Free Tap Dance Trivia Question and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Of the 1930s, this little space in a New York bar served as the "Harlem headquarters for tap dancers":
- The Tapper's Club
- The Hoofers Corner
- The Hoofers Club (Correct answer)
- The Hoofers Lounge
Correct answer: The Hoofers Club
The Hoofers Club was a legendary informal gathering spot in the back room of the Rhythm Club in Harlem during the 1930s. It was a crucial hub for tap dancers, where they would gather, practice, challenge each other, and develop new steps, making it the 'Harlem headquarters for tap dancers.'
Question 2: The 25th of May is observed as "National Tap Dance Day" across the country. Which renowned tap dancer's birthday was chosen as the event's occasion?
- Fred Astaire
- Gene Kelly
- Harold Nicholas
- Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson
National Tap Dance Day is celebrated on May 25th, which is the birthday of the iconic tap dancer Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson. Robinson was a pioneering African American dancer whose career spanned vaudeville, Broadway, and Hollywood, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest tap dancers in history.
Question 3: The Nicholas Brothers performed a dance at this well-known New York club in the 1930s:
- The Vine
- The Jazz Club
- The Cotton Club (Correct answer)
- The Jazz House
Correct answer: The Cotton Club
The Cotton Club was a famous New York City nightclub during the Prohibition era and beyond, particularly known for its jazz music and elaborate floor shows featuring African American performers. The legendary Nicholas Brothers, renowned for their acrobatic tap dancing, were among the many celebrated artists who performed there in the 1930s.
Question 4: Which tap dancer performed in MGM's "Singing in the Rain" alongside Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds?
- Fred Kelly
- Buddy Ebsen
- Fred Astaire
- Donald O'Connor (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Donald O'Connor
Donald O'Connor is famously known for his role as Cosmo Brown in MGM's "Singing in the Rain." His iconic "Make 'Em Laugh" number, featuring impressive physical comedy and tap dancing, is a highlight of the film. He performed alongside Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, making him the correct answer among the choices.
Question 5: This tap dancing routine by Leonard Reed is well-known:
- The Cakewalk
- The Charleston
- The Shim Sham Shimmy (Correct answer)
- The Tack Annie
Correct answer: The Shim Sham Shimmy
The Shim Sham Shimmy is a foundational and widely recognized tap dance routine, often considered the "national anthem" of tap. It was choreographed by Leonard Reed and Willie Bryant in the 1920s and is still taught and performed globally. Its simple yet versatile structure makes it a common warm-up or ensemble piece in tap dance.
Question 6: The well-known tap dancer who played the lead in the movie "Tap" was:
- Gregory Hines (Correct answer)
- Gene Kelly
- Jimmy Slyde
- Savion Glover
Correct answer: Gregory Hines
Gregory Hines was a celebrated American tap dancer, actor, and choreographer, widely regarded as one of the greatest tap dancers of his generation. He played the lead role of Max Washington in the 1989 film "Tap," which showcased his incredible talent and helped popularize tap dancing for a new audience. The movie also featured many other legendary tap dancers.
Question 7: According to some historians, tap dancing combines the following dance genres:
- English Clog Dance
- African Dance
- Irish Step Dance
- All of the above (Correct answer)
Correct answer: All of the above
Tap dancing is a unique American art form that evolved from a fusion of various cultural dance traditions. Historians widely agree that its roots can be traced to African rhythmic traditions, Irish step dancing, and English clog dancing. These diverse influences combined to create the distinctive percussive footwork characteristic of tap.
Free Tap Dance Trivia Question and Answers
Of the 1930s, this little space in a New York bar served as the "Harlem headquarters for tap dancers":