Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, an African American tap dancer and actor, is best remembered for his contributions to the art of tap dancing. He was born in Richmond, Virginia, and started dancing professionally at the age of five. His tap dance was distinguished by its elegance, precision, and speed.
Robinson was among the first dancers to include intricate footwork into his performances, and he frequently performed with his hands in his pockets to highlight his footwork. He gained to fame in the early twentieth century, becoming one of the most famous tap dancers of his time, thanks in part to performances in films such as 1935’s The Little Colonel, shown in this clip.
Robinson’s co-star in this scene is none other than Shirley Temple, who was also a well-known actress in the 1930s. She was noted for her curly hair, cherubic face, and cheerful demeanor, and she was frequently cast in parts that required her to sing and dance.
Sadly, Robinson ᴅɪᴇᴅ in 1949, and Shirley ᴅɪᴇᴅ in 2014. Fortunately for us, their magnificent dance is preserved in this film, which is the only one that features “The King of Tap” performing with the “Little Princess of Hollywood.”
