GFADAF EP 4 Books From A Dying Art Form: "What The Eye Hears" by Brian Seibert
Nov 5, 2021
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Author Brian Seibert discusses his book 'What The Eye Hears', uncovering tap dance history and analyzing the tap styles of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. They explore positive and negative book reviews, controversies, and the importance of firsthand reading. The speaker highlights Margaret Morrison, fundraising goals, and expresses gratitude towards Patreon supporters.
'What the Eye Hears' by Brian Seibert fills a significant gap in tap dance literature by providing a comprehensive history and detailed account of tap dance's evolution in different mediums.
The book sheds light on lesser-known tap dancers, explores the cultural significance of tap dance, and examines the challenges faced by tap dancers in terms of racial stereotypes and limited opportunities.
Deep dives
Overview of the Podcast
The GASPS from a Dying Art Form podcast explores the history and philosophy of tap dance and related subjects. The host, Tristan Brooms, reviews the book 'What the Eye Hears' by Brian Sebert, discussing the author's motivations and the extensive research process he undertook to write a comprehensive tap dance history. The episode delves into various themes covered in the book, including the origins of tap dance, the impact of blackface minstrelsy, and the evolution of tap dance in theater, movies, and television. It also highlights Sebert's criticisms of certain tap dance eras and his analysis of influential tap dancers like Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. The episode concludes by examining some reviews and criticisms of the book, providing a balanced perspective on its reception.
Motivation Behind Writing the Book
Brian Sebert was inspired to write the book 'What the Eye Hears' because he couldn't find the comprehensive tap dance history he was looking for. While pursuing a master's degree, Sebert changed his focus to tap dance and realized the lack of books that answered specific questions about tap dance history. He spent approximately 15 years conducting research, examining various theories about the origins of tap dance, and uncovering hidden details. Sebert's quest to fill a gap in tap dance literature led him to write the book himself.
Thorough Examination of Tap Dance History
In 'What the Eye Hears', Brian Sebert provides a detailed account of tap dance history, exploring its evolution in different mediums like theater, movies, and television. The book also discusses the cultural significance of tap dance and the challenges faced by tap dancers, particularly in terms of racial stereotypes and limited opportunities. Sebert's research is praised for shedding light on lesser-known tap dancers and examining the motivations and impact of influential figures in the tap dance community. The book offers a comprehensive overview of tap dance history and provides valuable insights into the art form's development.
Reception and Criticisms of the Book
The podcast episode reviews the reception of 'What the Eye Hears' and highlights both positive and negative critiques. Critics appreciate the book's extensive research and its valuable role in tap dance scholarship. However, some reviewers express concerns about the book's length and occasional bluntness in criticism. The episode emphasizes the importance of reading the book firsthand and forming independent opinions rather than relying solely on secondhand accounts. It also encourages a thoughtful and balanced perspective on the various opinions surrounding the book.
In this episode, host Tristan Bruns reviews Brian Seibert's "What The Eye Hears"—a popular, somewhat controversial history of tap dance—and takes a look at some of the reviews of the book that came out shortly after its publication; also, get some input from the author himself from an interview conducted by Bruns.
Support this program by joining us on Patreon. 50% of all support goes to the M.A.D.D. Rhythms Tap Academy at the Harold Washington Cultural Center on Chicago's historic South Side.
