Eleanor Powell Biography

Fast Facts

• Was named the World's Greatest Tap Dancer by the Dance Masters of America in 1965
• After signing a contract with MGM, she appeared in her first film, "George White's Scandals" in 1935
• Began training in ballet at the age of 6 started dancing in nightclubs in Atlantic City only a few years later
• Made her Broadway debut in the musical "Follow Through" in 1929
• Was most often given solo dance routines because of her unique, dominating style that few male tap dancers could keep up with, with the exception of Fred Astaire
• Returned from retirement briefly in 1959 to spend a few years performing in musical revues in New York and Las Vegas
• Best known as an actress and tap dancer who starred in "Born to Dance" and "Rosalie․"