Fred Astaire called this the best dance routine ever filmed. Man knew what he was talking about

I love Cab just scooting off stage at 4:01 - "All right, fellas, I'll get out of your way, show them what ya got!"

This is generally considered the finest dance sequence ever put to film. The movie that it's from is called Stormy Weather. Great movie too.

The Nicholas brothers always blow me away. Their dancing deserves to be seen and shouted about! Great! Great! Great!

Historic records indicate that this routine was shot in ONE Take! Remarkable in every way! The routine has never been duplicated. The number almost never made the screen. The director wanted to cut it out. Thankfully, wiser heads prevailed and we have this most impressive dance number to enjoy well after the brothers passed on "to glory."

One take. And what is REALLY impressive is their landings. Notice that they are PERFECTLY in time when they hit. Anyone can jump in time, but LANDING in time? That takes some skill. They were the ABSOLUTE best. Those who everyone else considers great consider these men the pinnacle. And Cab was the very definition of the word "cool". Nobody cooler. EVER.

Ain't no school like the old school!

Old school. Young kids need to see how it’s done. I love this and am so proud!!!! Such talent.

Believe it or not, the dancing was done in one take. Saw one of the Nicholas Brothers interviewed on another video, talking about this, and he swore it was done in one take. Amazing, regardless. They weren't that young then, either.

Cab had a bit of a revival in the late 70s when he was in "The Blues Brothers." 👍👍

The Nicholas Brothers were dancing since they were kids, and they were still amazing dancers into their "old age". And that move where they pull themselves up from the splits is just 🤯

No stunt doubles, no special effects, no cuts or redos. TALENT. These were moves not matched for several decades later.

I cry when I watch this because it is so damn good. True talent.

- They did that all in 1 take - Fred Astare said that was the best dance routine ever on film - Cab Calloway is so amazing, you need to check out more of his music - he had a massive influence on music

The Nicholas Brothers taught themselves to dance! Phenomenal! The splits at the end were unrehearsed!

That’s when people could sing and dance. Real talent. Love it!

Yeah, the stair splits part was done one take, no rehearsal. The film's choreographer came up with the idea, and had such faith in their abilities, he said let's just do it and film it. Fayard said he added the idea of splitting down a slide on the side to end it. In the late 80s I was on a short NYC trip, turned the corner...and there was Harold Nicholas! I got to say what a fan I was, and I was thrilled that of all the celebs I could have seen, it was a Nicholas Brother! Years later, I saw both him and Fayard doing some appearances. I saw Fayard one last time after his brother died, and as I mentioned a favorite lesser known bit, he beamed and giggled with excitement, almost like a little kid. It was obvious he was thrilled to know how much his work was still loved. It's so thrilling now to see this, and know Harold and Fayard are still amazing new generations, and being loved for their overwhelming talents. Thank god for film!

Love this. Cab Calloway was such an entertainer - you can see him perform Minnie the Moocher in the Blues Brothers movie. Its awesome. It gets you moving. You should react to couples swing dancing...bet no one nowadays could do it. The Nicholas Brothers deserve a lot more recognition than they get. Watching this just makes me smile.

the Nicholas Brothers IMPROVISED this dance and got perfection in ONE TAKE!!!

Don’t see dancing like that anymore. Wow!

Cab Calloway: Heidihihideo !! Sure I didn't spell it right, but that's how it sounds. True classic.

ONE TAKE. ...NO. MISTAKE! TRUE STORY. Nicolas Brothers. Legendary dancers no one can touch these men. Every young black entertainer should look at these old movies and lusten to the olde music black people truly did invent modern music in almost every. Major genre.

In the pre-ww2 era, many dance scenes where filmed in one take, and with one camera as prove that the dancer could do what they did. Meaning no editing tricks, the Nicholas Brothers were 2 of the finest dancers of that era.

Cab, the original super star....Those dancers, PURE ATHLETES...Just imagine the cardio involved!

I had to get knee replacement surgery just from watching this video...

The amount of class, skill and natural talent these guys had is just incredible. Such a joy to watch!

The Nicholas Brothers are the best Tap Dancers ever! You should see more of their dancing.🤗

My Dad who was a big fan of 40's big band sound, introduced me to the sound when I was into rock n roll of the 50's and 60's. Cab Calloway absolutely stunned me, I could get enough of his sound, then many years later finding him on youtube videos gets this old lady jumping and jiving, even if in the mind. Nicholas Brothers dancing, none better.

This has to be the single best display of dancing I have ever witnessed. Love Cab Calloway too, I miss this type of entertainment.

