Nicholas brothers

Fayard and Harold Nicholas, aka the Nicholas Brothers, were known for their one-of-a-kind “flash act” performances, characterized by full-bodied animation, rhythmic perfection and fearless stunts. They were among the first African-American entertainers to break through the segregation of pre-Civil-Rights-era America and be featured in integrated films.

The Nicholas Brothers from the show “Blackbirds of 1936,” performed at the Gaiety Theatre, London

The Nicholas Brothers, Fayard and Harold c. 1936, **I.V.

Ray Bolger, Philippe Halsman, 1950 (printed later). Currier Museum of Art

Brothers Fayard and Harold Nicholas (born 1914 and 21 respectively) literally grew up in a vaudeville house. Their parents ran the house orchestra Nicholas’ Collegians at the Standard Theatre, Phil…

The Nicholas brothers, Fayard and Harold, were a famous African Amercian dancing duo. Considered the greatest tap dancers of their ...

The fabulous Nicholas Brothers. Tap Dance extraordinaire!

Many people regard Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire as the greatest dancers the movies have even seen and rightfully so. However, one of the most amazing dancers that film ever captured were The Nicholas Brothers The Nicholas Brothers were a famous African American team of dancing brothers, Fayard (1914–2006) and Harold (1921–2000). With their highly acrobatic technique ("flash dancing"), high level of artistry and daring innovations, they were considered by many the greatest tap dancers of their…

Recently I was introduced to the sensational moves of the Nicholas Brothers, a world famous tap-dancing duo from a time when it was difficult for African-American artists to cross over, who got their start in Philadelphia. Last Saturday was the 10th anniversary of Harold Nicholas’ death, and I spoke with Philly tap dancer and founder...