Eleanor Powell

Eleanor Powell (1912–1982) was an American dancer and actress celebrated for her virtuosic tap dancing in Hollywood musicals. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, she trained in dance from childhood and moved into professional performance as a teenager. Powell became a major star at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, appearing in a run of lavish musical films during the 1930s and 1940s, where her athletic style and precision set her apart. Her screen work often paired her with leading performers of the era and showcased extended dance sequences built around her technique. She later stepped back from film, remaining an enduring reference point for tap dancers and classic musical fans.