In this episode (like too many episodes), Dick Van Dyke just has to show that he is a hoofer. "Dr. Sloan" gets up on the stage, happens to have classic Hoofing accessories nearby (the hat and cane), and does a little soft shoe/ tap routine. My question is why. Why the Hoofing? It adds nothing to the story line or the episodes verisimilitude. I mean at this point in his career why did Dick Van Dyke feel the need to show off? It didn't "lighten" the episode. It was just plain silly.
Review of Shanda's Song
