Nicholas Brothers - Tap Dance

[Meela234]

Wow, didn't know they were child entertainers too.

[wilwiljames1]

I don't think MJ fans understand, Mike was a phenomenal dancer but a pop dancer not a tap dancer, tap skills were minimal. You can't use MJ and the Nics in the same sentence unless you'r talking about pointers the Nic Bros gave the Jacksons. The Nic Bros used some ballet moves but wer'nt ballet dancers and couldn't be compared to Barishnakov, Mike used some tap moves but couldn't be compared to the Nics. Mike is like James Brown, Usher, Chris Brown and Prince nothing like Nics nothing.

[bootsamou]

Wow ~ they're so young here !

[Beautifulstar24]

Wow, what year was that from? They were so talented.

[johnnydo777]

The spiritual connection that enables the Nicolas Brothers to dance as they do belongs to no one but lives thru time by being passed from generation to generation, so what started in villages in Africa millennia ago passes to people like Bill Robinson then to the Nicholas Brothers then to MJ. Each time the spirits speaks thru the generation it finds it self. It is this Spirit that we should all applaud as it is there for all of us to channel if we can free our selves.

[Keefbeee]

@johnnydo777 Awesome, I totally agree with you.

[kashiaroundtheworld]

Man these two just went on forever!! Amazing!!! =)

[kashiaroundtheworld]

To insult a talent like Michael Jackson just because the Nicholas Brothers are indeed SUPER DUPER TALENTED is ASININE! It shows a lack of ability to appreciate the depth of talent that exists in the world. The Nicholas Brothers and MJ had great respect for each other AND its great talents like MJ (who bothered to study the greats) that held the torch for artists like this. The Nicholas Brothers and Michael Jackson were both phenomenal entertainment acts. Naturally talented and hardworking =)

[chettmansberger]

Everybody who's seen this has GOT TO watch another you tube video... The scene from the movie Stormy Weather with Cab Calloway (the famous stairway dance). Hard to get your mind around how talented they were.

Not to mention incredibly well loved and respected in show biz. As talented as they were, they always remained so warm and friendly to everyone.

[exoticeleganz]

I can do the walk around bit at 1:33 :) They are amazing...even as kids...!

[marianance]

was that little doolie bug harold adorable or what?! boy i know the made their mama some money huh?!

Forever Legends...

[Jolson1950]

They were the best

[gfine2000]

I wonder what year this was. I'm intrigue by knowing what year it was. does anyone know?

[brwneyesaz]

Simply superb dancers. Wow!!!

[SuperNumber777]

0:50 I don't know how many times I've busted my bottom tryin' to do that.

[MsJollycholly]

I think I just had a heart attack WATCHING them. Damn - they made it look so easy and fun. No reason to wonder why there was no obesity, diabetes or hypertension back in the day. IMPOSSIBLE with that tapping! OMG

[thejobloshow]

You need Chinese style child abuse to have kids this talented.

[gcpropertymanagement]

I am still amazed when I see this kind of talent. These kids moved like liquid and that is why they are still famous. I can't imagine what it took for them to put on a performance like this time after time. How many hours did they work per day to get into the venue shown here? What incredible discipline.

[HOPROPHETA]

youtube.com/watch?v=90qR3OmHTx­Q

Michael Jackson with the Nicolas Brothers

[HOPROPHETA]

youtube.com/watch?v=90qR3OmHTx­Q



[dustygrady]

The Nicholas brothers were generally always treated well, even in these times of segregation because they won everyone over with their endless endearing charm. Sandra Bullock & Angelina Jolie wish they could abopt five more just like them

[lsldance371]

jeez when was this shot?

[SukiSlim25]

Im no tap dancer but I know those steps are hard. That's talent at its best, especially for their era. The Nicholas Brothers and MJ have trascended their eras, think about. Most RnB artists try to imitate MJs showmanship and dance moves. All the fancy footwork that hip hop dancers do in these music videos are from the NBs. Look at Chris Brown's "Wall to Wall" video. Their steps are just modified now like everything else over time.

[Daniaboot]

@SukiSlim25 ... I am incline to say "Fuck MJ" ... however he did have talent (much talent) but as my girlfriend said above ... he would most likely have been picking cotton in 1932 ... he was not in their class ...

[sukislide]

@Daniaboot You clearly misunderstood my comment. I was not downplaying or putting the NB and MJ on the same level. I was saying they reached beyond their eras. I was uplifting them because both of their styles are seen, but MJ's is more mainstream. The NBs style is seen mainstream moreso in Savion Glover. Really you nor your girlfriend would know what MJ would be doing in 1932. It's just your opinion showing that you love tapdance and your out of touch w/ the new talent curriculum of today.

