Hoofers Club facts for kids

The Hoofers Club was a famous place in Harlem, New York. It was a special club where many amazing African-American dancers and performers gathered. It opened in the early 1920s and closed around the early 1940s. Lonnie Hicks, a talented piano player, started and managed the club.

A Famous Dance Spot

The Hoofers Club was known as a legendary place for jazz and tap dancers. This was especially true during the 1920s and 1930s. The club was located on a street in Harlem called "Swing Street." This part of 133rd Street was famous for its many music and dance venues.

The Hoofers Club itself was quite small. It was a little room found in the back of a comedy club. Imagine walking down some stairs into a room. This room was about 30 by 20 feet. It had a piano in one corner and a great floor for dancing.

What Was It Like Inside?

Many dancers from all over town would come to the Hoofers Club. You could hear dancing the moment you stepped inside! There was always someone dancing, whether they were famous or just starting out. It was a lively and exciting place.

Many famous tap dancers spent time at the club. Some of these incredible performers included Bill Robinson, John Bubbles, Honi Coles, and Eddie Rector. Even Hal Leroy, one of the few white dancers, was invited to join in. It was a place where many black tap dancing greats gathered.

Where Dancers Learned and Grew

The Hoofers Club was a special place for both new and experienced dancers. Mostly black male tap dancers would meet there. They would share their moves, learn from each other, and challenge one another. New standards for dancing were often set at the club.

This was not like formal dance contests with judges. Instead, it was an informal group of fellow dancers. Their opinions could be very direct, but they always pushed for new and creative steps. Dancers had to find their own unique style. It was said that a rule on the wall of the Hoofers Club read: "Thou shalt not copy each other's steps — Exactly." This encouraged everyone to be original.

In Popular Culture

The Hoofers Club has even appeared in movies. A made-up version of the club was shown in the 1984 film The Cotton Club.

A special piece of history is also connected to the club. The "Tree of Hope" originally stood outside the Hoofers Club. It was also near the Lafayette Theatre. Today, performers at the Apollo Theater still touch a piece of this tree for good luck before they go on stage!