Early in her training she studied gymnastics. Her trademark is to kick her leg straight up into the air (and I mean straight up, as if she is in a split in air) and then to immediately touch the floor behind her bending over backwards. Eleanor Powell is a perfect role model for how gracefully a human can move. BEGIN THE BEGUINE from Broadway Melody of 1940. She was a huge Broadway success prior to being in movies. Her relaxed and fluid dance style makes everyone feel wonderful. Eleanor Powell is highlighted as well. It is so beautiful in its simplicity. Since tap dance is in order, click below to find out how to take excellent care of older feet. Qualities of strength, effortlessness and grace in spite of all kinds of difficulties. She was queen of tap, thought by many to be the best tap dancer ever. Eleanor Powell is a great inspiration to any dancer. Eleanor Powell, the greatest tap dancer who ever lived. Eleanor appearing with Buddy Rich in the 1942 movie, One of the most famous tap dances ever captured on film comes to us in the extended dance sequence to. In fact, Hollywood was really a step down for her. Begin the Beguine has some of the most fantastic tap dancing you have ever seen as these 2 fantastic artists perform at the height of their careers. One of the most famous tap dances ever captured on film comes to us in the extended dance sequence to Begin the Beguine written by Cole Porter from the movie Broadway Melody of 1940, a terrific movie well worth watching in its entirety. Eleanor Powell was in Hollywood less than 7 years. It is the combination of that gymnastic flexibility with her fabulous tap technique that makes her an icon. Click above to watch her graceful and fabulous style as she sings and dances at a pajama party. Earlier in the extended dance sequence to this famous song is this jewel of a duet between Astaire and Powell that has flamenco roots. Watching Ms. Powell helps us to understand how develop similar qualities. Often overlooked, this duet is so seamless and elegant and quite different for both dancers. I've never seen anyone else accomplish this and executing it with such grace and beauty at the same time. She is so fluid in her movements, showing no stress at all in often very difficult circumstances.