In 1940, Young Actress Showed Fred Astaire How It’s Done. After This Dance, He Never Worked With Her Again

Most people remember Fred Astaire as one of, if not THE best tap dancer the world has ever seen, but if you were to ask Mr. Astaire who was the best, he probably would have picked this girl.

Eleanor Powell is the only tap dancer, guy or gal, who really intimidated Fred, and the first time he saw her practicing for their scene he almost quit. Most of you probably don’t even remember the film they starred in, Broadway Melody of 1940, but it features one of the most mind boggling dance-offs ever shown on the big screen. I’ve never seen Fred Astaire struggling to keep up.