

Yes, I agree. Amazing - for what they did. In that one category they were the best.

[@grandcatsmama3421]

I remember all of these dancers from watching all of the musicals when I was a child. They forgot to show Shirley Temple dancing. If you gave her a routine, she could do it in one take! Yes, I know she wasn't a tap dancer, but she was a great child actress.

[@grandcatsmama3421]

They could fly before Michael Jordan!

[@1946mc]

Lucky Number..........

[@BuckyBrown-lt4ry]

@@grandcatsmama3421 And they did not like little boys!

[@TheMoonchild1969]

The Nicholas Brothers mastering of tap dancing, put this art form to a level, that is almost a human impossibility.✌🌹

[@jamesdimasi5050]

Donald O'Connor should definitely be on the list. Watch "Singing in the Rain" again and you will note that Donald not only keeps up with Gene but actually surpasses him in the brilliant "fit as a fiddle" routine.

[@leahbackman7669]

And in the dance scene where they are dancing to vowels sounds! He's stupendous!

[@acalia_sariah]

Not only "Singin' in the Rain". He's incredible in that movie, but also in "Call Me Madam". In that film, he tap dances and, towards the end, pops balloons with each dance step. In "I Love Melvin" he dances on roller skates. Gene Kelly had done the same thing, but, although I love Gene, I would dare say Donald surpassed him in that category. Donald O'Connor definitely should've been on this list. Given that fact that he was in "Singin' in the Rain" with someone as well known and talented as Gene Kelly, I feel that he's often overlooked. He was WAY more talented than people give him credit for.

[@lenhummel5766]

@@acalia_sariah Yes. I have to put Donald's talent in the same category of Gene and Fred. He was a tremendous talent.

[@poetcomic1]

Try this on for size? It will have you grinning from ear to ear. "Where Did You Learn to Dance' from I Love Melvin .kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZPJi6Zndqx2iLM

[@pelicanus11]

Donald Oconnor remains one of the best

[@barbarathomas5530]

I'm very surprised Ann Miller did not make the list. She was an excellent tap dancer.

[@dianekennedy7086]

I think if the list was expanded to the top 15, Ann would have made it - she was agreeably a good dancer. They could have also thrown in James Cagney and Shirley Temple, even though she was a child at the height of her career. FYI - Diane.

[@hongkongnananewterritories1513]

Ann Miller DID make the list, she is at time: 2:07, right after Eleanor Powell. It was when she was younger.

[@ObservingtheObvious]

hongkongnana Newterritories / thank you for clearing that up. I didn’t recognize her and some artists names didn’t appear. I think a machine gun tap middle of her time at MGM would have been a better clip choice.

[@JadenB-od2jj]

hongkongnana Newterritories That is Eleanor Powell it’s just that her hair is different that was the film call 1000s Cheer that she ( Eleanor ) was dancing in .

[@edwinjones1000]

Wow. I'm going to have to Google her. I have never heard of her. Thanks

[@pluevo8277]

Underappreciated art form

[@KatarinaS.]

I agree!

[@sarge7526]

Say that again please!!!

[@JulioG84]

Big facts

[@SuperCoolmack]

The Nicholas Brothers are so far ahead of anyone else, they are number one and number two!!!!

[@dennisradford7330]

Couldn’t agree more about #1. The Nicolas Brothers are the greatest.

[@hhitechew]

Including singing.

[@richardcoolbeth3552]

I totally agree

[@angelworlds9588]

Tap dancing angels.

[@haroldbrooks4235]

Fred Astair said that the Nicholas Brothers were the best he'd ever seen. Really disappointed that Donald O"Conner didn't make this list

[@judythompson5253]

or Jimmy Cagney.

[@jamesrawlins735]

Or Honey Coles or Legs Miller

[@godislove8740]

Yeah the Don x

[@quackslikeaduck]

Vera-Ellen, too.

[@deeannemason7003]

Harold Brooks Ann Miller could tap like there was no tomorrow! Way better than Ginger Rogers!

[@patriciasimpson866]

I never tire of watchng the Nicholas Brothers.

