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Early Life
Howard Sims was born on January 24th, 1917, in Arkansas. He was one of twelve children. His family soon moved to Los Angels not long after his birth. His whole family danced, his mother even gave him pair of tap shoes for his third birthday. By the age of fourteen he was still dancing for fun, but aspired to be a professional boxer. -
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Early Career
After Howard's boxing career had failed due to two broken hand injuries, he needed to find a new line of work. He noticed how before he got in the boxing ring he would move his feet around like he was dancing, and noticed the crowds reaction. Dance just came to him naturally and lead to the career and man we know today as "Sandman Sims". -
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Entertainment
Howard Sims starred in several films or shows, but is well recognized on the Cosby show. He stars in a popular movie named "Tap". The sandman has also been dressed up as and referenced on Saturday Night Live as a dance icon. -
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Harlem
In 1947 Howard found himself in Harlem New York, tagging along with friends trying to find work in entertainment, also dancing on the streets to gain notoriety. He then discovered "Amateur Night" at the Apollo Theater. He went on to win the contest 25 times, forcing the competition to make a new rule: no more performances after 4 first place wins. By the 1950's he was the Apollo's stage manager, finding success in different entrainment roles. His famous dancing performance was the sand dance.