Eleanor Powell

Birth Name:

Eleanor Torrey Powell

Birth Place:

Springfield, Massachusetts, United States

Profession

Soundtrack, Actress

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․"

Fast Facts