Houston – As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, it’s important to reflect on the incredible stories of those who paved the way in entertainment and beyond. The Nicholas Brothers are perfect examples. Their talent not only made them famous worldwide but also positioned them at the forefront of racial struggles during the height of segregation.
Fayard and Harold Nicholas, known as the Nicholas Brothers, are considered two of the greatest tap dancers of all time. From the 1930s through the 1960s, they performed for some of the most influential figures in the world and earned honors that many can only dream of, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Kennedy Center Honors, and honorary doctorates from Harvard. Their connection with history extended beyond their dance career as well. Civil rights icon Rosa Parks lived with the Nicholases for part of the year in Los Angeles.
Despite their immense talent and fame, many Black entertainers, including the Nicholas Brothers, had to navigate the strange contradiction of being celebrated on stage but denied a seat at the table. For the brothers, they faced racial barriers that prevented them from being able to freely walk through the front doors of the venues they performed in. Instead, they had to enter through back doors, walking into kitchens with cooks, maids, and workers, just to get to the stage. Harold eventually moved to Europe in search of opportunities for Black performers.
“There was Nicholas Brothers featuring Frank Sinatra, the Nicholas Brothers featuring Gene Kelly. They would drive past these hotels, and my dad would tell us the stories, saying ‘Hey, weren’t we supposed to be there? Your name is right there.’ They would have to stay in motels or even share a room 5, 10 miles down.”
Despite these hardships, the Nicholas Brothers remained gracious and joyful, always performing with passion, skill, and a smile on their faces. Their resilience has never gone unnoticed and continues to inspire years later.
The brothers’ legacy lives on today through Cathie Nicholas, Fayard’s granddaughter. Cathie, who recently moved to Houston from Los Angeles, is continuing the family tradition of dance by teaching young dancers the same techniques she learned as a child by managing Pointe of Grace Dance Studio in Katy.
Her own journey as a dancer reflects this same passion and resilience. She began dancing at a young age with her sister, performing as the “Nicholas Sisters,” and studied under renowned teachers such as Paul Kennedy and Debbie Allen. Cathie was also part of the inaugural class at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles and went on to perform internationally. For her, dance is more than just a career; it’s in her DNA.
Before her more, Houston held a special place in her life. Her mother Vanita Nicholas, attended Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. Cathie’s great-grandmother, Vanita Crawford, was also a founding member of several organizations at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, one of the oldest Black churches in the city, further deepening her connection to the area. So, when it was time for a change, Kathy decided to make Houston her home for good.
At Pointe of Grace Dance Studio, she passes on the same principles of perseverance, joy, and passion that her grandfather and great uncle embodied.
Reflecting on her family’s history and talent, Cathie says, “I have to always remember that those trials and tribulations that they went through cannot go unnoticed. Their legacy has to live on.”
For more information about the Nicholas Brothers and Pointe of Grace Dance Studio, visit the studio’s website.