Danny Daniels

Danny Daniels, born Daniel Giagni, Jr. on October 25, 1924, emerged as a seminal figure in American tap dance, bridging the golden age of Broadway with the modern cinematic arena. His early career blossomed in the 1940s when he became a featured dancer in landmark productions such as Billion Dollar Baby, Street Scene, and the celebrated Kiss Me, Kate. Though he continued to perform throughout the 1950s—including a memorable tour with the Agnes de Mille Dance Theatre—Daniels swiftly transitioned to choreography, lending his inventive footwork to stage, film, and television. His versatility earned him a Tony Award and an Astaire Award in 1984 for The Tap Dance Kid, and he garnered additional Tony nominations for High Spirits, Walking Happy, and the 1967 revival of Annie Get Your Gun.

Beyond the footlights, Daniels left an indelible mark on Hollywood, crafting tap sequences for classics like Pennies from Heaven (1981), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), The Night They Raided Minsky's (1968), and Zelig (1983). He even engineered the tap sound effects for the 1991 musical Stepping Out starring Liza Minelli. On television, his choreography graced The Judy Garland Show (1963) and specials featuring icons Gene Kelly and Danny Kaye. In 1952, he collaborated with composer Morton Gould to create the innovative Tap Dance Concerto, and his teaching influenced performers such as Christopher Walken. Daniels' life spanned nearly a century of dance evolution; he passed away on July 9, 2017, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire dancers and choreographers worldwide.