Tap dance
American percussive dance blending African and Irish traditions.
Tap dance (or tap) is a form of dance in which dancers use the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as percussion, often accompanied by music or performed a cappella. It is an American art form that evolved alongside jazz music, originating from the fusion of Black American and Irish dance traditions, such as the juba dance and Irish step dances, beginning in the mid-17th century and becoming popular in the mid-19th century.
- field
- Dance
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Percussive footwork using metal-tapped shoes; fusion of African and European dance traditions
- major_versions
- Rhythm (jazz) tap and Broadway tap
Lore & Background
Tap dance developed from the blending of Central African djouba, Irish jig, and Welsh clog brought to North America by immigrants during the 17th–19th centuries. These fused into 'jigging,' adopted by minstrel show dancers in the 1800s, then moved to Vaudeville. Due to Vaudeville's 'two-colored rule' forbidding black performers from solo acts, many tap acts were duets, such as 'Buck and Bubbles.' Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson, a protégé of Alice Whitman, became a rare black solo dancer and world-famous celebrity, later starring in films with Shirley Temple.
Reader's Guide
Tap dance's significance lies in its role as a distinctly American art form that emerged from the blending of African and European dance traditions, reflecting the cultural fusion of the United States. It evolved alongside jazz music and contributed to the development of jazz dance. Tap's two major branches—Broadway tap, focused on theatrical performance, and rhythm tap, emphasizing musicality and improvisation—demonstrate its versatility. The art form faced challenges from segregation, which created separate styles for black and white dancers and limited black performers' opportunities. Despite this, figures like Bill Robinson and the Nicholas Brothers achieved fame. Tap's revival in the late 20th century, spurred by documentaries and films, ensured its continued relevance. Modern innovations include the 'tap opera' format developed by Mark Yonally. Tap remains a living tradition, with practitioners such as Savion Glover and Gregory Hines bringing it to new audiences.
Did You Know?
- Tap dance can be performed with no musical accompaniment; the sound of the taps is its own music.
- The 'two-colored rule' in Vaudeville forbade black people from performing solo, leading to many duet acts.
- Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson's birthday, May 25, was chosen for National Tap Dance Day.
- The Nicholas Brothers' performance in 'Stormy Weather' was a six-minute take with no retakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tap dance?
Tap dance is an American percussive art form in which performers create rhythm by striking the floor with metal-tipped shoes. It grew out of a blend of African and Irish dance traditions and became widely recognized in the mid-1800s.
What are Tap dance's powers/role?
Its core 'ability' is turning footwork into live percussion, letting a single dancer function as both melody and rhythm section. It can be performed over a musical accompaniment or completely solo, a cappella.
How does Tap dance's story end?
Tap dance never really 'ends'—it keeps evolving, but its two most recognized modern branches are rhythm (jazz) tap and the theatrical style seen on Broadway. Both remain active performance traditions today.
Why is Tap dance important?
It stands as one of the few major dance forms born directly from the collision of African and European cultural traditions on American soil. Its tight partnership with jazz music made it a cornerstone of twentieth-century American performance culture.
What are Tap dance's major versions?
The two principal styles fans discuss are rhythm tap, which leans heavily into jazz and improvisation, and Broadway tap, which is more choreographed and narrative-driven for stage productions.
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