The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience

Upcoming Workshop

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We are honored and thrilled to dedicate the upcoming workshop in the
Tradition In Tap - Series to the Featured Dancer on Broadway & Film:

Mr. Bob Scheerer


The Bob Scheerer Tap ExperienceThe Bob Scheerer Tap Experience




New York City
May 29-31, 2010




The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience - The Emmy
The Emmy
1963-1964 Awards
Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety or Music
ROBERT SCHEERER
The Danny Kaye Show
CBS




Exciting Tap Workshop Includes:
  • Original Choreography taught by the 'Master' himself.
  • Honorary Master Classes by leading tap artists.
  • Participants Showcase.
  • Tradition In Tap - Award Ceremony.
  • Tap History Talks.
  • Video Presentation.
  • Tap Technique.
  • 'Dance Teacher Recognizes' certificate (For Teachers Only).
  • Special Program for Teens and Young Tappers.



The Bob Scheerer Tap ExperienceThe Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
Bobby Scheerer, 13-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert J. Scheerer, 508 Elm avenue, Inglewood,
has signed a seven-year contract with Universal Studios, it was announced this week.


The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
The Boy Friend with Ann Wakefield


The Bob Scheerer Tap ExperienceThe Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
Left Picture: The Boy Friend with Ann Wakefield
Right Picture: Lend An Ear - Friday Dancing Class







About:

Robert "Bob" Scheerer has held three major careers over the course of his lifetime, including work in front of the camera, on stage, and behind-the-scenes.

Scheerer was born near Santa Barbara, California on December 28, 1928. After seeing a neighbor's son tap dance in a local talent show, Scheerer's mother insisted that her son "could do that too". The next day, six-year-old Bobby was enrolled in tap class.

The Scheerer family eventually moved to the Los Angeles area, where Bob studied with Steve Granger at Maury Rubens Musical Workshop in Hollywood. At age twelve, Bob auditioned for Fred Astaire for a tapping bit in the opening sequence of Holiday Inn. Though he did not get the job, Astaire was impressed by Bob's style and grace. This relationship between Scheerer and Astaire would rekindle 50 years later when Bob Scheerer directed Fred Astaire's final TV dancing special.

By age thirteen, Bob had been contracted under Universal Studios. He was part of a group called the Jivin' Jack and Jills which featured Donald O'Conner and Peggy Ryan. The group performed twelve features, ten of which were choreographed by Louis DaPron. DaPron would go on to have a huge impact on Bob Scheerer's life and career as a dancer.

At eighteen, Bob was featured in the show, Lend An Ear, a show that was so successful, it moved from Hollywood to Broadway, playing in five different theatres. Following Lend An Ear, came Dance Me a Song, wherein Bob Scheerer was joined by Bob Fosse in one of its musical numbers. Following his Fosse experience, Bob starred in Top Banana with Phil Silvers. Bob only played in Top Banana for six weeks before he was drafted into the Army and stationed in Germany for two years. After putting in his two years, Bob made his way back to New York in 1955 and was quickly cast in The Boy Friend with Julie Andrews.

Not wanting to tour with the show, he instead took a Production Assistant job with CBS on the set of The Sound of Jazz with Billie Holliday, Lester Young, Ben Webster, and other jazz greats. Here he learned the ins and outs of television, and eventually worked his way up to director, debuting in the summer series with Spike Jones. Scheerer directed such shows as The Bell Telephone Hour and The Danny Kaye Show, which landed him an Emmy Award for Best Director in 1963. He stayed with The Danny Kaye Show for two more years as producer.

Bob Scheerer directed/produced many television shows and variety specials, including shows for Andy Williams, Perry Como, Shirley MacLaine, Barbara Streisand, and Frank Sinatra. He has directed numerous series shows, including The Love Boat, Matlock, Fame, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. Bob has also directed three feature films: Adam at 6AM with Michael Douglas, Disney's The World's Greatest Athlete, and How to Beat the Cost of Living.

Bob Scheerer is now retired and living with his wife Denise Scheerer in Valley Village, California.




Bob Scheerer - Going Up - 1943
Bob Scheerer - Going Up - 1943
Click on the above picture for video clip




The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
(Bob on the left) Dance Me A Song with Cliff Ferre & Bobby Fosse


The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
(Bob in the front) Dance Me A Song with Monica Boyar




Resources:
More about Bob Scheerer can be found at:

Bob Scheerer's Oral History:
Interviewer/Editor - Steve Zee (www.SteveZee.com)
Published by LA Ironworks (www.LAIronworks.org)
Archived at the New York Public Library, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
and the Carson Dance Library

The following files are in .pdf format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to open them.
The reader is free of charge at: www.adobe.com
  • Interview Biography
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  • Interview History
    		•   
  • Part #1
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  • Part #2
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  • Part #3
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  • Part #4
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  • Part #5
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  • Part #6
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  • Part #7
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  • Part #8
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  • Part #9
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  • Part #10
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  • Part #11
    		•

    LA Ironworks, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, preserves and furthers the American art of tap dance by offering free classes to under-served youth in Los Angeles, culminating in performances for the community; by publishing oral histories of notable tap dancers; and by offering cutting edge professional performances to the public.