[@tuandonvseverybody]

The Nicholas Brothers belong in a class by themselves. Dancers now cant do what they did. Nobody will ever touch their legacy. Rest in peace to both of those brothers.

[@patricksmith3432]

The best tap dancers ever no one comes near sir

[@nobodyaskedbut]

Eleanor is the greatest. The elements of gymnastics and ballet she includes is what separates her from all the others. Factor in her beauty and effortless grace and you have the perfect performer. She made everything look easy.

[@Sugarlydeliciousness]

nobodyaskedbut The brothers used more elements of gymnastics and ballet. Smooth as oil working the flour as if dancing on ice with class and style. They are the greatest!

[@eleanorpowellborntodance]

@@Sugarlydeliciousness The brothers never had any ballet training, which is surprising, given their graceful movements - especially their arms and hands. Fayard was a natural and taught his little brother everything. Fayard also recognized Eleanor's great talent and said that he considered her not only the best tap dancer, but the best dancer - period. I'm happy to report that there is a new biography of the Nicholas Brothers in the works!

[@MrHammer102]

That was a great list! The Nicholas Brother should be at the top of any list of anyone that knows and understand tap.

[@bfgtech48]

Sammy Davis Jr. The ultimate all round entertainer, he could do it all.

[@patbrennan6572]

he could probably do nurosurgery if you asked him to.

[@seanswinton6242]

kenneth joseph Most definitely. I'd say Gregory Hines was the closest performer to Sammy Davis Jr. I ever got to see. I mentioned that to him when we met. Both were complete entertainers who could do it all!

[@jaymesaimettibelles6767]

I’m confident that they’ll never be another Sammy Davis Jr. again in our lifetime. What an extraordinary talent!

[@barbaradyson6951]

@@jaymesaimettibelles6767 you obviously never saw Bruce Forsyth, sammy Davis appeared at the London pallidum and Bruce forsyth out shone sammy davis by a mile.

[@jaymesaimettibelles6767]

Barbara Dyson Thank you, Barbara. I will check Bruce Forsyth out.

[@waterbearer4627]

Fred was always too self involved in his dancing, Ginger was not known as a great dancer but known as a great partner. Eleanor is just jaw dropping and easily the greatest. Her skills, timing, grace and power is pure art along with those wonderful and dynamic Nicholas brothers.

[@laurieannlepoff6580]

I knew Fayard Nicholas in the last years of his life. He said in his opinion, Eleanor Powell was the greatest tap dancer of all time. Not the greatest female dancer. The best that every was.

[@patricemoran7469]

Ginger was known as a great dance partner as well as a great actress....as per Fred.. she sold their10 movies.

[@scallaghan2118]

Just a thought that deserves consideration. How about Rita Hayworth? What an amazing dancer! I think all those in this conversation were amazing dancers, but I believe I read that Fred Astaire preferred her to Ginger, not to make that any dismissal of Ginger's dancing skills. Geez, we should not be rating all these talented dancers against one another. They are all so good, and so skilled and entertaining. I just think Rita Hayworth deserves a place on the platform.

[@waterbearer4627]

​​@@scallaghan2118 love Rita so much! A good example of how great she was was in the film Down To Earth in the green dress sequence. Where we can see how her grace and charm is shining compared to the other dancers. Love the turn sequence on the platforms she does. Eleanor may not have the beauty or presence of Rita but Eleanor can't be matched in her power and speed when she does the continous 9 turns in this video. Her skills are jaw dropping. I wonder if she had ballet training as a child in able to do this? In any case both ladies were beautiful to watch.

[@johnlewis9745]

Water Bearer: What do you mean when you say that Fred Astaire was too self involved in his dancing ?

[@Wolfsky9]

The Nicholas Brothers were in a class all by themselves. No one----ever-----combined style & outrageous routines as they did. Kelly & Astaire were exceptionally creative -------& Hines /Glover, were the untimate solo tappers. -------among women, Rita Hayworth deserves mentioning too. she & Fred were an amazing duo in the 2 films they made together. --------------------WolfSky9, 72 y/o

[@b0ajvk8]

Realistically you could have named this video “The Nicholas Brothers and the 9 Next Best Tap Dancers”. Those brothers were magicians and the others on this list could hold their own against any comers. Excellent video. I never get tired of watching it.

