Bagatelle Records

Bagatelle Records

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The Berry Brothers were an acrobatic and soft shoe styled dance team which included synchronised cane twirling amongst their daring feats. They were three of the only dancers to rival the Nicholas Brothers. It is even reported that in 1938 at the famous Cotton Club the groups met for a famous showdown to finally determine who factually were the best dancers. Results of the contest remain murky within fading shadows of time. What is certain however is the night was one to remember. Let alone chronicle for future posterity.

Not too much is known of the Brothers. The George Eastman Museum however contextualised:

‘James Berry (1915-1969) was known largely through his work with his siblings, Nyas (1913-1951) and Warren (1922-1996), performing together as the Berry Brothers. Their careers included both stage and film. They were the only successful tap dance group to rival the Nicholas Brothers in talent, flash, and success. Working sometimes as a trio, sometimes as a duo, the Berry Brothers performed with Duke Ellington in Rhythmania at Harlem’s famous Cotton Club in 1929; became the first black performers at New York City’s Copacabana nightclub, also in 1929; and, in 1931, appeared in the musical Rhapsody in Black. In 1938, they returned to the Cotton Club for what became known as a legendary dance-off with their principal rivals, the
Nicholas Brothers. Some say that while the Nicholas Brothers were better all-around performers and acrobatic dancers, they were not as accomplished in the flashy acrobatic style for which the Berry Brothers had no equal and won the day.’

They were technical and masterful dancers unafraid of daring feats. Superlative cane twirling - and mind bending acrobatics.

Performing here in the 1941 film “Lady Be Good.”

09/08/2025

The Berry Brothers were an acrobatic and soft shoe styled dance team which included synchronised cane twirling amongst their daring feats. They were three of the only dancers to rival the Nicholas Brothers. It is even reported that in 1938 at the famous Cotton Club the groups met for a famous showdown to finally determine who factually were the best dancers. Results of the contest remain murky within fading shadows of time. What is certain however is the night was one to remember. Let alone chronicle for future posterity. Not too much is known of the Brothers. The George Eastman Museum however contextualised: ‘James Berry (1915-1969) was known largely through his work with his siblings, Nyas (1913-1951) and Warren (1922-1996), performing together as the Berry Brothers. Their careers included both stage and film. They were the only successful tap dance group to rival the Nicholas Brothers in talent, flash, and success. Working sometimes as a trio, sometimes as a duo, the Berry Brothers performed with Duke Ellington in Rhythmania at Harlem’s famous Cotton Club in 1929; became the first black performers at New York City’s Copacabana nightclub, also in 1929; and, in 1931, appeared in the musical Rhapsody in Black. In 1938, they returned to the Cotton Club for what became known as a legendary dance-off with their principal rivals, the Nicholas Brothers. Some say that while the Nicholas Brothers were better all-around performers and acrobatic dancers, they were not as accomplished in the flashy acrobatic style for which the Berry Brothers had no equal and won the day.’ They were technical and masterful dancers unafraid of daring feats. Superlative cane twirling - and mind bending acrobatics. Performing here in the 1941 film “Lady Be Good.”

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Category

Movie & Music Stores

Telephone

(562) 432-7534

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Address

260 Atlantic Avenue
Long Beach, CA
90802

Opening Hours

Monday	11am - 5:30pm
Tuesday	11am - 5:30pm
Wednesday	11am - 5:30pm
Thursday	11am - 5:30pm
Friday	11am - 5:30pm
Saturday	11am - 5:30pm