    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
    (Bob playing the piano) What's Cookin' - first Jivin' Jacks and Jills movie (Universal)


    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
    (Bob sitting in the center)
    Universal Studio school teacher - Gladys Hoene (Anne Blythe and Sabu lower right)




    Workshop Description:
    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience,
    an intensive weekend of exciting events, including:

    Tap Course:
    With:
    Bob Scheerer & Denise Scheerer
    • Original Choreography: "Binge-in' On Basie"
      Bob Scheerer, assisted by his wife Denise Scheerer will teach an original routine named "Binge-in' On Basie". This is one of many routines choreographed by Mr. Scheerer, and will highlight his Tap Legacy - Turns, Time Precision, Musicality & Showmanship.


    Honorary Tap Master Classes:
    With:
    Rusty Frank ; Bill Irwin (Schedule Permitting) ; Deborah Mitchell ;
    Prof. Robert L. Reed ; Sarah Reich ; Thommie Retter ;
    Denise Scheerer & Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards
    • Eight leading tap artists will teach reflections on Bob Scheerer's legacy through their personal work. Each will draw on Scheerer's influence and contribution to his / her own career.


    Tradition In Tap - Award Ceremony:
    With:
    Tradition In Tap - Committee Members
    • Bob Scheerer will be presented with the Tradition In Tap Award for: "Outstanding Achievements & Significant Contribution To The Tradition And Art Of Tap Dance"


    Tap History Talks:
    With:
    Melba Huber
    • Melba Huber is one of the very few who writes about the history of tap and the many artists who play / played important roles in tap development & growth. She will lead the 'Tap History Talks' while interviewing Mr. Scheerer, and add her own personal insight. Special guests expected.


    Video Presentation:
    With:
    Prof. Hank Smith & Rusty Frank
    • Hank Smith is a well known tap dancer, and collector of video & movie clips. He has an extensive library of material starting from the early days of tap dance. Rusty Frank is a well known tap historian and the author of the book 'Tap'. Hank and Rusty will present some clips of Bob Scheerer and of his work, on film and video.


    Tap Exercises:
    With:
    Denise Caston ; Germaine Salsberg ;
    Avi Miller & Ofer Ben
    • Warm-up for each day with Denise Caston, Germaine Salsberg, Avi Miller & Ofer Ben, who will lead the morning tap drills - each with his/her own unique teaching style.


    Participants Showcase:
    With:
    Germaine Salsberg
    • Germaine Salsberg will emcee an informal Participants Showcase. All the participants in The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience are encouraged to perform in this showcase and contribute to a very happy event.

      Extensive information can be found at the Participants Showcase section.



    The Bob Scheerer Tap ExperienceThe Bob Scheerer Tap Experience

    The Bob Scheerer Tap ExperienceThe Bob Scheerer Tap Experience

    The Bob Scheerer Tap ExperienceThe Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
    Left Picture: Peggy Fleming Special
    Right Picture: with Chuck Roesher - "The Love Boat" Director of Photgraphy




    Workshop Level:
    • 2 Adult Programs: Intermediate / Advanced / Professional
                                              (adults, teens 14+)
    • Youth Program:     Adv. Beginners (ages 10 - 13)
                                              with at least 4 years of extensive tap training.

      Level Clarification:
      • All of the classes are at an 'open level'. There are no lower or higher level classes. For this reason we suggest the minimum requirements of level as above.
      • Each teacher's class will vary in degree of difficulty according to their own style and reflections of Mr. Scheerer.
      • This event is a 'Tap Experience', not a festival or a convention, and as such should be attended with the view of studying original material first hand from a Tap Master, and receiving other material from some of the highest professionals in the business who are paying homage to the genius of the masters.



    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience

    The Bob Scheerer Tap ExperienceThe Bob Scheerer Tap Experience

    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
    with GT (Great Tiger) - Disney Movie "World's Greatest Athlete"

    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
    Directing "Adam At 6AM"




    Dance Teacher Recognizes:
    (For Teachers Only)

      For Teachers Only - Dance Teacher Recognizes - Certificate of Recognition

      Teachers who participate in the 'Entire Workshop' are entitled to receive a 'Certificate of Recognition' issued by our media sponsor Dance Teacher Magazine.

      Once you register to the 'Entire Workshop' please add this feature to your online registration form and a certificate will be presented to you on the last day of classes.




