HOLLYWOOD'S HAPPY FEET
The Golden Age of
Tap Dance On Film
“Hollywood’s Happy Feet” takes audiences on a captivating journey through the evolution of tap dance in motion pictures beginning in the 1930s. The story of how tap dancing was actually captured on film unfolds through a series of entertaining vintage clips that bring the process vividly to life.
“Hollywood’s Happy Feet” is hosted by renowned tap dancer and preservationist Rusty Frank. Author of "TAP! The Greatest Tap Dance Stars and Their Stories 1900–1955," Rusty has carefully curated this program to be both entertaining and full of toe-tapping delight.
REVIEWS
Steven Smith
Emmy-nominated documentary producer, author,
and speaker specializing in Hollywood history
“As a dancer, Rusty Frank channels the athleticism of Eleanor Powell, the buoyancy of Gene Nelson, and the grace of Astaire. Now, in her live presentation HOLLYWOOD’s HAPPY FEET, Frank trades her tap shoes for a historian’s hat - and brings her trademark wit and energy to this glorious celebration of tap on film. Not to be missed.”
Michael Lembeck
3-Time Emmy nominated Director, 4-Time DGA nominated Director,
EMMY Winner for directing FRIENDS.
"I had the great fortune of recently being invited to an evening celebrating tap dance on film. The evening was entitled “Hollywood’s Happy Feet’” and was hosted by the extraordinary Rusty Frank. It would be hard to characterize how much I enjoyed myself. Rusty’s ability to tap, no pun intended, into her own dance experience, while clearly, emotionally, sharing with us how much she loves having been a working tap dancer herself, and how much she loves the great movies and dancers that shared time with us on screens and on our televisions, was invigorating.
As in any good evening in the theater, be it movie or theatrical musical, this audience leaned in, filled with wonder, and invested in the presentation, and enjoyed themselves so very much, while they watched the rare and wonderful film clips of dancers and dance-scenes filling the theater.
Rusty’s anecdotal material just bursted with never before known stories.
Anyone, ANYONE, who loves dance, tap in particular, movie musicals, and sharing time with the best whoever danced on screen, should make a point of not missing this absolutely joyous theatrical event."
Charlotte Carpenter Lewis
Producer/Singer/Actor
"Rusty Frank delivered a presentation on tap yesterday at El Segundo’s Old Town Music Hall and knocked it out of the park. Personable and enthusiastic in her beloved genre, we were treated to her vast knowledge of the subject along with pictures and clips of historic tappers."
Betty De La Torre
Event Producer
"GREAT show!!! As always, Rusty Frank was well-prepared and AMAZINGLY charismatic in her delivery. She was incredibly entertaining and wonderfully informative. Every single legend honored smiles upon her because of how beautifully she tell their stories and teaches others. I loved it!"
Annette Homewood
Digital Creator
"This was such a joyful event. Rusty Frank hosted a tap history presentation that included delightful clips from the Nicholas Brothers, Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell, as well as beloved stories of her experiences dancing with many legends."
BOOKING
CONTACT RUSTY FRANK FOR BOOKING THIS EXCEPTIONAL PROGRAM
Rusty Frank • Email • (657) 549-044
The program may be done
|
Sold out house at Old Town Music Hall, February 22, 2026
PERFECT FOR YOUR TAP FESTIVAL
OR STUDIO WEEKEND WORKSHOP
Every dancer and Hollywood film enthusiast needs to experience this presentation!
Rusty brings incredible knowledge, passion, and love of tap dance to life
in a way that’s both entertaining and educational."
Wendi Isaacson, Founder Utah Tap Festival
Hollywood’s Happy Feet is a wonderful addition to any tap festival or workshop! Featuring rare vintage film clips, fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, and Rusty Frank’s firsthand experiences with legendary tap dancers, this entertaining and inspiring presentation brings tap history vividly to life. The perfect complement to dance classes, it connects today’s dancers with the extraordinary artists who paved the way. Make your next festival even more memorable—book Hollywood’s Happy Feet for a one-of-a-kind celebration of tap dance history!