Bill Robinson, a renowned professional dancer, surprisingly left school at the tender age of seven, commencing his illustrious career in the world of dance the very next year. Dubbed "Bojangles" due to his infectious, effervescent demeanor, this extraordinary individual made a name for himself in the realms of vaudeville, musical theatre, and film. Notably, he pioneered the stair tap routine, earning him widespread recognition as one of the world's most exceptional tap dancers.
Bill Robinson's cinematic debut occurred in the 1930 film "Dixiana," marking the beginning of a fruitful fifteen-film career. However, it was his collaborations with the beloved child star Shirley Temple that catapulted him to fame, with notable roles in "The Little Colonel" (1935),"The Littlest Rebel" (1935),and "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" (1938).
In recognition of his remarkable contributions to the world of dance, the United States Congress officially designated his birth date as National Tap Dancing Day in 1989, a testament to the enduring legacy of this dance icon.