Apollo Theatre 1934-Present

Famed mostly for its amateur nights the Apollo formed a big part of the night life in Harlem. Although the Apollo was a relatively new establishment at the time, opening at the end of the Harlem Renaissance, it provided an environment for the hopes and dreams of those who wanted to find fame and fortune in the performing arts. However, there was a price to pay if you were not good enough because you suffered humiliation at the hands of an unforgiving audience, who were be both judge and jury of your performance.

The theatre was frequented by many of the great Hoofers in it's time and has a special place in many of there hearts, possibly being the place where they got there first break as a dancer.

An original piece of tree of hope has a place by the side of the stage, Bill Robinson is said to have saved it when there was some redevelopment where the tree had to be removed. Performers all touch the tree stump for luck on there way to the stage, hoping for a good performance and more importantly a booking form on looking managers of clubs and stage shows.

The great eccentric Tap master Sandman Simm's worked in the Apollo in the later years and it was his job to escort people off the stage if they failed to please the audience. He always wore different amusing outfits and large hats for effect and also this helped prevent people being able to recognise him if the guests or members of the audience had any thoughts of retribution towards him.