I can only imagine the work they had to put in with the orchestra and you said it, the timing of it was on point. Amazing thing to watch

Mr. Calloway was so far ahead of his time... it was a grown man playing ball with children. A superb talent!

They didn't have the fame or fortune of Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly,but they are the GOAT.

It has been proven that the dance was done in one single take due to the budget of the film. This was the final take and last roll of film they had for production. They only had one chance and the amazing part was they created this choreography on the spot. The greatest collaboration ever.

It was done in ONE take, with multiple cameras. No rehearsals. This is what it’s famous for. Fred Astaire called it the greatest dance routine ever put to film.

They didn't get the recognition they deserved. They were among the best, if not the best tap dancers in Hollywood's Golden Age.

Neither Fayard nor Harold had any formal training. Fayard taught himself how to , sing, and perform by watching and imitating the professional entertainers on stage. He then taught his younger

No body could match the Nicholas brothers for the sheer talent and physicality of their dancing! Never saw anything to match this dance scene on the tube! AWESOME!!!

I could watch them all day. The Nicholas Brothers were PHENOMENAL!!!! That's how to dance. The tap makes music when by itself and the dance goes with the rhythm of the music. This right here is exactly how it's done.

Had the honor of meeting him in New York at the airport. We had just came home from The Gulf War and they had separated us from the public because we had weapons and he got permission to come to our area and welcome us home. The man was a class act. Very kind and and as you can see very talented man.

It's been said that The Nicholas Brothers did this dance number in one take. No matter if they did or didn't they were amazing

The Nicholas Brothers are the Greatest tap Dancers of All Time and Black Folks Ancestors and Legacy.....All that greatness is in Black Folks Everywhere...especially in the young!!!

Without a doubt one of the greatest dance segments ever filmed.

I like some Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire as well. Even the final dance scene of Dirty Dancing. A good dancer is always fun to watch RIP to all those guys and gals no longer with us.

I love listening to Cab Calloway scat. So much energy!

the story is they did it in one take. This came from a movie called stormy weather another highlight in the movie was the song stormy weather by Lena Horne.

Harold Nicholas was also married to Dorothy Dandridge.

I am so glad that you've reacted to this. A few days ago, I was watching an interview with Gregory Hines. That's another one you need to check out. He's an incredible dancer. He was speaking about the Nicholas Brothers. As he was speaking, they were showing this scene & he was talking about the splits and how they got up without using their hands. Then it went to a clip, were the Nicholas Brothers were being interviewed. They said they never rehearsed anything they did. They just play off each other. As I was watching it, I started thinking about you. I thought that this would be something you'd really appreciate and enjoy. I am so HAPPY, you had this opportunity, to watch these incredible entertainers.

They did the splits coming down the stairs in one take stated in an interview. Those brothers were super bad. They always gave 110% in their performances. Just Awesome Entertainers.

Been hoping you'd do this one. These guys are phenomenal

This is freaking *classic*... The Nicholas Brothers were absolutely amazing dancers...and Cab Calloway a total incomparable icon !

Cab Calloway's grandmother was my grandmother's nanny in the 1920s and 30s. I still have the original full vinyl 78rpm album that Cab gave his grandmother wich she gave to my grandmother! LOVE LOVE LOVE CAB CALLOWAY!!!

Even Fred Astaire said this was the best dance he had ever seen. Gregory Hines and his brother were being told they were going to be the next Nicholas Brothers. Gregory Hines had never seen them. When he watched this dance sequence he thought, nobody is going to be the next Nicholas Brothers. I never tire of watching this. I found it by accident years ago. I enjoy it just as much now as I did the first time I watched it. They were amazing! They were the best! That had to hurt!

Were the Nicholas Brothers AMAZING or what!!! I don't think there's anyone on the planet who could do the dance they did here. And it doesn't look like they were straining, either -- all of their moves are so smooth. You would think you would pull something doing as many splits as they did, and then rising up without using a bended knee or anything. God bless 'em! I'm so glad we have videos like this that allow us to see what tap dancing was like back in the day.

One take. Couldn't click fast enough. Widely considered the BEST tap dance routine EVER. I don't think it will ever be duplicated with out the magic of editing and cgi. Just an unbelievable performance. NOTE: Cab Callaway was in the Blues Brothers too!!!

The Nicholas Brothers were AWESOME dancers!!! When you have the time, look up a documentary about them. Not to post here, because it is much too long, but just to watch. They had an amazing life, with some tragedy but some great triumphs, too!

this was filmed in ONE take and its been called the best dance sequence ever put on film

There were NO out-takes. It was done in ONE SHOOT!!! YOU'VE just seen PERFECTION!!!