[Daniaboot]

@sukislide ... of course I don't get it ... I am an old fart with one foot in the grave ...(it can't happened soon enough for me) however ... back to the point ... I know just as much as you ... probably a little more because I've lived longer (and get off my lawn) ... One question ... why is MJ more mainstream ...? Because you think so ...?

That's my point ... you ... in 1932 would have called the police or at least your daddy if MJ had the timidity to speak to you ... let's not fight ...

[sukislide]

@Daniaboot Im not picking a fight, if you feel so, I apologize. True, you're older so you would know more. Why MJ is mainstream, because the music industry shifted in the 80s. MJ changed the dynamic of being a music artist. Not just me, many ppl in the world feel MJ was phenomenal at what he did Today its about money and not talent, sadly. Those with the least amount of talent seem to make more money. Britney spears for ex can't sing, dance, or write music but she's marketable.

[Daniaboot]

@sukislide ... It is I who should apologize ... I was looking for a fight ... you my dear (I'm sorry I picture as a female) ... are wise ... just know this ... one can give one's knowledge ... but one cannot ever convey one's wisdom ... that comes from experience ... I think of you as young ... but wise ... and don't pay any attention to an old fart like me ... maybe in my next life ... I'll be hip .... (I was hip when I was young ...)

[ibteachin919]

WOW!

[mrlucas1925]

What would you naysayers say if the Nicholas Bros. were white? hmm?

[judithdancer]

These guys are so amazing! Every time I see a video of them I am ALWAYS AMAZED!

[sugarfreechocolate1]

These guys had great managers too. Both live to a decently old age. No scandal. No drugs.  True pioneers. And NO ONE can tap like that today.

[MsCardigan1]

They are too cute.Amazing

[sputnik1585]

I love the Nicholas brothers! Where is this clip from?

[jor99912]

Getting Old!

Remembering ahead of my memory!

The Quote from TALE of 2 cities was (THIS IS A FAR FAR GREATER THING THAT I DO, THAN i HAVE EVER DONE!

SILKY SLIM'S (NEVER HAVE SO MANY) Quote was stolen from WINSTON CHURCHILL WW2.

A RR Yardmaster at work was fond pf asking over the radio, (IS THIS WHAT YOU'D CALL A "REVOLTING" DEVELOPMENT!

He said he didn't know where he got it.

I told him, he got it from (1955 WILLIAM BENDIX, THE LIFE OF RILEY!

HE SAID he use to rush home to watch that show!

[jor99912]

CALVIN LOCKHART, Silky Slim, Raided MADAM SONOPHIS!

During the Robbery he said!

NEVER" HAVE SO MANY, OWED SO MUCH" TO SO FEW!

Straight out of (TALE OF (2) CITIES).

While typing at my computer upstairs during the final months of the OBAMA presidential campaign I overheard my TV down stairs say CALVIN LOCKHART, Dead at (72).

[jor99912]

I recognize the little one's face!

LITTLE CEASER in Bill COSBY'S film (UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT!

I usually don't tell peoples where OBAMA, developed his "Style!

When I tell guys at work where their favorite quotes comes from, I find, they did not know it. OBAMA may not know!

His STYLE came from (CALVIN LOCKHART) Silky Slim in that film!

Styled from LOCKHART in COTTON COMES TO HARLEM!

LOCHART told HARRY BELAFONTE,

COME ON OUT GEECHY" You have No Chance!

Straight out of a JACK NICHOLSON, western!

[6t4eldo]

@jor99912 little seymour.

[jor99912]

@6t4eldo Right Little Seymour. THANKS!

[cvire1971]

jusst because mj studied withthem desn't mean he was better. ho could not touch them.

[Rhasae]

No matter what day and age it's seen in this still looks damn impressive.

[thatothergirl456]

damn theyre fantastic! wuz look ing up old tap dancing clips for references to draw from but damn its hard to keep up with them XD

[GREATAPES44]

Thats golden. WHO COMPARES>>

[ClarasBeau]

What is so totally cool about this clip is that you can actually feel the joy. Not only were they widly talented; they always conveyed such an enthusiasm for their art. (Note the younger one yelling, "Hey!" from time to time...) Tap dancing is DIFFICULT! I should know... I took tap lessons on a dare when I was thirty. I'm so glad I got to experience it, but to do what these two young bucks were able to do... I cannot imagine. They were simply wonderful.

[bluesbaby8]

Yeah, wow! They are so smooth!

[TheDaizymarie]

Check it out this is so cool..

[marissaburgess]

harald was such a phenominal singer too, he could've had a whole career just singing. ( had he lived in a nother era)

[icyflamer]

they are the best I ever seen 0:52

[spsmonktoo]

When you talk about great 20th century dancers(Astaire, Kelly,

Nijinsky etc.) you damn well better mention the Nicholas Brothers. Just extraordinary! Thanks for posting!

