Gregory Hines
Gregory Hines
Gregory Hines was a trailblazing American tap dancer, actor, singer, and choreographer celebrated for his contributions to the world of dance, particularly tap. Known for his smooth, intricate rhythms, he helped bring tap dance back into mainstream popularity during the late 20th century. Here’s an in-depth look at his life, achievements, and iconic dance steps.
Early Life
Gregory Hines was born on February 14, 1946 in New York City. Raised in a family that loved the arts, he was introduced to tap dance at a young age. Hines and his older brother, Maurice, trained under renowned tap dancer Henry LeTang, who honed their technique and musicality.
By age five, Hines was already performing professionally with his brother in the dance duo Hines, Hines, and Dad, which also included their father on drums. Growing up in Harlem, Hines was influenced by the vibrant dance scene, watching and learning from legendary tap dancers like Sammy Davis Jr. and Sandman Sims.
Mid-Life Achievements and Fame
In the 1970s, Hines moved to California and joined a jazz-rock band. However, his true passion for dance called him back to New York, where he pursued acting and stage performances. By the late 1970s and 1980s, he became widely recognized in the world of dance and theater:
1. Broadway Success: Hines starred in musicals like Eubie! (1978) and Sophisticated Ladies (1981). His breakout came with Jelly’s Last Jam (1992), a musical celebrating the life of jazz musician Jelly Roll Morton, which showcased his extraordinary dance and acting talents.
2. Hollywood and Film: Hines brought his love for dance to the screen in movies like The Cotton Club (1984) and White Nights (1985), where he starred alongside ballet legend Mikhail Baryshnikov. Tap (1989) was a significant film that highlighted the rich history and evolving nature of tap dancing.
3. Television and Advocacy: In addition to his performances, Hines was a passionate advocate for tap dancing as an art form. He appeared in television shows and documentaries, including Gregory Hines: Tap Dance in America, using his platform to honor past dancers and inspire future generations.
Influences and Inspirations
Hines was deeply inspired by Sammy Davis Jr., whom he considered a mentor and friend. He also admired and drew inspiration from the pioneers of tap, including John Bubbles, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, and Jimmy Slyde. Hines modernized tap by adding elements of improvisation, jazz, and emotional expressiveness, blending traditional rhythms with new styles, and paving the way for contemporary tap dancers.
Famous Tap Steps and Signature Moves
Gregory Hines was known for his rhythmic complexity and unique moves that combined traditional tap with contemporary techniques. Here are a few famous steps and techniques associated with him:
1. Improvisational Rhythms: Hines often improvised during performances, creating intricate, syncopated rhythms that showcased his musicality and allowed him to react to the music in real time. His improvisational style was highly influential in making tap more expressive.
2. The Slide: Hines loved to slide into his steps, creating smooth transitions that added a jazzy flair to his routines. This move became one of his trademarks, combining fluidity with rhythmic intensity.
3. Heel-and-Toe Tapping: Known for his use of the entire foot, Hines often tapped with both the heel and toe to create a fuller sound and complex rhythms, adding depth to his performances.
4. Syncopated Shuffles: Hines elevated the shuffle, using syncopation to make even simple moves rhythmically engaging and dynamic.
5. The “Pullback” (or Pick-Up): Hines used pullbacks—a rapid movement where the dancer jumps slightly, pulling back their feet to tap the ground—as a foundational step in his routines. He added his own spin to it, often combining it with slides or syncopated beats.
Legacy and Influence
Gregory Hines is remembered as a transformative figure in tap dance who bridged the gap between old-school tap and modern rhythms. He inspired future tap dancers, like Savion Glover, who Hines mentored and collaborated with. Today, Hines’ influence can be seen in the way tap dance has evolved as both an expressive art and a respected performance discipline.