I’m not sure if everyone noticed it or not but the most amazing thing to me was that every time they jumped they landed at the same exact time, particularly on the piano. They were not off a fraction of a second while landing and if they were you would have heard it. Outstanding, these guys are true athletes and bring the art of dance to the next level. Bravo!

Oh man, he's going to flip. My sister loves these classic dancers.

To see one of my Mentor,Cab Calloway I call him Mr.Entertainment & The Nicholas Bros, The Kings of Tap Dancing of The World Just P💯R💯I💯C💯E L💯E💯S💯S...

Cab Calloway was the first hip hop star before it was a thing. I'm speechless about The Nicholas Brothers I'm amazed at how many times they did those splits and how they won't sweating lol. They were truly phenomenal dancers moved like gymnasts.

THE Cab Galloway! That man is a brilliant performer and singer with a resume miles long. Well known for his Scat Singing.

Yes, the Nicholas Brothers put on a phenomenal performance in this film clip. Cab Calloway had a very long musical career. He put on a great performance in the 1980 film, "The Blues Brothers". Calloway also performed in a Janet Jackson music video.

Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers, they were truly legendary, they got started in Vaudeville and were regular performers in Harlem's Cotton Club. You might remember Cab Calloway best from one of his later appearances in The Blues Brothers. Fayard and Harold Nicholas are listed prominently in the Tap Dancer Hall of Fame, their performances getting high praise from the likes of Fred Astaire, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Gregory Hines. In later years they taught Tap Dance at Harvard and Radcliffe, among their students was Debbie Allen and Michael and Janet Jackson. Two of Fayards daughters went on and continued the family legacy, dancing as the Nicholas Sisters

The Nicholas Brothers were ignored by hollywood for obvious reason, Best dancers ever! and best routine and they also choreographed it, back them, they had to actually do everything, no film fixes just talent

Greatest dance sequence ever filmed. These guys were definitely pushing the envelope of what the human body is capable of.

I've seen this routine I know 100x. The movie is Stormy Weathers. Your joy made me love it at a higher level. Everybody be safe.

The fact that they were brothers helped them as they practiced many hours a day. They were amazing.

Fred Astaire, widely considered the greatest dancer that ever lived, has said this was the greatest dance routine he'd ever seen. Cab Callaway was a huge star in his day. I believe we're talking the 1930s here. Just serves to remind young people everywhere that TALENT didn't just start in the last 10-20 years. There have been remarkably talented people for as long as there's been...people.

Hey your really expanding your knowledge.. Fred Astaire always said this was the hardest dance ever put on film. Greg Hines s said it could never be replicated

Thank you for finally reacting to these three CLASS ACTS. CAB CALLOWAY was Awesome in his own right and played into the 1980's and was even featured in the movie the BLUES BROTHERS. And the Nicholas Brothers were simply AWESOME.

My legs hurt just watching this. One word to describe: Smooth!!!!!!

I have watched the Nickolas Brothers in other films some with the great skatter Cab Calloway..He was in the original Blues Brothers who was in the Orphanage when Jake got out of prison..He also sang Minny the Mooger in the ball room killing time for the boys to get to the stage..He is great..

I've watched this countless times. They are fabulous. Watch Lucky Number, when they were young, Gal from Kalamazoo, Down Argentine Way and others.

Astounding. Wowee. Great music and great dancing. It's even better than watching AC/DC (arguably)!

Love Cab Calloway and also the Nicholas Brothers. I am glad I was able to see Calloway make TV appearances. He was a legend. And the Nicholas brothers---well, what can you say other than they were absolutely fantastic.

One take, unrehearsed, two cameras. Fred Astaire called it the greatest dance routine ever put to film. And he was right!

Cab Calloway is one of my all-time all-time all-time favorites, and I believe the Nicholas Bros. did this in one take. Fred Astaire is quoted "the greatest dancing ever seen on film"

Back when they actually had to have talent to be in movies. This is what today's generation will never understand, true entertainment. I DARE somebody to TRY that now a days. 1 TAKE. That's all you got back in the day. Nobody called nobody by the N word, nobody sagged they pants they were cool this right here is original OG !

Cab Callaway was also in the the first Blues Brothers movie where he performed "Mini the Moocher" which sadly is the extent of my Cab Callaway knowledge. I enjoyed this.

