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Scott Joplin was a highly influential American composer and pianist, often referred to as the "King of Ragtime." Here are some interesting facts about him and his composition "The Ragtime Dance":

1. Scott Joplin's Background: Scott Joplin was born in Texarkana, Texas, around 1867. He came from a musical family and showed early promise as a pianist.

2. Ragtime Pioneer: Joplin is credited with popularizing ragtime music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His compositions helped bring this genre to a broader audience.

3. Publication Date: "The Ragtime Dance" was published in 1902. It is one of his well-known ragtime compositions and is often performed in the ragtime style, characterized by syncopated rhythms and lively melodies.

4. Sheet Music Cover: The sheet music for "The Ragtime Dance" featured an illustration of a couple dancing in a lively and carefree manner, which was a common theme for ragtime sheet music covers of the time. This imagery captured the spirit of the dance.

5. Influence on Dance: Ragtime music, including "The Ragtime Dance," played a significant role in shaping popular dance styles of the era. It contributed to the development of social dances like the cakewalk and the two-step.

6. The "Maple Leaf Rag" Connection: Joplin's "The Ragtime Dance" shares some similarities with his earlier composition "Maple Leaf Rag," which was published in 1899. Both pieces are lively and exemplify the syncopated rhythms characteristic of ragtime.

7. Joplin's Legacy: Scott Joplin's contributions to American music extended beyond his own compositions. He also wrote a famous manual called "School of Ragtime" in which he outlined his principles for playing and composing ragtime music.

8. Film and Television: Joplin's music, including "The Ragtime Dance," has been featured in numerous films and television programs over the years, contributing to the enduring popularity of his work. One of the most famous instances is the use of "The Entertainer" in the soundtrack of the 1973 film "The Sting."

9. Recognition: In 1976, Scott Joplin was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to American music, specifically citing his ragtime compositions.

10. Revival of Interest: In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in Scott Joplin and his ragtime music. Many contemporary musicians and pianists continue to perform and record his compositions, ensuring that his legacy lives on.

"The Ragtime Dance" remains a testament to Scott Joplin's skill as a composer and his lasting impact on American music and dance.