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Master Juba - The Inventor of Tap Dancing

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  Master Juba The Inventor of Tap Dancing   Master Juba's real name was William Henry Lane. He was born a free black man in Rhode Island in 1825, and began his career as a performer in minstrel shows. He played the banjo and the tambourine and could imitate the moves of all of the best dancers of his time. Later he created his own innovations and danced his way to international fame. In 1842, the great English novelist Charles Dickens toured the United States and wrote a book about it called American Notes. He described a visit to Almack's, a dance hall in Manhattan's notorious Five Points, and a dancer by the name of Master Juba: "The corpulent black fiddler, and his friend who plays the tambourine, stamp upon the boarding of the small raised orchestra in which they sit, and play a lively measure. Five or six couple come upon the floor, marshalled by a lively young negro, who is the wit of the assembly, and the greatest dancer known."      "Sing...
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What is Patting Juba?

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Patting Juba (or simply "Juba") is a traditional African American dance form that involves a combination of rhythmic body percussion and movement. The term "Juba" itself is believed to have roots in various African dance forms and was popularized in the United States during the 19th century. It has strong connections to the African American experience and is often associated with the music and dance traditions that emerged during and after the era of slavery. Patting Juba incorporates clapping, slapping the body (such as thighs and chest), and stepping, all done in rhythm to create a percussive sound that accompanies music or singing. This dance style was often performed in social gatherings, including church services, celebrations, and community events. The contributions of dancers like Master Juba (William Henry Lane) helped to elevate the Juba dance, especially in the context of minstrel shows. Dancers would incorporate elements of patting Juba into their perform...
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