[@TonyGilbert1]

Agreed

[@jamesrawlins735]

I think there's no doubt that the Nicholas Brothers were the best tap dancers on film there has ever been. Certainly the other nine dancers are great too, although it's hard to pick from all the greats (hard to leave out "Honey" Coles and Ann Miller, but if you put them in, then you leave out someone on this list). I will say while I loved the Nicholas Brothers dancing, I was never a huge fan of their high pitched singing as much as other singers on the list.

[@laquayle7990]

@@angelagunn7986 lol same here. If they weren't number 1 the whole list was a fraud. There's no one like them.

[@johnnythompson4592]

they were faster tappers and more athletic but to me not as graceful as eleanor powell

[@edwinjones1000]

"Stormy Weather routine STILL blows my mind. Nicholas brothers are like Muhummed Ali and Bruce Lee. They are 1 in a trillion.

[@jessied44]

Loved the Sammy Davis, Jr. ranking. Singing, acting, drumming, dancing ... He was the ultimate entertainer.

[@RedBud315]

When they got to #3 I was worried Sammy wasn't going to be on the list. All of them are great but, Sammy probably did it longer than anyone since his career lasted 60 years. However, I am biased being related to the Mastin family.

[@rmcfete]

It wasn’t about entertainer it was about dancers EP should have been second

[@martinepstein3332]

Can't totally agree with the list, Ginger Rogers higher than Eleanor Powell, Sammy Davies higher than Fred Astaire, but can't argue with the Nicholas Brothers at number one. Someone once said that if they ever made a film about the Nicholas Brothers, they would have to use a computer image, because there is no one who could duplicate their dancing

[@michaelrainey9668]

Martin Epstein Truth is no one can duplicate ANY of these dancers. And to think that Harold and Fayard learned to dance by Fayard who was the eldest (taller and lighter of the two), snuck into the theaters to watch performers, memorized their steps and went home and taught his brother.

[@kathleencoop4005]

It must have been a difficult choice. I forgot Sammy Davis danced. Donald O’Connor was good. Also the dancer from Oklahoma. Can’t remember his name. Became a choreographer after an injury. The Nicholas brothers are awesome. So in tune with each other. An enjoyable video. Thank you.

[@xavierfernandes5349]

Totally agree with you. Eleanor was a much better dancer than Ginger but Ginger made more musicals cuz she was a better actress than Eleanor. Further more, even the great Fred Astaire was nervous dancing along side Eleanor but was OK with Ginger alongside cuz he knew he was better than Ginger but not as good as Eleanor.

[@GaryNReese]

@@xavierfernandes5349 Absolutely right. The only dancer Astaire performed with who he said "intimidated" him was Eleanor Powell. She had a faster tap. She deserves billing over Ginger Rogers for sure as a tap dancer for chrissakes. Nicholas Brothers? Numero Uno. In any universe.

[@PartyUpLive]

When I was a kid I saw Gregory Hines on TV and I use to want to be a tap dancer. I remember begging my mother to get me a pair of dress shoes from Kmart and I would practice in the kitchen and then when that became a issue, I would go on the back porch and on the concrete in the back yard. R.I.P. Gregory Hines 1946 - 2003.

[@frankie7011]

Classic the nicholas brothers the best

[@lilbatz]

They are nothing less than Gods. What beautiful dancing.

[@tboudreau5239]

Amazing. Mr. Bojanles will forever be my favorite

[@alyssaholley9003]

Bojangles Robinson should be higher than 5. He literally was the start of tap dance on the large screen.

[@BuckyBrown-lt4ry]

That's all he could do. How can anyone say he was better than FA or GK or DO? And even in his field there were better.

[@ss-lz6fu]

I second this emotion.

[@alyssaholley9003]

@@BuckyBrown-lt4ry If it wasn't for Bojangles, tap wouldn't have had the exposure it had. He paved an avenue for the hoofing tap masters to have the success that they did, so that weighs extremely heavily.

