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What style of dance is Bill Bojangles Robinson known for?
tap-dance routines
Although he worked regularly as an actor, Robinson was best known for his tap-dance routines. He pioneered a new form of tap, shifting from a flat-footed style to a light, swinging style that focused on elegant footwork.
What dance did Bill Robinson make famous?
Stair Dance
In 1918 at the Palace Theatre in New York, Robinson performed the Stair Dance. Claims regarding the origin of the Stair Dance were highly disputed; however, Robinson was widely credited with the dance because he made it popular.
What was Bill Robinson famous for?
Bill Robinson, byname Bojangles, original name Luther Robinson, (born May 25, 1878, Richmond, Virginia, U.S.—died November 25, 1949, New York, New York), American dancer of Broadway and Hollywood, best known for his dancing roles with Shirley Temple in films of the 1930s.
What is the two color rule?
According to author Constance Valis Hill, early in his career, Robinson, like other black performers, had to abide by the so-called “two-colored” rule of vaudeville. This rule stipulated that black performers couldn’t appear alone onstage.
What is the two colored rule of vaudeville?
The “two-colored” vaudeville rule prevented Black performers from appearing alone onstage. Because of these restrictions, from 1902 until 1914, Robinson was required to have an onstage partner. He also danced almost exclusively in Black theaters for Black audiences.
When did Bill Robinson start his tap dancing career?
After moving to New York Bill won a Buck Dancing contest against the “In Old Kentucky” tap dancing star Harry Swinton. Bill Robinson teamed up with George Cooper and performed on the Keith and Orpheum circuits, since the Vaudeville circuit would not allow them to perform together. In 1915 Bill Robinson launched a solo career.
What did Bill Robinson do that made him famous?
Bill Robinson. Profession: Tap Dancer and Actor. Nationality: American. Why Famous: Bill Robinson is regarded today as one of the world’s best tap dancers. Robinson made his start in vaudeville, before becoming a movie star later in life. Robinson created a new influential shuffle-tap style of dancing that made him famous.
Who was Bill Robinson’s opponent in the buck dancing contest?
After moving to New York Bill won a Buck Dancing contest against the “In Old Kentucky” tap dancing star Harry Swinton. Bill Robinson teamed up with George Cooper and performed on the Keith and Orpheum circuits, since the Vaudeville circuit would not allow them to perform together.
What kind of Dancing did Bojangles Robinson do?
Robinson started his career as a vaudeville performer, transitioning to Broadway and to Hollywood films in the 1930s and 1940s. His delicate tap-dance style and cheerful demeanor made Robinson a favorite of both black and white audiences.