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Howard Sims Birth
National Heritage Howard "Sandman" Sims was born January 24th, 1917 in Fort Smith, Arkansas but grew up in Los Angeles, California. Growing up he had 11 brothers and sisters and learned to dance from his father, a barber. "Most people first crawl," Sims said, "then start walking. I went right from crawling to dancing. If you can walk, you can dance." -
Began Tap
Howard began tap at the age of 3 with his brother on the streets of Los Angeles. -
Boxing became Tap Dancing
Boxing to Tap
For years, Sims trained as a boxer, but "gave up the ring" after breaking his hand twice. However, it was in the boxing ring that he developed what was to become his specialty, the sand dance. "I used to do some fancy steps," he said. Eventually, he put together an act dancing on a board lightly sprinkled with sand, producing a cool, slippery sound. -
1960's Change in music contributes to decline of tap
Music Changes Tap Sims believed Tap was too subtle for the "heavy rock 'n' roll." -
Sims helps both dancers and boxers
Sims taught Gregory Hines and Ben Vereen dance moves/dance footwork and also helped Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali with their boxing footwork -
No Maps on My Taps
Sims stars in George T. Nierenberg's Documentary, "No Maps on My Taps." This documentary featured musical direction by vibraphonist Lionel Hampton, with dancers Bunny Briggs and Chuck Green. -
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Sims stars in multiple films
In 1984, Sims won a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and used the money to teach dance to children and convert a Harlem parking lot into dancing school. In 1986, Sims appeared in "The Sand Dancer," a play by poet Sandra Hochman inspired by his life and career. In 1989, he was widely seen in the film "Tap" and the PBS "Dance in America" special, "Tap Dance in America." He also toured widely in the 1980s, dancing in 53 countries for the U.S. State Department. -
Sims stars on The Cosby Show
Sims stars on "Mr. Sandman" episode of the Cosby Show -
Sandman Sims' Death
Howard "Sandman" Sims dies in The Bronx, New York City.