[@alyssaholley9003]

@m howard I get what you're saying, but this video is totally based on the best tap dancers of all time. Going off that specifically and not looking into his personal life, Bojangles has to be ranked higher. He brought an African-American created art form to the forefront and the big screen. If you take any intro level tap class that incompasses tap history, the first tap dancer you talk about is Bojangles before you talk about the Nicholas brothers or the Copasetics Club or anyone else, and that's because if it wasn't for him, none of them would've been able to be as successful as they were. Hence why he should be ranked higher.

[@carameldiva5131]

Who do they think everybody else on this list learned from? ?

[@roscoegarbonzo9966]

Thanks for posting! Temporary escape from 2020

[@notconvincedgranny6573]

I'd rank Gene Kelly a little higher - dude tap danced in roller skates. But the Nicholas Brothers...oh my, I'll bet they could have done a trapeze act in white tie and tails and made it look easy.

[@maem7636]

notconvincedgranny , I'm 60 years of age and as a child we would go outside, in the rain, and tap dance singing " Singing In The Rain " to mimic Gene Kelly . Lol ❣✌

[@BuckyBrown-lt4ry]

We get caught up in TAP. Why? It's only one part of being a true dancer. FA and GK did it ALL. FA was doing modern jazz in his 60s.

[@carameldiva5131]

@@BuckyBrown-lt4ry the video is about TAP!!! Might I suggest if you want to discuss all around entertainers or whatever you're talking about you search for a video on that subject. Or make a video of your own

[@ryldurant9732]

loved gene kelly but he can't top the nicholas brothers, no one can.

[@jamesrawlins735]

That tap number Kelly does on roller skates - I have no idea how he did that

[@joeltham1979]

You got the #1 spot, spot on. Brilliant.

[@glenjones7597]

love this list but Eleanor Powell was a better tap dance than Ginger Rogers, Eleanor was known as the queen of tap

[@usrawesome]

From the videos I think he got it right. .. she may have been during her time but Ginger was a stronger Tap from the looks of these videos.

[@glenjones7597]

nope sorry ginger was good at dancing but not at tap dancing , Eleanor Powell had skill in her tap dancing something Ginger didn't have

[@margaretross955]

Eleanor Powell... just the best female tapper of all time. Yeah, Ginger was great too, but Eleanor was just amazing.

[@MandiGould]

I love Ginger Rogers but I agree that Eleanor Powell should have been ranked much higher. She was incredible. Ginger looks great in the videos because she was a beautiful performer but Eleanor was tops.

[@HariSeldon913]

Rita Hayworth would also rate above Ginger, but Eleanor should be much higher, and the clips used were far from her best.

[@lindacaul5419]

All such wonderful dancers. A true treat to be able to watch in amazement. No ranking needed.

[@JHMDEUCE]

The Nicholas Brothers were absolute virtuoso's.

[@rosedial]

Not only are the Nicholas Brothers the greatest Tap Dancers of all time IMO they are the greatest DANCERS of all time.

[@sarahpiaggio2693]

If you'd shown the end of that first Eleanor Powell routine, it would have demonstrated she's right up near the top: amazing energy, timing, speed, endurance and musicality

[@AuntieMamie]

She was the Queen of Tap!!!

[@RijackiTorment]

Great list. I don't disagree with any of them, but I would rank some of them differently, all but the incomparable and utterly amazing Nicolas Brothers. They are and always will be a class of their own.

[@AuntieCass]

Yes; who ranked these acts?

[@bearlystated]

I would have thought that Vera Ellen would have made this list.

[@TheTyus46]

The Nicholas brothers were so stupendous in every sense of the work, Showmen, rhythm makers, toe stoppers. They were by far the best!

[@susanpound317]

What a great video! I was lucky enough to see some of these great dancers during their later years. Wow, they were incredible, especially the fabulous Nicholas Brothers!

[@keetrandling4530]

Great list, would have added Donold O'Conner - I'm sure you had a hard time whittling it down to just ten.

[@WhirledPublishing]

Ann Miller and Ray Bolger also belong in the top 10 - I always felt Donald O'Conner was a better dancer than Gene Kelly who starred because he didn't mind playing the boring lead while O'Conner got to do all the fun stuff.

