Brotherhood in Rhythm: The Jazz Tap Dancing of the Nicholas Brothers, 20th Anniversary Edition

The Nicholas Brothers were a highly sophisticated dance duo known for their exuberant style of American theatrical dance, combining jazz, tap, acrobatics, black vernacular dance, and witty repartee. Constance Valis Hill's book Brotherhood in Rhythm offers an intimate portrait of these great performers and a detailed history of jazz music and jazz dance, highlighting their soaring careers and struggles against racism and segregation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The Nicholas Brothers, legendary dancers of the 20th century, captivated audiences with their electrifying performances across diverse venues. From the uptown grandeur of the Cotton Club to the downtown dazzle of the Roxy, their stage presence was undeniable. Their repertoire included a fusion of jazz, tap, acrobatics, black vernacular dance, and witty repartee, creating a captivating and dynamic theatrical dance style. While their daring flips, slides, and hair-raising splits left audiences in awe, it was their exceptional sophistication as dancers that truly set them apart. The Nicholas Brothers refined a centuries-old tradition of percussive dance into the rhythmic brilliance of jazz tap, showcasing their mastery of rhythm and movement.

Author Constance Valis Hill delves into the lives and careers of these extraordinary performers in her book, Brotherhood in Rhythm. Through an intimate portrait and a comprehensive history of jazz music and jazz dance, Hill brings the Nicholas Brothers to life, highlighting their eloquent footwork, full-bodied expressiveness, and evolving style. She vividly captures their soaring careers, from their appearances with legendary musicians such as Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and Jimmy Lunceford to their film-stealing performances alongside Chick Webb, Tommy Dorsey, and Glenn Miller.

In addition to chronicling their triumphs, Hill also uncovers the challenges the Nicholas Brothers faced due to racism and segregation. Despite facing obstacles that hindered their recognition and success, they persevered, leaving a lasting impact on the world of dance and music. Brotherhood in Rhythm goes beyond a mere biography, offering a profound understanding of this distinctively American art form and its intricate connections to the history of jazz. It serves as a testament to the resilience and talent of the Nicholas Brothers, reminding us of the power of art to transcend boundaries and inspire generations.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197523971