[zipper179]

@spsmonktoo Look what color they are! Sorry, spsmonktoo, you're dealing with chowderheads', not people like yourself and I..A pity..

[spsmonktoo]

You're right, unfortunately!

[LaDiaFerguson]

EXCELLENT, MUCH TALENT!!!!

[poosaypirate]

PURE FIRE!

[MrMLD72MLD]

♥

[mrigmaiden1]

I love it when history is viewed from the eyes of the incompetent. To compare Michael Jackson to the Nicholas Brothers is assinine! The Nicholas Brothers were famous under the worst type of segregation and abuse. If they had been born when MJ was born, they'd have been super duper stars!

Funny that almost eighty years after this footage was shot, we are still amazed at their raw talent.

[TheFiona1959]

@mrigmaiden1

Agree - MJ copied even his moon walk from two other tap dancers ... not these guys. Fiona an old tapper.

[1Dubbelman]

@mrigmaiden1 Michael sang better without a doubt. And he was better as in all round definitely not in these kind of acrobatic tricks and tap. I think Michael is the best because he's so versatile. A triple threat, a charity worker and genuine genius.

Still Nicholas Brothers are also one of my favorites that why stormy weather is in my favorites.

[luckdog909]

@mrigmaiden1 I agree that The Nicholas Brother are indeed a tough act to follow. But to say comparing Michael to the Nicholas Brothers is assinine is totally rediculous. Michael never took a formal dance lesson in his life. Completely raw talent. He studied all of the greatest dancers, including the Nicholas Brothers. They all inspired him. Any wonder he became as huge and successful as he did?

[natanoj16]

@mrigmaiden1 You also forget one little thing :P the reason why they became famous back then was only, and I repeat ONLY because they played the role of "uncle Tom" that well as they did. You cant in anyway compare it with the world of today, Black people that have grown up in this world and era would never do things the way they did back then. The only reason why most black people acted like they did on the scene back then was that the white audience expected them to act that way.

[davisismail1comcast]

@mrigmaiden1 I agree with you, and I was not even born during this time. I loved the Jackson family"s talent, but to compare them to acts in the 30's and 40's like the Berry Brother, Nicholas Brothers, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie and all the great Jazz bands of those era's just to name a few, and under those kinds of oppressive circumstances, it just don't add up. Lets not leave out the actors of that time also.

[json1977]

@mrigmaiden1 MJ actually did a dance with the two of them, and you could see the difference. Even in their old age, they had to slow down so he could catch up.

[Daniaboot]

@mrigmaiden1 ... Amen little lady (is that still allowed) a-fuckin'-men ...

[christimacc]

@mrigmaiden1

This has to be the best response to any poster I have every read. KUDOS!

[dyhard678]

@mrigmaiden1 WHATS WRONG WITH COMPARING BOTH LEGENDARY ARTIST WHO BOTH DID NOT HAVE FORMAL TRAINING IN THEIR FIELDS. IT SHOULD BE NO SUPRISE TO SOME OF YOU THAT THESE TWO BRILLIANT SIBLINGS TAUGHT MJ AND HIS SIS JANET. WE MUST REALIZE THAT MJ LEARNED FROM THESE MEN TO BCOME WHO ULTIMATELY BECAME. IT IS UNFOTUNATE THAT THEY LIVED IN A TIME WHERE THEY COULD ON GO IN A WHITE CLUB 2 ONLY ENTERTAIN, BUT SHIT HAPPENS. NO NEED TO TLK ABOUT WHO IS BETTER THN THE OTHER. THEY BOTH AR GREAT INFLUENCES.

[kashiaroundtheworld]

@mrigmaiden1

thought id share a moment in history of two generations of great performers. The Nicholas Brothers will never be forgotten and MJs fame and talent will never overshadow anyone elses talent. MJ just earned himself a hell of a lot credit based on his own hard work, talent, timing, and business acumen. its not to be scorned at. It should be admired. People like Sammy Davis Jr, Nicholas Brothers and Michael Jackson belong in the category of great entertainers /watch?v=90qR3OmHTxQ&NR=1

[munchwah]

they are ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the look on there faces, it's so much beyond just aptitude.... they where born for that.

[theevilchalupa]

Nicholas Brothers > Jonas Brothers

Where did the talented youth go?

):

[dismissed7]

This is sooo cute :)

[scriptum60]

Superb.

[dawnninjawolf]

THE BEST!

[toopoogang]

no one can ever come close to these wonderful brothers. God must must be so happy watching them perform every night. I hope i'm lucky enough to see them perform when it's my time !!!