[@rogerpropes7129]

@@WhirledPublishing O'Connor is best known for 'Mak'em Laugh', after which he had to go to the hospital since he filmed it twice.. He is under-represented in film history because Kelly was better looking and more ambitious.

[@WhirledPublishing]

@@rogerpropes7129 When O'Connor and Gene Kelly are dancing side-by-side, O'Connor is clearly the better dancer - he was also good looking but he apparently preferred the goof-ball roles so he could have more fun.

[@v.gorski3050]

You missed one of the greatest film clips of Fred Astaire partnered with Elenor Powell -- a black and white film -- and they dance to a tune called Begin the Beguine. THAT is fantastic tap dancing and there will never be anything like it by anyone ever again.

[@JHMDEUCE]

My all time favorite Astaire clip.

[@williamoreilly125]

That film you mention was “The Big Broadcast of 1940”. A stunning number by Astaire and Powell.

[@williamoreilly125]

I was wrong. The movie with the outstanding tap duet by Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell was Broadway Melody of 1940, not Big Broadcast. Sorry,

[@MH3GL]

The only time I've ever watched anyone out dance Astaire. (He didn't like it much... You'll notice they never danced together again...)

[@marilyncatalano6478]

I agree even though I love the Astaire and Rogers musicals. "Night and Day" was a flawless routine. So, for me, Fred Astaire with ANYONE is a good time. Gene Kelly also but Astaire was just...........sigh....💕

[@SidniOrchids]

Wow!!! This is definitely a lost art. Thanks for posting this, this has made my evening.

[@chanelhopeful5336]

Nicholas Brothers!!!!, nothin else needed to be said👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@dannij7081]

ALL are gifted and talented! I LOVE the Nicholas Brothers.

[@michaelrutledge7048]

Cannot dispute Nicholas Bros.(Fayard and Harold) as #1. They were the GOAT!! AND Harold was married to Dorothy Dandridge... not a bad gig!!

[@tubularblonde]

Thank you so very much for this wonderful series of performances by fantastic dancers! Wow!!!!! I NEVER get tired of watching them and I NEVER stay feeling "down" when I sit down and watch! Whatever ails you, watch these dancers and you'll better in a flash!

[@lyndeholmes4447]

I agree Ginger on list with Fred, but my herself, no way. Eleanor was a powerful dancer

[@BuckyBrown-lt4ry]

What about Jesse Matthews of England? IN her day was a better dancer and all around talent than Ginger. But not as beautiful.

[@livingislearning2227]

Cheers 4 the video dear Terry!

[@lorinapetranova2607]

This video is serious American culture and sooo fabulous to see. So good to be reminded of great talent and diverse cultural experiences like we used to have and Should be having on regular tv. All these dancers were pioneers in Black entertainment and deserve an elegant place in American culture. I can't emphasize this enough. And tap dancing is definitely Not easy to do.

[@rmcfete]

They were’t all black! Tho it did start with them as far as I know long ago

[@lorinapetranova2607]

@@rmcfete if I hadn't seen something about Isadora Duncan on PBS I wouldn't have known about her. She was during the 1930s I believe. Anglo lady. Kinda chic. More great dancers.... Baryshnikov and Nureyev. Saw a vid on YT n sighed. Seems like there's a lot of gapeing holes in this culture sometimes. So tragic. Kids need the Arts in school. Sigh again. Many blessings.

[@crystalvspivey-briggs7959]

Wow! Mr. Sammy Davis Jr. & The amazing Nicholas Brothers hold down spots 1&2! That’s about right. It s awesome that there are women on the list. Song🕊🎶

[@wonder5487]

What about Vera Ellen? Her tapping in Wonder Man to "So In Love" was amazing. Starts slow without dancing, but once she gets going, WOW! Also Ann Miller as someone mentioned, and maybe Rita Hayworth. Rita sure kept up with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly in movies and looked gorgeous doing it!

[@vicki4838]

I agree. Also, what about when she comes down from the air in Choreography from White Christmas. Blows me away every time i watch it.

[@wonder5487]

@@vicki4838 Yes, she was an amazing dancer!

