Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, the renowned African American tap dancer and actor, showcased unparalleled elegance, precision, and speed in his performances. Born in Richmond, Virginia, he commenced his professional dance career at just five years old. Pioneering complex footwork, Robinson gained fame in the early 20th century, earning a reputation as one of the era’s premier tap dancers. Notably, his distinctive style featured hands-in-pockets footwork, exemplified in the 1935 film “The Little Colonel.”
In this iconic movie scene, Robinson partners with the equally famous Shirley Temple, the 1930s darling known for her curly hair and cheerful demeanor. Together, they create a captivating dance performance. Both legends have left lasting legacies; Robinson passed away in 1949, while Temple’s charm graced the screen until her death in 2014. Fortunately, their exceptional on-screen collaboration endures in this film—the sole recording featuring “The King of Tap” dancing alongside the “Little Princess of Hollywood.”
