At the age of six, Bill Robinson began hoofing, a form of tap dance, and received his first job for fifty cents a night. He was discovered hoofing in a beer garden and was asked to join the dancers in “The South Before the War” when he was only twelve years old. Robinson was considered a professional tap dancer at the age of thirteen.
Bill Robinson performing his “Stair” dance.
One aspect particular to Bill Robinson’s style was his use of wooden shoes with a raised wooden heel. He integrated a new style of tap with rhythmic tapping rather than solely on his flat feet. He did not invent new steps but rather changed the way they were performed. One dance specific to his talents was his infamous Stair Dance. This routine included tapping up and down a staircase. This difference of levels showcased his impeccable capacity to make the use of different levels look easy to the average audience member. One place this style can be found famously is in his performances with Ms. Shirley Temple. Although it may not be known to the average viewer that Bill Robinson did not just perform this dance, but also created it.
You do an excellent job of showcasing Bill Robinson’s talents with the video clip. Very aesthetically pleasing. It is nice to know that the dance he performed so famously with Shirley Temple was actually created by him.
I am glad I could educate you that he indeed created the dances himself. As you can see, he was extremely talented.