How did Las Vegas provide jobs for tap dancers after the decline of vaudeville?

Following the decline of vaudeville, Las Vegas emerged as a vital hub for tap dancers by developing into a prominent entertainment resort starting in the 1950s. As the city grew into a major tourist destination, its casino showrooms provided a consistent venue for performers to showcase their skills.1

These showrooms offered significant employment opportunities, particularly for older tap dancers who chose to retire in the city and spend their final performing years working in these venues. This transition to Las Vegas, alongside the rise of variety shows on television, helped save tap dance from a period of decline by providing new platforms for both established and emerging artists to continue their craft.1