    The Bob Scheerer Tap ExperienceThe Bob Scheerer Tap ExperienceThe Bob Scheerer Tap ExperienceThe Bob Scheerer Tap Experience


    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
    Early years


    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
    Under contract to Universal Pictures




    Rates:

    *  Adult Programs #1 & #2:
    - Registration To The Entire Workshop:
    Rate includes:
    The Bob Scheerer Tap Course, all Tap Master Classes & Tap Exercises, Tap History Talks & Award Ceremony, Video Presentation, one nontransferable admission to the Participants Showcase, the workshop T-shirt & Registration Fee.
      Prog. #1   Prog. #2  
  • Saturday, Sunday & Monday - May 29-31
        ($430 from May 10)
    		•  $395   $395  

    - Registration By Days:
    Daily rate includes:
    The Bob Scheerer Tap Course, Tap Master Classes & Tap Exercises on the
    specific day, Tap History Talks & Award Ceremony, Video Presentation & the workshop T-shirt.
    Daily rate does not include free admission to the Participants Showcase
    and the Registration Fee.

      Prog. #1   Prog. #2  
  • Saturday, May 29:
    		•  $135   $135  
  • Sunday, May 30:
    		•  $135   $135  
  • Monday, May 31:
    		•  $135   $135  
  • Non-Refundable Registration Fee:
    		•  $25   $25  


    *  Youth/Teens Program:
    - Registration To The Entire Workshop:
    Rate includes:
    The Bob Scheerer Tap Course, all Tap Master Classes & Tap Exercises, Tap History Talks & Award Ceremony, Video Presentation, one nontransferable admission to the Participants Showcase, the workshop T-shirt & Registration Fee.
         Youth  
  • Saturday, Sunday & Monday - May 29-31
        ($430 from May 10)
    		•      $395  

    - Registration By Days:
    Daily rate includes:
    The Bob Scheerer Tap Course, Tap Master Classes & Tap Exercises on the
    specific day, Tap History Talks & Award Ceremony, Video Presentation & the workshop T-shirt.
    Daily rate does not include free admission to the Participants Showcase
    and the Registration Fee.

          Youth  
  • Saturday, May 29:
    		•      $135  
  • Sunday, May 30:
    		•      $135  
  • Monday, May 31:
    		•      $135  
  • Non-Refundable Registration Fee:
    		•      $25  


    *  Additional Rates:
    - Participants Showcase Tickets:
  • Entire workshop participants:
        (Adults 3 days / Youth-Teens 3 days)
    		•  Free  
  • One / two day workshop participants:
    		•  $25  
  • Advance sales:
    		•  $25  
  • At the door:
    		•  $28  


    - Workshop T-shirts: (additional) $15
         		  
    - Tradition In Tap Towel: $12
    +NY State Tax    		  


    Special group rates.

     Call for details!


    Space is limited - register early!




    Bob Scheerer and his choreography,
    is featured on Rusty Frank's
    "Tapping With The Masters" Series
    The Organ Grinder's Swing
    The Organ Grinder's Swing
    Taught by Steve Zee

    The Organ Grinder's Swing
    L to R:Steve Zee, Bob Scheerer & Rusty Frank

    - Special rate at the workshop:     $30 + NY Sales Tax





    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
    (Bob - left on the table) with Gene Nelson "Lend An Ear"


    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
    (Bob second left) "Top Banana" with Polly Ward and Lindy Doherty


    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
    (Bob drumming) with Buddy Rich "How's About It"




    Workshop Locations:
    • All Tap Classes:
      Nola Rehearsal Studios
      250 West 54th St. New York City. (11th Floor) Tel: 212-582-1417
      (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
      Click here to "Map Quest" this location.
      Subway: A, B, C, D, E, N, R, Q, W, 1.

    • Participants Showcase:
      Manhattan Movement and Arts Center
      248 West 60th Street, New York City.
      Click here to "Map Quest" this location.
      Subway: A, B, C, D, 1 to 59th St. at 8th Ave. (Columbus Circle).




    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
    with Mary Ann Niles and June Graham "Dance Me A Song"


    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
    "Lend An Ear" in LA (before New York) with Lee Stacy and Linda Ware


    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
    (Bob first left in the front raw) Universal feature (with Charles Butterworth and the Jacks and Jills)


    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
    (Bob in the middle) "Lend An Ear" The Gladiola Girl




    Lodging:




    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
    (Bob - left) with Phil Silvers in "Top Banana"




    Parking In Manhattan:




    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
    (Bob - right) with Phil Silvers in "Top Banana"




    While In New York City:




    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
    Bob & Denise Scheerer


    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
    L to R: Rusty Frank, Bob Scheerer & Miriam Nelson


    The Bob Scheerer Tap Experience
    L to R: Rusty Frank, Ofer Ben, Bob Scheerer, Denise Scheerer & Avi Miller