[@DaenerysStormborn-cw5ws]

No Ann Miller???? FAIL! Top 10 is not enough. They really need a Top 20, there were so many greats back in the day.

[@leonardohummel8658]

@@DaenerysStormborn-cw5ws I agree. Vera Ellen. Rita. Donald O'Connor. they are surely top 10 or 20.👍👍💎

[@madyjules]

It’s March 31, 2020 so of course my whole family is isolating at home because of the big bad corona-wolf out there ... my husband is working from home, our kids are all doing their schoolwork online, I finished my work, so I (mommy) was looking for something cheerful to watch... wow I am so so happy to have found this!! thank you!! I’m sitting here smiling from ear to ear and clapping by myself I watched it 2x’s 😁!! thank you so much for uploading it!! everybody please stay safe and healthy 💖

[@jaunenito]

All of these dancers were supremely athletic. Gene Kelly looked like he played football. Fred Astaire was a freak and Sammy, probably the most talented, could do anything. Ginger Rodgers tapped with force, grace & precision. But, the GOATS are without question the Nicholas Brothers who, to this day, still haven't been duplicated or surpassed with their sheer athletic abilities. Bravo! Great Top 10.

[@trinnysaysno]

Those Nicholas Brothers were COOOLD! So fluid, smooth, and agile wit it! Just WOW😮!

[@ceci8556]

I saw the entire Nicholas brothers number that was clipped here and it was a full 3 minutes with crazy splits and jumps even at the end. Christ, I tried one shuffle-ball-change and it laid me out.

[@MoneyComethToshelia]

🤦😂😂😭

[@highonimmi]

step ball change is all I could do....lol wanna borrow my tiger balm?

[@OTseven]

Exhilarating! Thank you so much for uploading this. . I'm so grateful that I got to share part of my lifetime with these great talents. Sad that most are no longer with us, but happy for the joy they all have given me. It's a very personal thing. Xoxxx

[@judythompson8742]

The best scene in the Nicholas Brothers routine was the stair-step scene and you didn’t show it. Why? I agree with you that they are number one; the stair-step scene would be definitively show why.

[@choreobantic]

The stair portion of the jumpin’ jive dance is essentially athletic tricks: amazing, and executed with great flair, but what was shown here was their wonderful stylin rhythmic control when they were just tapping!

[@MandiGould]

They showed the tap portion of the same number. I think they chose the right segment since it demonstrates the actual tap portion.

[@huguettemarquet4675]

I love it. My prefered one ! Tears in my eyes everytime.

[@patritablackston2064]

Judy i felt the same way.!!!

[@randallolson6235]

Thanks for this terrific compilation. The Nicholas Brothers were magnificent! Interesting to note that Sammy Davis Jr., Busby Berkley and the Nicholas Brothers all considered Eleanor Powell to be the greatest tap dancer of their time, male or female. Gene Kelly, although he never danced with her thought highly of her and like some viewers commented here also considered Donald O'Connor to be very good. After seeing Kelly and O'Connor dance together in Singing in the Rain, I am inclined to agree.

[@nolita88]

Nicholas Brothers! YES!!!!

[@queenmama9229]

MR. BO is #1. For me I was so drawn into his feet.❤❤❤❤. Great video❤

[@glenjones7597]

Eleanor Powell was known as the Queen of tap,She was good friends with Bill Robinson and John Bubbles and she said they both taught her a lot about tap, Back in those days she couldn't dance with any of them on stage or film because of the color of their skin. I'm pretty sure she would've to dance with The Nicholas Brothers. she was friends with all of these dancer from that time

[@HariSeldon913]

She did dance on stage with Bill Robinson, but she had to wear blackface while doing it. She'd be ostracized for that today, but when she did it, it was in order to be able to perform with a black man because she had no problem doing so. She was way ahead of the curve on civil rights. She talks about it in this interview (it's really long and not great quality and sorry I don't remember what time she talked about Robinson): kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGqVmWCYdrKLeNk

[@glenjones7597]

@@HariSeldon913 - that's very true

[@EJP286CRSKW]

Eleanor Powell was judged the best tap dancer in the world by the Dancing Masters of America _before_ she went to Hollywood. 'World' meaning USA of course ...

