Tap dancing is a popular type of dance that incorporates audio into the dance itself, and is one of the most celebrated dances in the world. The most recognised aspect of tap dancing is the use of special tap shoes. These shoes feature a metal section on the heel and toe, which makes the ‘tap’ sound. Tap dance, among other types of dance, is celebrated across the globe on International Dance Day. Find out more about the day and how you can get involved here.
The origins of tap dance
During the early slave trade in America, slave-holders discovered that the slaves were able to communicate with each other using drums. This caused a panic among many, and the use of drums was subsequently banned in the plantations. Instead of using drums, the slaves transferred the beat to their feet, and so tap dancing was born.
Tap dance in the 19th century
With the rise of Minstrel shows in the mid 1800s, tap dancing became more popular. As it was against the law in the mid 19th century for black performers to dance in front of an audience alone, Irish performers would often imitate black performers in minstrel shows. They would paint their faces black and incorporate early tap dancing with the Irish jig. This resulted in tap dancing footwork being combined with Irish clogging steps to create a style called ‘Buck and Wing’. Buck and Wing eventually became modern tap dance.
Tap dance in the 20th century
By the 1900s, tap dancing had become very popular with audiences of all ages. Famous tap dancers during the 20th century included:
Fred Astaire
Steve Condos
Eleanor Powell
Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson
Shirley Temple
John W. Bubbles
Tap dancing in the 20th century had a variety of different styles incorporated into it. Some dancers used ballroom influences, some used ballet. Other tap dancers, like The Nicholas Brothers, even incorporated acrobatics into their routines. In the 1930s, tap dance was often mixed with Lindy Hop. Lindy Hop is a popular American dance that originated in New York City. Famous Lindy Hop dance moves like ‘flying swing outs’ and ‘flying circles’ have their origins in tap dance.
Tap dance in the modern era
In 1989, president George Bush named May 25th ‘National Tap Dance Day’ in the USA. This date was chosen as it was the birthday of celebrated tap dancer. Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson, who died in 1949. Popular indie band, Tilly and The Wall, uniquely have a tap dancer - Jamie Pressnall - instead of a drummer.
