Taptastic #TBT Time: 3 Must-See Classic Tap Numbers

April 13, 2016

This #TBT, we’re feeling the tap vibes—specifically, the old-school, golden-age-of-Hollywood tap vibes. Because while you’re probably familiar with, say, Gene Kelly’s (literally) splashy “Singin’ in the Rain” number, the glorious internet has (to continue the water metaphor) a much, much deeper pool of jaw-dropping movie routines from the 30s, 40s and 50s. And you need to dive into it. NOW.

We suggest starting with three of our all-time favorites:

3) Ann Miller in “Too Darn Hot” from
Kiss Me Kate
(1953).
Miller would’ve turned 93 two days ago, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with this impossibly sexy, impossibly intricate party of a number:

2) Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in “I Won’t Dance,” from
Roberta
(1935)
. This clip shows off not just Astaire’s fantastically finessed tapping (serious dancing starts around 3:12), but also his singing and piano-playing skills. (Rogers fans: She doesn’t get to move a whole lot in this routine, so if you’re looking for a Ginger fix, click here, here and here.)

1) The Nicholas Brothers in “Jumpin’ Jive” from
Stormy Weather
(1943).
Astaire called this “the greatest dance number ever filmed,” and he wasn’t exaggerating. It gives us Fayard and Harold Nicholas—who, fun fact, later taught Michael and Janet Jackson—at their masterful, exuberant best, and includes the showstopping jump-splits that were one of their signatures.

Happy #TBT, tappers! And if you’re in the mood for even more amazing dance movie moments, head this way.


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