[@glenjones7597]

@@EJP286CRSKW -she was Great, I love her movies

[@getreal4real169]

I love the way she danced

[@karenknicely1788]

It's a real shame that there aren't great tap dancers anymore. Thank you for a great list!!!!

[@yvette7798]

my top 5: 1. Nicholas Bros. 2. Bill Bojangles 3. Sammie Davis 4. Fred Astaire 5. Gene Kelley and for good measure I will add Ginger Rogers The legends should have been first the always, than the rest in any order.

[@lauriedolan834]

Agree with you top 10

[@joepedroza4707]

Holy shit those Nicholas brothers were spectacular. So much speed too. Mezmerizing.

[@robertbryson4585]

Thank you so much Terry for sharing, you're the best! Have a beautiful happy journey.

[@Wolfsky9]

The Nicholas Brothers !! ----------Just those diving--full splits are enough to make them all-time # 1, UNDISPUTED!! -------PS: No one else ever was good enough--crazy enough-----or perhaps, desperate enough, to ever attempt those diving flying, full splits. ------Awesome. Simply, awesome. ---------------WolfSky9, 72 y/o

[@normanklein3155]

The amazing thing about the Nicholas Brothers is that Fayard Nicholas taught himself tap dancing, then taught his younger brother Harold how to tap and devised the act, when he was still in his early teens. They were an immediate sensation at the Cotton Club when still in their early teens. And as soon as they got to Hollywood, they sought out Fred Astaire, who kindly coached them on some of the finer points of tap. The Nicholas Brothers were amazing and definitely a strong #2, but Fred Astaire was the greatest and its not close. There's a reason Michael Jackson created Smooth Criminal as an homage to Astaire.

[@HariSeldon913]

Those splits just look like they have to be painful, but we'll never know. By the way, that's Cab Calloway they're working with.

[@grandcatsmama3421]

Those full splits look as if they hurt!

[@Dubfansince]

The Berry Brothers did mind-bending splits. They weren't as good as the Nicholas Brothers (no one is), but their splits are astounding. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHOzYnaVoMippc0

[@louismazzei5862]

Much respect to all of them. They’re all truly phenomenal. Was thinking that Donald O’Connor might have been in there, though. ;)

[@tramp3]

Thanks for this video. Could not agree more on the selections. Glad to see Sandman get his mention. I could watch this all day!

[@CP-ks8nj]

Savion Glover should he higher on the list unless are you going more by nostalgia as opposed to raw talent? But I do agree with the number one spot. The Nicholas Brothers are phenomenal.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Bunny Briggs did not make the list. I am glad Savion Glover did.

[@Softening.into.His.Glory.]

I agree. Savion is pretty amazing.

[@michaeljoseph741]

@@Softening.into.His.Glory. The Nicolas brothers themselves said that Savion Glover had inherited the mantle.

[@harryrobinson1114]

@@michaeljoseph741 Gene kelly and fred Astair should be #1 along with The Nicholas brothers.

[@robincastle2209]

IMO, Savion Glover was MUCH better when he was younger than when he became an adult. He was mesmerizing as a teen, not so much as an adult.

[@cancangirl2888]

Shivers up my spine just watching this! Thank you very much.

[@nickywilks7928]

Nicholas brothers, Eleanor Powell,and Fred Astaire!!!!!! (In my humble opinion).

[@militarymom6690]

Yes, Nicky Wilks that is the order I agree with🙂

[@tuandonvseverybody]

No wayyyyyyy!!!!!

[@Steffshappyplace]

Nicky Wilks Gene Kelly Bojangles Nicholas brothers

[@momcolorloveallcolors474]

LOVE LOVE LOVE

[@andersonwade9963]

I've always thought Sammy Davis Jr was number One (#1) but seeing the Nicholas Brothers for the first time in my life I'll have to say "WOW your right". But I still love Sammy he was the renaissance man.

