The wonderful and charming Gregory Hines (1946-2003), try though he does in this touching dance-off, cannot out perform his idol, Sammy Davis, Jr. (1925-1990). The event took place soon before Davis died.
Davis’s feathery touch on the floor is a revelation.
Watch Hines watch Davis, 1:48 to 2:04. Watch him try to get in. Pure joy.
There really should be a “Dance Shoe” museum. The history of tap lives in that tattered-and-beaten-leather foot gear. As well as the love for the art these people created. Tap is a magnificent and unique American art form – too often taken for granted.
Isn’t that something, Sandi? Davis truly talking thru his taps.
Thank you so much for such a lovely clip — the dancing was wonderful, but what touched me the most was the shot of Davis’ shoe as he was putting it on, and the big worn spot next to his toe tap — the evidence of all the work that goes into the seeming effortlessness.