I’ll never forget the day I discovered Rusty Frank. 

When I was nine years old, my mom took me to Los Angeles to get my first pair of really nice tap shoes.  It was beyond exciting.  I don’t remember the name of the dance shop.  But I do remember trying those K360 tap shoes on for the first time and feeling like a pro.

As we prepared to buy the shoes, I spotted a book at the cash register that, miraculously, rivaled the excitement of my new pair of tap shoes.

Tap! The Greatest Tap Dance Stars & Their Stories

The book was Rusty Frank’s TAP! The Greatest Tap Dance Stars and their Stories 1900-1955.  Its powder blue cover caught my eye, as did the seven figures on the book striking various dance poses.  I moved in closer to discover that three of those figures were Ann Miller and The Nicholas Brothers, Fayard and Harold.  I literally jumped for joy.  After a lifetime of watching these legendary tap dancers on screen, here was the book I’d been waiting for, the book that would teach me about the history of tap dancing and the dancers who had inspired me to start.

I’ve referenced the book countless times over the years and still draw inspiration from the dancers and their stories.  Never did I think I’d get the chance to meet Rusty Frank, the woman who interviewed 30 tap legends and preserved their histories for future generations.

But earlier this year, I did meet Rusty Frank.

Rusty Frank Does it All

When Rusty agreed to an interview, I knew this episode of Vanguard of Hollywood would be special.

Rusty Frank’s accomplishments are remarkable.  In addition to authoring TAP! The Greatest Tap Dance Stars and Their Stories, Rusty is a Lindy Hopper and Tap Dancer, choreographer, producer, teacher, writer, historian, and dance preservationist.  She is the producer and choreographer of the all-star tap review “Jazz Tap,” and the producer of the in-production documentary Tap! Tempo of America.  

Rusty has performed around the world, including a 51 city tour across Europe, dancing with the Herb Miller Orchestra (Glenn Miller’s brother). She’s taught and/or performed tap dancing and swing dancing – also known as Lindy Hop – in 23 countries.

Among other awards, Rusty is the recipient of The Tap Dance Preservation Award from New York’s American Tap Foundation,  and the Tradition in Tap Award for Outstanding Achievements.  She was inducted into the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame in 2008, and the Camp Hollywood Hall of Fame in 2015. 

The Indomitable Rusty Frank

Along the way, Rusty survived a near-fatal spinal cord injury, and founded Lindy by the Sea and Rusty’s Rhythm Club, which, at 26 years and counting, is the longest running swing dance program in Los Angeles.  

Rusty’s drive and determination are inspiring. Listen to Episode 81 of Vanguard of Hollywood for all about Rusty’s book, dance career, the tap legends she got to know personally, and the indomitable spirit that defines Rusty Frank.

And keep up to date with Rusty on social media, Youtube, and her website.