Stormy Weather, and Orchestra Wives.
Both, Fayard (the older brother) and Harold danced well in to their 90s, earning respect from dancers such as Fred Astaire, Gregory Hines to Mikhail Baryshnikov. Fayared and Harold came of age in Harlem, during the heyday of Vaudeville and the Jazz circuits during the 1920s. In films like Stormy Weather, with an all black cast, the Nicholas Brothers were key characters in the plot. However, in an all white film, such as Orchestra Wives, the Nicholas Brothers are safely placed, within the white-washing of Hollywood (literally), in a dance sequence near the films ending. Here are clips from both films, and notice the difference between their presentational style. How much cooler is the Cab Calloway intro? Even so, in the Orchestra clip, they shine with such grace and over the top acrobatics that they blew audiences away. These men were so talented, that eventually 'white, oh so white' Hollywood had to call upon them, more and more, Ha Ha! Still, one wishes they were given more to do, they are the two most talented dancers I have ever seen. Let me know what you think, and spread the word about these lovely men.
First Stormy Weather (1943) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBb9hTyLjfM
Now Orchestra Wives (1942) About 4 minutes in: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDnKaHHe0Rw
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