Howard Simms
Encyclopedia
Howard Sims also known as "Sandman", was a tap dance
r in vaudeville
. He acquired his name from the sand he sprinkled on the floor to amplify the sound of his steps when he danced. In his senior years, Sims appeared at the famous Apollo Theater
, comedically ushering failed acts offstage with a shepherd's crook, or "hook". He appeared in a 1990 episode of The Cosby Show
as Rudy's tap dancing teacher, facing off against Cliff (Bill Cosby
) in a good natured tap challenge.
Sandman was featured in the 1989 dance film Tap
, along with Sammy Davis Jr, Gregory Hines
and Savion Glover
.
A great all around tap dancer, his specialty was sand dancing, which he performed in a sand box. His mini-stage was a 3-foot square made of 2x4's with a galvanized tin floor, which (at least in later years) he had rigged to a microphone. Sims used to travel the United States challenging all tap dancers he came across to dance-offs.
His notable students include Ira Bernstein
.
Tap dance
Tap dance is a form of dance characterized by using the sound of one's tap shoes hitting the floor as a percussive instrument. As such, it is also commonly considered to be a form of music. Two major variations on tap dance exist: rhythm tap and Broadway tap. Broadway tap focuses more on the...
r in vaudeville
Vaudeville
Vaudeville was a theatrical genre of variety entertainment in the United States and Canada from the early 1880s until the early 1930s. Each performance was made up of a series of separate, unrelated acts grouped together on a common bill...
. He acquired his name from the sand he sprinkled on the floor to amplify the sound of his steps when he danced. In his senior years, Sims appeared at the famous Apollo Theater
Apollo Theater
The Apollo Theater in New York City is one of the most famous, and older, music halls in the United States, and the most famous club associated almost exclusively with Black performers...
, comedically ushering failed acts offstage with a shepherd's crook, or "hook". He appeared in a 1990 episode of The Cosby Show
The Cosby Show
The Cosby Show is an American television situation comedy starring Bill Cosby, which aired for eight seasons on NBC from September 20, 1984 until April 30, 1992...
as Rudy's tap dancing teacher, facing off against Cliff (Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby
William Henry "Bill" Cosby, Jr. is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician and activist. A veteran stand-up performer, he got his start at various clubs, then landed a starring role in the 1960s action show, I Spy. He later starred in his own series, the...
) in a good natured tap challenge.
Sandman was featured in the 1989 dance film Tap
Tap
-Mechanical and electrical:* Tap , a device for controlling the release of a liquid or gas* Tap , part of an electrical device* A cutting tool, part of a tap and die set-Entertainment:* Tap dance...
, along with Sammy Davis Jr, Gregory Hines
Gregory Hines
Gregory Oliver Hines was an American actor, singer, dancer and choreographer.-Early years:Born in New York City, Hines and his older brother Maurice started dancing at an early age, studying with choreographer Henry LeTang...
and Savion Glover
Savion Glover
Savion Glover is an American tap dancer, actor, and choreographer. As a learning prodigy, he was taught by notable dancers from previous generations. Glover is currently interested in restoring African roots to tap...
.
A great all around tap dancer, his specialty was sand dancing, which he performed in a sand box. His mini-stage was a 3-foot square made of 2x4's with a galvanized tin floor, which (at least in later years) he had rigged to a microphone. Sims used to travel the United States challenging all tap dancers he came across to dance-offs.
His notable students include Ira Bernstein
Ira Bernstein
Ira Bernstein is a dancer and teacher in the United States who specializes in traditional American dance forms such as Appalachian-style clogging, flatfoot dancing, tap dance, and step dancing. He is considered an authority on clogging, and the leading figure in this dance style...
.