Tap dance is one of the most unique and beloved forms of dance, combining rhythm, movement, and sound to create an energetic and expressive art form. From its roots in the streets to its rise on Broadway stages, tap dance has a rich and vibrant history. Whether your child is already tapping their way through class or just getting started, understanding the history of tap dance can deepen their appreciation for this fun and lively dance style.
Let’s take a brief look at the origins of tap dance, its evolution, and how it became the beloved dance form we know today.
1. Early Beginnings: A Fusion of Cultures
Tap dance has a fascinating history that stems from a blend of various cultures. Its roots can be traced back to the African slave dances and Irish step dancing of the 19th century. Enslaved Africans in America maintained their rhythmic traditions by clapping and stomping, a form of body percussion called “juba,” which later influenced tap. Meanwhile, Irish immigrants brought their traditional step dancing, which emphasized quick, precise footwork.
The blending of these two dance styles in America created the foundation for tap as we know it today. By combining the rhythms of African dance with the structured footwork of Irish dancing, tap evolved into a distinct style full of improvisation, syncopation, and rhythm.
2. The Minstrel Show Era: Tap Takes the Stage
In the mid-19th century, tap dance began to gain popularity in minstrel shows—a form of entertainment that, unfortunately, reinforced racial stereotypes. Despite its problematic history, these performances provided a platform for tap dancers, allowing the dance style to develop and spread.
Many early tap dancers, including influential Black performers, began to add their own flair to the dance form, further developing its unique style. The use of metal taps on the soles of shoes began in the late 1800s, amplifying the sound and rhythm, making the dancers' feet part of the music.
3. Vaudeville and Broadway: Tap Dance Reaches New Heights
In the early 20th century, tap exploded in popularity, especially in vaudeville—a type of entertainment variety show that featured singers, dancers, comedians, and more. Vaudeville gave tap dancers a platform to show off their skills, and the audience couldn’t get enough of the quick-footed, rhythmic performances.
Tap stars like Bill “Bojangles” Robinson emerged during this era, bringing tap to new heights. Bojangles was known for his incredible ability to create clear rhythms and precise footwork while maintaining a smooth upper body. His contributions to tap dance were monumental, and his famous dance with Shirley Temple in the movie The Little Colonel (1935) remains iconic.
As tap dance grew in popularity, it eventually made its way to Broadway, where it became a staple in musicals. Shows like 42nd Street and Anything Goes featured elaborate tap dance numbers that dazzled audiences and made tap synonymous with showbiz.
4. The Jazz Era: Tap Dancers Become Stars
The 1920s and 30s brought the Jazz Age, and tap dance became closely tied to jazz music, with dancers often performing to live jazz bands. Improvisation, syncopation, and complex rhythms became the hallmarks of both jazz and tap, making the two art forms inseparable in this golden era.
During this time, legendary performers like Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly took tap to the silver screen, starring in Hollywood musicals that showcased their impeccable footwork and charismatic style. Fred Astaire’s elegant, ballroom-infused tap dancing and Gene Kelly’s athletic, Broadway-style routines in films like Singin’ in the Rain made tap a household name and inspired future generations of dancers.
5. The Evolution of Tap: From Classic to Contemporary
Although tap’s popularity waned slightly after the 1950s, it saw a resurgence in the late 20th century, particularly in the 1970s and 80s, when dancers like Gregory Hines and Savion Glover redefined tap for a new generation. Gregory Hines brought a loose, improvisational style to tap, while Savion Glover pushed boundaries by blending traditional tap with modern elements like funk and hip-hop. His style, known as “hitting” or rhythm tap, emphasizes the percussive nature of tap, turning the dancer into both a performer and a musician.
Today, tap dance continues to evolve, with dancers incorporating new music styles and experimenting with technology, but the roots of this incredible dance form remain the same—rhythm, creativity, and expression.
6. Why Tap Dance is Still Popular Today
Tap dance is beloved by dancers of all ages, not just for its infectious rhythms but also for its ability to let performers express themselves through sound and movement. At Theative Performing Arts, we teach tap as a fun, energetic way for students to build coordination, musicality, and confidence.
Tap’s long and diverse history has given it a rich legacy, and every time a dancer steps into a pair of tap shoes, they are continuing that legacy. From early minstrel shows to Broadway and beyond, tap remains a vibrant, living art form.
Interested in Tap Dance?
If your child is interested in tap dancing, we offer fun and engaging tap dance classes at Theative Performing Arts, perfect for beginners or experienced dancers. Tap is a great way to build rhythm, coordination, and musicality—all while having a blast making some noise!
Sign up for a free trial class today and see why tap dance is so beloved around the world. Visit theative.co.uk/book-a-trial to learn more.
Tap dance classes in Streatham
Tap dance classes in Streatham
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