[dal4018]

Because of these men I have a new and healthy respect for the old school when it come to tap dance in fact dance period they did things Michael Jackson couldn't do in his WILDEST DREAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DonDubbelman]

Yes but Michael could do things they couldn't do in their wildest dreams, for a start sell 100 million copies of one album and win 8 Grammys with it.

Still the Nicholas brothers are the best tap dancers I have ever seen.

[dal4018]

@DonDubbelman Yes but I will still take these legends over MJ hands down!!!!!!!

[kittenstoes]

This is pure talent and hard work, even the greatest touted dancers of this period could not perform like this.

[DARKnDODGY]

check out my vid of "Paulo Nutini new release pencil full of lead with Al Minns and Leon James dancing"..

[tcampbellla]

All Nicholas Brothers Fan: Please become fans of theirs on Facebook.

A local nutritionist has more fans than they do, and that's not fair!

[6141littlefox]

OK, I did!

[lois0must0die]

and now we have to watch lean wit it rock wit it.........

[CellzBerry]

Both were great, but Fayard was always my favorite.

Amazing!

Why dont people dance like this anymore!??

[poodlepup2]

Because it's REALLY difficult!

[leesterg]

Check out Savion Glover he is carrying on the tradition of tap.

[Nameless2k6]

But not like them. As of now, Savion focuses on the Musical aspect of Tap. The brothers here did a lot of acrobatic stuff filled with hype

[dal4018]

Nameless when it came to hype they more than lived up to this footage of them shows if you really want to see them at the top of their game watch them in Stormy Weather.

[Babbe]

Aww, trenches...

[313SOUL]

they did the fuckin kid and play dance @ 2:01 man thats funny!! who knows about that?

[SouthTexasHam]

The Nicholas Brothers also taught Michael and Janet Jackson dance steps. Janet even put them in one of her music videos!!

[blinko656]

They also taught the Tempatations a few moves.

[therealazaro]

I just discovered these guys... Wow, they can dance. It's almost hypnotic. I've been checking out all the clips on Youtube.

[demeyers]

We were so honored to have learned this at L.A. Tapfest last week from Cathy Nicholas!!! She is a wonderful teacher. Thank you so much! i'll be practicing.

[Diamondgrl2007]

was this on a movie or sumthin

[caidosan]

i didnt no they did this young

[Diamondgrl2007]

they were younger than this when they first started

[discoqueenNL]

If they would enter in America's got talent they would win. Too bad you don't find a lot of tapdance talant like that anymore. Although nobody could ever come close to the Nicholas Brothers.

[Fintyrae123]

@discoqueenNL The nearest you'll find to them is The Berry Brothers (some of their stuff is on You Tube) - they were of a similar style and legend has it that they and the Nicholas Brothers - both acts regularly played the Cotton Club - used to try and outdo each other each night. I think the Nicholas Brothers are that little bit slicker and stylish though one of the Berry Brothers is particularly fine and superior as a dancer to the other two (Nyas, I think).

[Fintyrae123]

@discoqueenNL The nearest you'll find to them is The Berry Brothers (some of their stuff is on You Tube) - they were of a similar style and legend has it that they and the Nicholas Brothers - both acts regularly played the Cotton Club - used to try and outdo each other each night. I think the Nicholas Brothers are that little bit slicker and stylish though one of the Berry Brothers is particularly fine and superior as a dancer to the other two (Nyas, I think).

[Fintyrae123]

@discoqueenNL

[chaveneau]

Ils chantent aussi très bien ! Des artistes complets. Le moule est cassé.

[1psoas9]

They are such stars. NB hte little one already shows his love for dancing floating above his feet with his head thrown back, which gives his performances an ecstatic quality like nobody else's. check out "Down Argentine Way" for more of that.

[naughtyholder]

No wonder that on The Contours - First I look at the Purse ...you could see PHENOMENAL TALENT and control of The Nicholas brothers.

Reminded me of a 5'6" 145 lb Indonesian Hung Gar Kung Fu Instructor that put a 6'3" 220 lb student on his shoulders for a set of Martial Arts movements that had to be seen to be believed!

When you see something like that in person you never forget it!

The unison and coordination after dancing together for 20+ years adds an extra element as well.

[itiswotitis]

WOW!!!

[RREYNOLDS65]

It's beautiful that even at this early age, they have their signature splits in the routine. An amazing pair to watch. Thanks for posting this.

[jordan04n]

....excellent...where did this come from...love these bro's

[sashanina123]

their so young here, they are THE BEST DANCERS IN THE WORLD.

[sneakaway]

Perfect duet !

[Pwaak]

Incredible Talent! A real pleasure to watch!

[doonker]

They are amazing

[padrayg]

se nota que les gusta todo lo relacionado con la danza..!! eso se llama una vida con proposito...o no?