RECENT COMMENTS

Robinson Theater to host program on Bill “Bojangles” Robinson

The Robinson Theater will host an entertaining and educational event on Friday, May 23rd from 9:30-10:30 AM on the life of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and his influence on tap dance as we know it today:

It became very apparent to one of the organizers that the children don’t know who Bill Robinson was. We want to provide an opportunity for them to learn about him at the Robinson Theater.

The event will be structured for fifth graders, middle school and high school students and open to the community.

Dr. Lauranett Lee, Curator of African American History at the Virginia Historical Society will facilitate the presentation and discussion.

Students will be encouraged to learn about this Richmond native and also look at their own lives and the ways in which they might shape the future. Prizes will even be awarded to the students who can recall some of the information learned during the discussion.

We will answer some of the “Who, What When, Where, Why” questions such as:

• WHO is Bill Robinson?
• WHAT influence did he have on tap dance as we know it today? He inspired Sammy Davis Jr, Gregory Hines and Savion Glover who choreographed the dance steps in the animated movie, “Happy Feet.”
• WHERE are some of the landmarks in the City that honor this famous native Richmonder?
• WHY should the students know who he is?

[…] If this event proves successful, the Robinson Theater will plan more educational events in the future to include famous and not so famous African Americans in Richmond and the State of Virginia who have impacted our lives.