[@maurerevans]

watch their entire dance piece on Stormy Weather. It was stopped right before the most powerful part

[@gmaureen]

The Nicholas Brothers were in a class of their own. Watch their bio: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIXQe6Ktp6eqhbs

[@sheilaludwig6558]

Thank you for sharing this video. It was great seeing all of these talented people. I know there's many more who are not here though

[@garydassing3047]

I would have loved to learn tap dance. I especially love watching old MGM musicals.

[@susanbrown2909]

gary dassing same here...it’s a dying art. We need some young people to take it up and revive it again.

[@fifimsp]

You know you can still learn.

[@ricklemus8835]

Wow GOD bless them all - what an unforgettable era of complete beauty in all aspects 🙏🏻🌹✝️💕🛐❣️♥️🌼

[@layna-heyhey]

Pretty good list. It was correct with number one.

[@gentlespirit4]

Those Nicholas Brothers though....... Whew!!! they were dancing kings to be reckoned with! Sort of like today's Les Twins in another genre of dancing but young kings of dancing in today's times. Thanks for sharing!

[@mjnaz65]

Astaire said the Nicholas brothers were the greatest he'd ever seen. All are/were amazing. Tap is truly an underappreciated art form.

[@mdt471]

Actually, Fred said that that dance scene was the best ever filmed.

[@amyowens7050]

They were all outstanding!!!!❤

[@dennisloniak8774]

Amazingly, the Nicholas Brothers were self taught. No formal training at all! Unfortunately there are very few clips available of them in their prime. But absolutely the very best.

[@samallen5213]

pretty much this was the reason I took up tap dancing as a child. loved watching the old films with my parents

[@nancydemoss8421]

Two things: You needed to include Fred Astaire dancing on the floor, walls and ceiling in" Royal Wedding". What a classic! And you needed to show the Nicholas Brothers doing the splits and coming right back up. Another classic!

[@USERID412-k7n]

If you're going to change clips, Gene tapping and gliding on roller skates in "It's Always Fair Weather" is the one of his that blew me away.

[@porgie51]

great video. thankyou

[@michaelali7151]

The scene from the movie " Tap " included some of the greatest of all time. Sammy Davis Jr, Savion Glover, Gregory Hines, Sandman Sims as well as Harold Nicholas including others. Classic Movie ✊

[@stevenjoyal6565]

Don't forget Arthur Duncan, who for many years danced for Lawrence Welk.

[@markcepeda8144]

@@stevenjoyal6565 agreed !!!!!!

[@reginaldshambley9593]

We are the best in everything we do for real

[@josephworby724]

the two brothers I remember seeing them as a child were outstanding and you could not take your eyes off of them the dance moves were out of this world episode number brilliant dancers (the wife

[@thisone8026]

Thank you so much

[@edisonwarfield1230]

Nicholas Brothers amazing and so talented love them

[@pathfinderstravelmagazine2903]

Enjoying watching this. Thanks for the compilation.

[@aronbenon7235]

Eleanor Powell is my #1. The Nicholas Brothers and Fred Astaire both said she is the best tap dancer of all time.

[@xavierfernandes5349]

In my opinion, she should be atleast unchallenged at no. 2 if we are talking about purely TAP DANCERS. She was simply mind blowing but yes, the NICHOLAS BROTHERS were stupendous and rightly no. 1

[@JoeHarkinsHimself]

The great Russian dancer Baryshnikov, a formidable power in all dance forms, was once asked to name his dance idol. He said, "Fred Astaire."

[@TheMrsCDB1]

Nicolas brothers wow

[@charlesleffler586]

Eleanor powell was praised as the greatest woman tap dancer by fred Astaire in an interview and the greatest tapper period by a Nicholas brother!! if she didn't give it all up to marry glenn ford, she would be a legend

[@taddyd1]

She IS a legend.

[@peterfranks6243]

Nicholas brothers...MASTERS OF DANCE .PERIOD.

[@jollyhollywood3922]

Such tremendous talents all! Thank you for sharing this outstanding tribute 😊

[@jamesmason8052]

The Nicholas Brothers footwork; faster then the human eye :)

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

My fav: 3# 2# 1# Thanks for the joy. 💒🙏🏻😂

[@leonpse]

Never like Hines dancing, especially his slouch. Look at the Nickolas Brothers and their arms and upper body, totally different level than Hines.