Tap History
Jane’s tap collection at the NYPL for the Performing Arts
Since 1979, Jane Goldberg has preserved, promoted, and performed the dance form while paying respect to its most important key tappers such as Charles “Cookie” Cook, Albert “Gip” Gibson, Leslie “Bubba” Gaines, Chuck Green, and John Bubbles, the father of Rhythm Tap.
The collection contains articles written by and about Goldberg, newsletters, educational papers, tap history profiles, programs, correspondence, administrative records, publicity materials, photographs, and posters. Many of Goldberg’s allies in producing original tap shows and festivals, including Dorothy Wasserman and Sarah Safford, are represented throughout in interviews, scripts, and programs.
The collection also includes an extensive record of discussions with many of the remaining old-time hoofers such as John Bubbles, Charles “Honi” Coles, and Albert “Gip” Gibson of The Three Chocolateers.
Additionally, photographs and correspondence provide a portrait of the professional and personal friendship Goldberg shared with the late Gregory Hines during tap’s “revival” of the mid 1970’s through 2003 when Hines died. They were personal friends. She has published some of his emails on tap on her website under Tapilosophy.
Contact Jane for more about tap history.