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There were numerous solo tap dance performers who carved out reputations for them selves via there stage appearances and some became legendary figures and an inspiration to the modern solo tap dancers who carry on the tradition. The solo acts were generally found with large bands and fill in spots in variety stage shows. Later, the solo act was taken to great heights in the 30's and 40's when the film industry caught on to the popularity of tap and created many house hold names who are remembered today. However, the names that are remembered today are not the names of the historical masters who innovations to tap dancing should be recognised, but of dancer actors who were the face of the big screen at the time in Hollywood. |
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Two dancers over the past 3 decades
have carried on the tradition, drawing on all the masters around them
and developing there own styles. Gregory Hines, who has now passed away,
who at a young age was part of a Nicholas Brothers type partnership with
his brother, has given new inspiration to the new generation of tap
dancers. With his films and stage shows he was instrumental in bringing
new interest to what was once thought of as a dying and forgotten art.
Savion Glover has also grown up on the big screen appearing along side
Gregory in one film and TV appearances too. Savion is the young voice of
a rebellious youth, who has made tap more accessible to a younger
audience through his modern approach to the art, and through a show he
co produced, which made a point of airing the frustration felt by many
of the black tap dancers during the time when tap was first fashionable.
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