What were hoofers and board beaters in the era of the Nicholas Brothers?

In the era of the Nicholas Brothers, the terms "hoofers" and "board beaters" were colloquial descriptors used within the world of professional dance and vaudeville.1

• Hoofers: This term refers generally to professional dancers, particularly those who specialized in tap dancing. In the context of the early 20th-century entertainment scene, it was a common designation for performers who made their living through dance, often in demanding stage environments.213
• Board Beaters: While "hoofer" was a broad term for a dancer, "board beater" was a more specific, descriptive slang used to characterize tap dancers by the percussive nature of their craft. It highlighted the physical act of striking the wooden stage floor—the "boards"—to create rhythmic sounds as a central element of their performance.1

During this period, tap dancing was a ubiquitous skill, and performers often had to develop unique styles or incorporate acrobatics and novelty elements to distinguish themselves as top-tier talent in a highly competitive industry.13