Al Gilbert - Stepping Tones Tap Dancing Aid #344

Al Gilbert - Stepping Tones Tap Dancing Aid #344

*special thanks to KL from NYC for sharing this

KL says:

The guy sounds like one of those 1940s sportscasters who broadcast from the race track/boxing ring, and the music could have been created for Sally the Stripper's Tap Dance Strip-O-Rama (the tempo seems a bit fast for tap dancing while twirling the tassels, but a lot of those strippers were pretty agile), however Al Gilbert's obituary in Dance Magazine (September 2003) is pretty impressive.

Some highlights:

- his codified syllabi for tap and jazz made a major impact on the way these forms were taught internationally.

- wrote Al Gilbert's Tap Dictionary: Encyclopedia of Tap Terminology and Related Information

- Oklahoma City University presented him with the Living Treasure in American Dance Award. He was a member of their Executive Advisory Board and taught annually at their campus.

- He was honored by many dance organizations for his tireless efforts to improve the teaching of American dance. He tried to make dancing "fun".

- His many videos and dance notes are available at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center.

Personally, I enjoy the music more than the tap dancing instructions. Maybe it has something to do with the music being associated with strippers. Come to think of it, the music would be really good for tap dancing strippers. Tap dancing strippers. That sounds interesting ... Umm, to get back on track, Al Gilbert is an important figure in the world of dance and the fine arts as the man's obituary makes clear. This 7" record is actually for advanced tap dancers which may explain why the tempos are really fast. I don't think that most of you are tap dancers which you're asking why would I be interested in listening to this. This record is fun for a listen to Gilbert's rapid fire instructions and I think I've already given you a reason to listen to the music.

Tracklisting:

Side A

1. Music, Taps, & Vocal Instruction (Slower Tempo) {3:30}

2. Music & Taps (Faster Tempo) {2:51}

Side B

1. Music Only [+ bass] {2:51}