What were Soundies, and how did they feature tap dancers?

Soundies were three-minute, black-and-white sound films designed to be viewed on coin-operated, 16-mm rear-projection machines known as Panorams, which were located in public venues like bars and restaurants.1

These films provided a vital platform for tap dancers, particularly Black artists who were frequently excluded from starring roles in mainstream feature films during that era. Through these short musical segments, audiences could witness the artistry of performers such as Buck and Bubbles, Jeni LeGon, and the duo Tip Tap and Toe. By capturing these specialty acts on celluloid, Soundies helped preserve the performances of talented dancers who might otherwise have had limited exposure in the film industry.1