After watching the footage you're about to see, Fred Astaire once famously said, "This is the greatest movie musical sequence I have ever seen."
For almost 90 years, the shocking talent of the Nicholas Brothers has been celebrated around the world. Their highly acrobatic "flash dancing" is so unique and difficult, it has been said that only digital animation could emulate their sequences today; no one alive is capable.
Once I watched (and re-watched) this amazing sequence, I can see why they're so revered. During their time, they shined brightly in the famed Cotton Club, home to many other exceptionally talented performers.
Despite being totally self-taught, the striking talent of the Nicholas Brothers led many people to assume they were classically trained ballet dancers. Even famed ballet legend Mikhail Baryshnikov once called them the most amazing dancers he had ever seen in his life.
This dance sequence, taken from the 1943 film Stormy Weather, is introduced by the wonderful jazz singer and bandleader Cab Calloway. After his delightful "Jumpin' Jive" number, the Nicholas Brothers jump in around the 1:30 mark, and then the fun really begins.
It's been a while since a song has put such a huge smile on my face — but by the end of this video, my cheeks were hurting!
Please SHARE if this charming blast from the past brightened your day!
