The History of Tap Dance

What is Tap Dance?? Tap is a form of dance characterized by using the sounds of a specialized shoe striking the ground as a form of percussion. Tap shoes have a metal tap on the ball of the foot and the heel.

1600’s: Tap dancing originates from the fusion of British clog and step dancing and West African drumming and rhythmic step patterns. Watch an example here

1800’s: Tap dance hits the stage in Minstrel shows. Performers would compete to be the most ‘authentic’ in their interpretation of African rhythmic patterns and styles.

Early 1900’s: Tap is recognized as Broadway and Hollywood grow. Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson is the most famous tapper on stage and film. John W. Bubbles invents rhythm tap, which has more syncopated movements, freeing tap from the classic 8 bar phrase.  Watch Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson here and watch John W. Bubbles here

1930’s-1980’s Tap hits Hollywood Hard. Some of Hollywood’s most famous tappers include Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Ann Miller and Ginger Rogers. After a brief disappearance, tap returned as a featured style in Broadway shows such as 42nd street and The Tap Dance Kid. Watch Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dance Swing Time here

1980’s- present day: Rhythm tap experienced a revival under the influence of Savion Glover and his development of power tapping. Lately tap has taken to hip hop influences, incorporating funk rhythm.  Watch Savion Glover power tap here

Today, students all over the world (including here at Music House) are studying the different styles and rhythms of tap. Tap dance is for anyone and everyone, including you!