Tap dance, a vibrant and uniquely American art form, owes much of its evolution and dynamism to the ingenuity and resilience of Black artists. Yet, this rich history is often overshadowed, with figures like Fred Astaire frequently credited for its advancement, despite his inability to match the powerful styles of Black dancers.
Among the true pioneers who shaped tap dancing and left an indelible mark on American history and culture were the Berry Brothers: Nyas, James, and Warren.
Need to Know: Who Were the Berry Brothers?
The Berry Brothers were an influential African-American “flash” tap dance trio, active for over three decades, from the late 1920s to the early 1950s. They were renowned for their high-energy, acrobatic style, seamlessly blending rhythmic precision with daring, athletic moves like synchronized cane twirling, mid-air splits, and spectacular somersaults. Born in New Orleans (Nyas and James) and Denver (Warren), they honed their craft on the grueling “Chitlin’ Circuit” before breaking into mainstream venues.
A Legacy in Tap Dancing History
The Berry Brothers’ contribution to tap dance was revolutionary. They were pioneers of the “flash act,” pushing the boundaries of the art form with their innovative combination of traditional soft-shoe and acrobatic routines. Their masterful precision, clarity, concentration, and astounding musicality were on full display in every performance.
One of their most legendary moments was the 1938 dance-off at the Cotton Club with their principal rivals, the equally acrobatic Nicholas Brothers. While some considered the Nicholas Brothers better all-around performers, many acknowledged the Berry Brothers’ unparalleled athleticism and daring moves, with some accounts suggesting they “won the day” with their synchronized flying and tumbling split-legged catapult over the band. Their work left a lasting legacy, influencing generations of dancers and solidifying their place as trailblazers of rhythm and style.
Shaping American History and Culture: The Harlem Renaissance
The Berry Brothers rose to prominence during the Harlem Renaissance, a period of immense cultural expression and a “spiritual coming of age” for African Americans. They were fixtures of the New York jazz scene, performing for five years at the famous Cotton Club with jazz greats like Duke Ellington. Their performances, alongside those of other Black artists, were central to defining culture and “cool” for both Black and white audiences in America and around the world.
Their career highlights include performing at the Cotton Club, becoming one of the first Black acts at the Copacabana in 1929, and appearing in films like Lady Be Good (1941) and Panama Hattie (1942). Through their art, they contributed to a new African American identity, transforming “social disillusionment to race pride” and challenging reductive, racist stereotypes.
Comparing Contributions and Their Place in History
While both the Berry Brothers and the Nicholas Brothers were phenomenal “flash” tap dancers, the Berry Brothers were particularly celebrated for their sheer athleticism and daring acrobatics. They were the only successful tap dance group to truly rival the Nicholas Brothers in talent, flash, and success. Their unique blend of older Black vernacular dance traditions like the soft shoe and Cakewalk with acrobatics created a uniquely flashy performance style. Their place in history is secured as innovators who pushed the physical and artistic boundaries of tap dance, contributing significantly to its evolution.
Berry Me Not with The Berry Brothers | Panama Hattie | Warner Archive
How Racism Impacted Their Legacy and Art
Despite their undeniable talent and acclaim, the Berry Brothers’ careers were significantly hampered by the systemic racism of the 20th century. This was evident in several ways:
- The “Chitlin’ Circuit”: They honed their craft on the T.O.B.A. circuit, a segregated network of vaudeville theaters that booked exclusively Black talent, often with low pay.
- The Cotton Club Paradox: While headliners at the Cotton Club, they performed for exclusively white audiences. The club’s “plantation” decor, colorist policies (requiring lighter-skinned female performers), and discriminatory practices exploited Black creativity for white consumption.
- Breaking Barriers with Hypocrisy: Their groundbreaking performances at venues like the Copacabana were undercut by the clubs’ segregationist policies, where Black performers entertained white patrons but were denied entry as customers.
- Segregation in Hollywood: Their Hollywood appearances were often limited to specialty dance numbers that could be easily edited out for Southern audiences, and they were denied leading roles, a common experience for Black performers of the era.
This systemic racism prevented them from achieving even greater recognition and financial success, ultimately impacting the full scope of their legacy.
Historical Takeaways
The story of the Berry Brothers offers several crucial historical takeaways:
- Resilience and Innovation: Black artists, despite facing immense discrimination, consistently innovated and elevated art forms, turning percussive dance born from African roots into high-art spectacles.
- The Power of Art in Social Change: Their performances, and the broader Harlem Renaissance, demonstrated how art could be a vehicle for expressing a new Black identity, challenging stereotypes, and fostering race pride, laying a foundation for future civil rights movements.
- The Dual Nature of Progress: While breaking color barriers in some prestigious venues, the underlying racism and segregationist practices of the era continued to exploit and limit Black talent.
- The Importance of Remembering: It is crucial to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of Black pioneers like the Berry Brothers to ensure their rightful place in American cultural memory, and to understand the complex interplay of art, race, and societal structures.
Sources:
- The Berry Brothers—Nyas, James, and Warren—were pioneering African-American tap dancers who were influential in both Black history and tap dance history.
- Dancing James Berry (US 1958)
- A Tale of Two Harlems: The Legacy of Jazz and Racism at the Cotton Club
- A New African American Identity: The Harlem Renaissance
- The New Negro Movement, Intellectuals, and Advocacy
