Tap dance

Lore & Background

Tap dance is a form of dance where performers use the metal taps on the heels and toes of their shoes to strike the floor, creating percussive sounds. This sound can serve as its own music, allowing tap to be performed without any other musical accompaniment. The defining characteristic of the dance is this fusion of movement and rhythm, making the dancer both a performer and a musician. Tap dance is an American art form that emerged alongside jazz music, originating from the combination of Black American and Irish dance traditions, specifically the juba dance and Irish step dances. The blending of African rhythms and performance styles with European footwork techniques began in the mid-17th century but only gained popularity in the mid-19th century. There are two major versions: Broadway tap, which emphasizes dance and is common in musical theater, and rhythm (jazz) tap, which focuses on musicality and is considered part of the jazz tradition. The dance evolved from the fusion of Central African djouba, Irish jig, and Welsh clog brought by immigrants to North America between the 17th and 19th centuries. This fusion developed into a form called "jigging," adopted by minstrel show dancers in the 1800s before moving to Vaudeville. During Vaudeville, a "two-colored rule" prevented black performers from dancing solo, leading to many duets like "Buck and Bubbles." Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, a protégé of Alice Whitman, became a rare black solo dancer and a world-famous celebrity, later appearing in films with Shirley Temple. The Nicholas Brothers later incorporated acrobatic feats into their classy style. In the 1930s, tap mixed with Lindy Hop, and by the mid-1950s, its popularity declined as rock and roll and new jazz dance emerged. Modern innovations include the "tap opera," a long-form performance telling a complete story.

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.