Cholly Atkins's career has spanned an eventful era of American dance. He began performing during Prohibition and continued his apprenticeship in vaudeville, in nightclubs, and in the army during World War II. With his partner, Honi Coles, Cholly toured the country, performing with such jazz masters as Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway and Count Basie. As tap reached a nadir in the 50s, Cholly created the new specialization of vocal choreography, teaching...