To all dancers, dance enthusiasts and tap dancers, join us in celebrating the Birthday of Eleanor Torrey Powell today 11/21/1912. Born in Springfield, MA,
Eleanor would rise from the ranks of Vaudeville and Theater to become a major motion picture star, known as the only female dancer that could out-dance Fred Astaire. This clip is from the Broadway Melody of 1936 film.
Fred Astaire said in his autobiography She ‘put ‘em down like a man’ no ricky-ticky-sissy stuff with Ellie. She really knocked out a tap dance in a class by herself. He also said I had 29 dance partners… I could hold my own with 28 of them..I met my match with Ellie. No male dancer can keep up with her and it was apparent to me she should be featured in solos.
This clip is Eleanor Powell’s first starring role, she went on to star in Broadway Melody of 1938 & 1940.