Omgosh .. that was off the wall 🔥🔥🔥🔥. So that's Jumpin Jive with the Nicholas Bros & that Cab Calloway was Jive Tuning too!!! I've got to watch this again but full screen .. Luv Luv👌🏆 But Ty .. ROTFL .. the pain in ur face when they jumped over each other on the steps landing in full splits over & over made me laugh out loud..priceless!! How in the world do they slide back up from a full split w/o using hands. I have trouble even using my hands & knees😁 Many thnx Victoria & Ty .. seize the day🥰BTW: this is from a 1943 movie titled "Stormy Weather"😉

The only thing better than watching the Nicholas Brothers dance is watching them dance and sing with the lovely Dorothy Dandridge. Watch the video of them performing "Chattanooga Choo Choo" for a treat.

Yay! Cab Calloway! THIS is the Big Band Era! Mr. Calloway made an appearance in the Blues Brothers movie.

the best dancers did it in one take and like Fred Astaire they wanted full body shots so you can see all their steps

Probably the best dancing to ever come out of Hollywood bar none. Thanks for this one.....

I remember seeing these guys in movies on Saturday afternoons when I was a kid. (60s) I just recently rediscovered them. Astaire and Gene Kelly always seemed to get more attention and I CANNOT figure out why. Another clip that doesn't get as much attention as Jumpin Jive, is Nicholas Brothers 'I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo'. My jaw still drops after watching it multiple times. I really think you'd enjoy it. Another favorite of mine is the duo dance with Gregory Hines and Mikhail Baryshnikov from 'White Nights'. The side by side steps of Mr Hines' loose jointed, casual and seemingly effortless style with Baryshnikov's exactingly precise ballet style is just beautiful. RIP Mr Hines. We lost you way too soon. Nicholas Brothers will always be my favorite dancers, though. They were the best.

Dang indeed!! These musicians! AND the dancers!.... WOW.... Smokin’!!

These guys later in life were Michael and Janet Jacksons dance instructors! MJ and Janet even tribute reference them in several works and did a performance with them in 1979 and the brothers still had the moves! Goes to show we all stand on the shoulders of giants, you can really see the influence they had on Jackson's footwork and his sheer dedication to perfection. Think about all the great performers of history there must have been that pushed their bodies this hard, but there were no cameras to film!

Cab Calloway was also in The Blues Brothers: HI DE HI DE HI DE HO towering talent never gets old.

Another clip to check out is Glenn Miller doing Chattanooga Choo-Choo in the movie Sun Valley Serenade. His band and singers are "practicing" their music number and then the Nicholas Brothers join in with some great dancing. I saw it on the late night movies when I was young and I've always loved that number. I was so impressed with their style and lighter-than-air ability.

Ahhh, "Stormy Weather" This is one of the highlights of the first major motion picture with an all black cast if memory serves. A gem for the ages 🎼🎵❤💥💛💥🤎💥🤍 we're all precious in His sight. Good to see you branching out, @Modern Renaissance Man (world affairs. we need young leaders like you) Oh, I don't know that these young men passed this gift on you know, genetically??😉😉

I’ve been watching theses movies as a kid like 10 yrs old .Cab Calloway and the Nicholas brothers were the Bomb Diggity lol. ! I’m now 62 I still get mesmerized and stare with my mouth agape. The good thing is you can watch everything on KZfaq. Just punch in their names and there you go! Also look up the Nicholas Brothers last bio.that was filmed in the 80s I think, so interesting about how they started and one passed away. And yes one brother was in the 5 heartbeats as sarge. I think I’m going to look up their bio now and watch it again .🎩😁

Yes he was on the five heartbeats and on uptown Saturday night One take and one rehearsal! They have other routines on KZfaq that are incredible They were the best! Hands down

Hard to be in a sad mood with Cab Calloway music. I grew up with this music. It’s what my dad was in to.

Love the classic movies and the great dancing from that era. 👍👍

Some of our greatest artist couldn't stay in "white hotels" . Loved them! Cab Callaway, Billie Holliday, Paul Robeson. All great.

Performers today think that TWERKING is dancing! These guys brought it!

Anytime you find a video with the Nicholas brothers or Cab Calloway, watch it. Cab was famous as a band leader, singer and dancer. You might know several of his hits, one of the most popular ones was Minnie the Moocher. Cab was also one of the main characters in the Blues Brothers movie. Peace

I really enjoy seeing these great performances moving into the next generations .So many Greats in this time period. It was way before me

This was my childhood. These were the songs/movies my parents were watching. I grew up to this. Amazing music. I would come home from kindergarten and watch this stuff on "Armchair Playhouse". We had 78 rpm records of this music. Love it! Please do some Mitch Miller - In The Mood!