Classic Films

I doubt it. And I've never cared for conjecture like "reportedly" -- obviously some writer's (not the OP) attempt to make something out of nothing.

According to Astaire biographer Bob Thomas (Astaire, the Man And Dancer, ©1984), Astaire's only concern in working with Eleanor Powell in Broadway Melody of 1940, was about his own height -- he was concerned he might not be tall enough!

According to Thomas, Louise B. Mayer arranged for Powell to meet Astaire in the office of director Mervyn LeRoy. Powell got there early. "Hide behind the door," LeRoy asked.

A few minutes later Astaire and his agent arrived.

"I hear she's a perfectionist," Astaire said of Powell. "I hear she works hour after hour. So do I. I just hope I'm tall enough." Powell emerged from behind the door, and they lined up, back to back. He was taller, by about two inches.

Their dancing styles were indeed different. Neither could readily adapt to the other, so Powell suggested they "noodle around" independently, to the first eight bars of Begin the Bequine. If either of them saw something the other did and liked it, it was worked into the routine. That's how the finale was worked out -- one of the greatest dances ever put on film.