Tap dance

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Jimmy Slyde

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Blackface

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Teen Tap Dancer

Tap dance is a form of dance characterized by using the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. The term "tap dance" is both a descriptive of the sound the shoes make and an indicator of the dance's distinctive style. This dance form has its roots in a variety of cultures, including African, Irish, and English dance traditions, and has evolved over centuries into the globally recognized form it is today.

History

The origins of tap dance can be traced back to the fusion of several ethnic percussive dances, including African tribal dances, English clog dancing, and Irish jigs. The African influence is particularly significant, as enslaved Africans in America used percussive dancing as a form of self-expression and communication, given that drums and other musical instruments were often banned. By the 19th century, these diverse influences converged in the United States, giving birth to what would become known as tap dance.

In the early 20th century, tap dance flourished in the United States, particularly within the vaudeville circuit and later in film and Broadway productions. Notable tap dancers such as Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Fred Astaire, and Ginger Rogers brought tap dance into the mainstream, showcasing its potential as both an art form and a form of entertainment.

Styles

Tap dance can be divided into two main styles: rhythm (jazz) tap and Broadway tap. Rhythm tap focuses on musicality and practitioners often dance to jazz music, considering themselves to be a part of the band. Broadway tap, on the other hand, is more focused on dance as a part of theatrical performance, often featured in musical theater productions.

Technique

Tap dancers wear shoes fitted with heel and toe taps that act as both an instrument and a means to produce sound. The technique involves creating a variety of tapping sounds and rhythms with the feet. Dancers use a combination of heel drops, toe taps, shuffles, and brushes to create complex rhythmic patterns. Mastery of tap dance requires a good sense of rhythm, timing, and precision.

Notable Tap Dancers

Several tap dancers have had a significant impact on the art form, including:

• Bill "Bojangles" Robinson - Known for his smooth style and charismatic performances, Robinson is one of the most famous tap dancers of all time.
• Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers - This duo popularized tap dance in Hollywood musicals with their elegant and highly technical performances.
• Gregory Hines - A modern tap dancer who played a key role in reviving tap dance in the late 20th century with his innovative style and choreography.

Cultural Impact

Tap dance has made a significant cultural impact, particularly in the United States, where it is seen as a symbol of American performance art. It has been featured in numerous films, theater productions, and television shows, contributing to its popularity and evolution as an art form. Tap dance also serves as a means of storytelling and expression, reflecting the cultural and historical contexts from which it originates.

See Also

• Dance
• Jazz Dance
• Musical Theatre
• African-American Culture
• Irish Dance

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