In this detailed feature on As lovers of all things swing dancing , it is important to..., we dive deep into the importance of all.
As lovers of all things swing dancing, it is important to recognise our responsibility as guests in this Black American art form, and do what we can to encourage each other to learn and engage with the cultural and historical context of Lindy Hop and Jazz. Therefore we will be regularly sharing our learning about the history of Lindy Hop and Jazz, and the wonderful dancers and musicians who contributed to the dance we love today.
Our today is John Bubbles!
Born as John William Sublett, John Bubbles (his stage name) was an American tap dancer, vaudevillian, movie actor, and television performer. He was known as the father of Rhythm Tap - a style that incorporates jazz improvisation, takes the traditional 8-bar phrase of tap techniques from the 2-feel to the walking 4-feel, and adds percussive heel drops and other accents for more rhythmic variety.
Bubbles’ career began when he teamed up with Ford “Buck” Washington in the 1910s to form the vaudeville duo act, Buck and Bubbles. They both sang with Buck playing stride piano and Bubbles mainly tap dancing and became a successful headline act during the 1920s.
In the 1930s, they toured Europe and became the first black artists on television anywhere in the world when they performed in the variety segment of the official launch of the BBC Television Service on 2nd November 1936
Buck and Bubbles remained an act for nearly 40 years, until Buck’s death in 1955. Bubbles went on as a soloist, singing, dancing and acting on the Broadway stage, in musical films and making television appearances until the 1960s. Although he is famous for his skills in tap dancing, Bubbles was just as adept at many other jazz dances!
In this video John Bubbles is performing Charleston - what variations can you spot?!
With thanks to for this fantastic video!
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Reposted from INSPIRATION STATION
The incredible John Bubbles in 1960 performing a clip from 'The American Musical Theatre Reviews' in a television special.
Known as the 'Father of rhythm tap' Bubbles was a tap dancer, singer & pianist famous for developing new tapping styles and performing all over the world.
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