Prior to that, they first began as the Nicholas kids, performing on vaudeville. They later danced on various New York stages, including the famous Cotton Club, creating an extremely successful act “that combined singing, soft-shoe dancing, acrobatics, and rhythm tapping with precision movement and meticulous dress” (Hill 112). In the 40s, their appearance in films like Down Argentine Way (1940) and Stormy Weather (1943) showcased their outstanding skills of flips and splits as they enjoyed popular Hollywood success. This was cut short, though, as they outgrew the “safe” image of “bright-faced innocents [presenting] no challenge to the white world” (Hill 138). Overall, they were known for being “‘The best all-around talent’”: skilled at tap, singing, and acrobatics (Stearns
Prior to that, they first began as the Nicholas kids, performing on vaudeville. They later danced on various New York stages, including the famous Cotton Club, creating an extremely successful act “that combined singing, soft-shoe dancing, acrobatics, and rhythm tapping with precision movement and meticulous dress” (Hill 112). In the 40s, their appearance in films like Down Argentine Way (1940) and Stormy Weather (1943) showcased their outstanding skills of flips and splits as they enjoyed popular Hollywood success. This was cut short, though, as they outgrew the “safe” image of “bright-faced innocents [presenting] no challenge to the white world” (Hill 138). Overall, they were known for being “‘The best all-around talent’”: skilled at tap, singing, and acrobatics (Stearns