| Sammy Davis Jr. was a great American entertainer; | | | | being introduced to classic rhythmic and steady tap |
| he sang, he played various instruments, he acted, but | | | | dance steps. Many have called flash-styled tap |
| perhaps his most enduring legacy was his tap dancing | | | | dancing a fusion of tap, jazz, gymnastics, and ballet |
| ability. | | | | dance moves. With his stylized athletic and dance |
| Davis' parents were both dancers, and he traveled | | | | talent, Sammy Davis Jr. was able to take tap dancing |
| the vaudeville circuit with his father when he was | | | | to a new level of entertainment. Audiences loved his |
| three-years old, and by four-years old, he was | | | | artistic leaps and jumps, and his ability to keep his tap |
| dancing with his father and Uncle Will on the | | | | rhythm going through all his physical and flamboyant |
| vaudeville stage. They were called the Will Mastin | | | | dance moves. |
| Trio. In 1933, he danced in his first motion picture. A | | | | Because of his multiple talents, Davis became a |
| few years later, Sammy Davis took lessons from the | | | | headliner at night clubs and casinos across the |
| legendary Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. These tutoring | | | | country, and he starred on Broadway, in films and |
| sessions helped to expand and refine Davis' | | | | TV. In 1989 at the end of his career, Davis appeared |
| considerable natural talent. | | | | in a film, TAP, which showcased his amazing tap |
| Early in his dancing career, Sammy Davis Jr. started | | | | dancing skills. Over his career, Sammy Davis Jr. had |
| incorporating flash-styled tap dancing moves into his | | | | made tap dancing cool. |
| routines. This involved acrobatics, or leaps and flips, | | | | |