A Tribute To Eleanor Powell

Come discover the life and legacy of Springfield native Eleanor Powell, who rose to fame as Hollywood’s Queen of Tap of the 1930-1940s.

A one-time-only tribute event will honor Eleanor Powell, who was one of the most famous and successful tap dancers in the world. The program features guest speaker, Lisa Royere, co-author of the definitive biography, Eleanor Powell: Born to Dance.

Why Eleanor Powell, who many have not heard of? Why Springfield?

This dancing star of dozens of 1930’s and 1940’s movies – Rosalie, Lady Be Good, Fascinating Rhythm, and Begin the Beguine, among others – was born, raised, and learned how to dance in Springfield, MA.

The event is presented through a grant by the Springfield Cultural Council to In the Spotlight, Inc., an arts agency in Springfield, MA.

Ms. Royere’s video presentation will combine dance sections from numerous movies coupled with commentary and anecdotes. The audience will see dance unlike they have not seen in decades. Powell’s dances, nearly all choreographed by herself, show her amazing athletic style. There will be a Q&A session with the author.

Royere will detail Ms. Powell’s years growing up in Springfield, her family, and her first performances at the former Court Square Theatre.

Powell’s life was a struggle as a shy girl with a single mother. Her mother, who had little money to pay for lessons, enrolled her daughter at a small dance studio for children on Bridge Street. In order to continue her education, she worked at the studio teaching the younger students.

Soon, Eleanor went from ballet to tap; then to vaudeville, then to stages on Broadway, and ultimately the big screen as a star.

She performed with the famous male dancers of the era (Fred Astaire, George Murphy, Buddy Ebsen, Nelson Eddy, and Gene Kelly) and was backed by the renowned Big Bands of the 1940’s (Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Bob Eberly, Woody Herman).

Yet, Ms. Powell was primarily known as a solo dancer. Her concepts as well as choreography are what made her numbers unique (dancing on drums, matador with cape, jump rope, and tap hula).

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Host or Publisher HOPE Center for the Arts