The Nicholas Brothers

The Nicholas Brothers were a renowned dance team that consisted of brothers Fayard Nicholas and Harold Nicholas, known for their highly energetic and athletic dance style, which blended elements of tap dance, jazz dance, and acrobatics. They were one of the most popular and influential dance teams of the 20th century, performing with legendary entertainers such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Cab Calloway. The brothers' impressive career spanned over six decades, with appearances in numerous films, stage shows, and television programs, including the Ziegfeld Follies, Cotton Club, and Ed Sullivan Show. They were also closely associated with other notable performers, such as Bill Robinson, Bojangles, and Ella Fitzgerald.

Early Life and Career

The Nicholas Brothers were born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and began their dance training at a young age, studying with prominent instructors such as Henry LeTang and Cholly Atkins. They made their professional debut at the Cotton Club in Harlem, New York City, where they performed alongside other notable entertainers, including Bessie Smith, Ethel Waters, and Duke Ellington. The brothers' early career was marked by appearances in various stage shows and vaudeville productions, including the Ziegfeld Follies and the Shuffle Along revue, which featured music by Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle. They also performed with other notable dance teams, such as the Berry Brothers and the Condos Brothers, and were influenced by the work of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.

Dance Style and Technique

The Nicholas Brothers were known for their unique and innovative dance style, which combined elements of tap dance, jazz dance, and acrobatics. Their routines often featured intricate tap dance sequences, leaps, and flips, as well as complex partnering and lifts. The brothers' dance style was influenced by their training with Henry LeTang and Cholly Atkins, as well as their exposure to other notable dancers, such as Bill Robinson and Jack Cole. They were also influenced by the work of Katherine Dunham and her Katherine Dunham Company, which was known for its innovative blend of modern dance and African dance techniques. The Nicholas Brothers' dance style has been cited as an influence by many other notable dancers, including Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, and Mikhail Baryshnikov.

Film and Stage Appearances

The Nicholas Brothers appeared in numerous films and stage shows throughout their career, including Down Argentine Way, Sun Valley Serenade, and Stormy Weather, which featured music by Lena Horne and Billie Holiday. They also appeared in several Broadway productions, including Babes in Arms and St. Louis Woman, which featured music by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer. The brothers' film and stage appearances often showcased their impressive dance skills, as well as their charismatic stage presence and comedic timing. They worked with many notable directors and choreographers, including Busby Berkeley, Hermes Pan, and Jack Cole, and were influenced by the work of Martha Graham and her Martha Graham Dance Company. The Nicholas Brothers also appeared on numerous television programs, including the Ed Sullivan Show and the Tonight Show, and were guests on various radio programs, including The Jack Benny Program and The Rudy Vallée Show.

Legacy and Impact

The Nicholas Brothers' legacy extends far beyond their own performances, as they have influenced generations of dancers and entertainers. Their innovative dance style and technique have been cited as an influence by many notable dancers, including Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, and Mikhail Baryshnikov. The brothers' contributions to the development of tap dance and jazz dance have been recognized by organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the Library of Congress. They have also been honored with numerous awards and accolades, including a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Dance Heritage Coalition. The Nicholas Brothers' impact on popular culture extends beyond the world of dance, as they have been name-checked by numerous musicians, including Michael Jackson, Prince, and Beyoncé.

Personal Lives

The Nicholas Brothers were both married and had children, with Fayard Nicholas marrying Barbara January and Harold Nicholas marrying Dorothy Dandridge. The brothers were also close friends with many other notable entertainers, including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Lena Horne. They were involved in various charitable organizations, including the NAACP and the Urban League, and were active in the Civil Rights Movement. The Nicholas Brothers' personal lives were marked by both triumph and tragedy, with Harold Nicholas passing away in 2000 and Fayard Nicholas passing away in 2006. Despite their passing, the Nicholas Brothers' legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of dancers and entertainers, and their contributions to the world of dance and entertainment remain unparalleled. Category:Dance teams