Which types of tap acts appeared in vaudeville theatres?

Vaudeville theatres in the early 20th century hosted a wide variety of tap acts, as the art form was a common skill among performers. To distinguish themselves, dancers developed unique routines and styles, including:

• Family Acts: Groups such as the Four Cohans, the Four Covans, and the Seven Little Foys were popular fixtures.1
• Specialty and Novelty Acts: Performers incorporated unique elements into their routines, such as the Berry Brothers’ synchronized cane twirling and acrobatics, Will Mahoney’s tap dancing on a giant xylophone, and Buster West’s use of oversized "slap shoes".1
• Comedy and Eccentric Acts: These routines used the body in comic or eccentric ways, often featuring "wild and wiggly" leg movements. Notable examples included "knockabout" acts like Cook and Brown, and dancers like Buddy Ebsen and Henry "Rubber Legs" Williams.1
• Challenge Acts: Dancers frequently engaged in "duels" to showcase their skills, with the Four Step Brothers being recognized as some of the finest exponents of this style.1
• Rhythm and Floor Acts: Many performers focused on rapid, close-to-the-floor footwork, such as the trio King, King, and King, who performed in convict outfits while chained together.1