Tap-dancing with a flair that preceded Fred Astaire

Adam Michna, a 1980 North Marion grad whose parents were a 1938 St. Peter’s High grad (dad Frank Michna, after graduating from Monongah’s Sts. Peter and Paul School) and a 1948

Nicholas Brothers in "Stormy Weather"

Mannington grad (mom Katherine Dering Michna), unearthed this gem.

The video shows the Nicholas Brothers – Alabama native Fayard (1914-2006, married 3 times) and North Carolina native Harold (1921-2000, married 4 times) -- tap-dancing acrobatically to Cab Calloway music. 

They were strutting their stuff long before Fred Astaire was bouncing off the ceiling and Gene Kelly was dancing in the rain.

The brothers grew up in Philadelphia in a musical family. They were inspired by the dancing of Bill “Mr. Bojangles” Robinson. 

Sister Dorothy was part of the act in the beginning, but opted out later. 

The brothers’ movie career began in 1934 (“Kid Millions”). They danced for nine U.S. Presidents.

To watch the video of the incredible Nicholas Brothers in the 1943 “Stormy Weather” movie, click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8yGGtVKrD8&feature=share