The History Of Tap Dancing

The history of tap dancing includes influences from around the world. It is said to have its official start as an artistic form during the early 19th century. Various cultures borrowed from each other and created this unique and very expressive art. There are British, Scottish, Irish and African cultural influences found in this form of entertainment.

In Ireland, clogging was a very popular form of dancing. It involved quickly moving the feet in a constant heel and toe movement on a hard wooden floor. This produced a rhythmic sound similar to tapping.

The syncopated drum beats and the fast stepping motion of the feet is yet another interpretation. Spanish flamingo dancing is also a variation of this artistic expression. Dancers wear shoes with nails hammered into the toe and heel making each step audible.

This form of artistic dancing first made its show popularity during the latter part of the 19th century as part of travelling Minstrel shows. White dancers disguised in black face copied the stylistic moves of African American performers. But African American dancers evolved this art form to new levels. Intricate moves, complex stepping and aerobics were later incorporated. A famous 19th century African American dancer that mastered this art form was called Master Juba. He dominated the New York City tapping scene with his unique, complex moves, created with the influences of the Irish jig and African step dancing.

Vaudeville made this style of dancing popular in the United States during the 1920s through the early 1940s. This art form flourished during the Depression era, as the nation was seeking a reprieve from the economic devastation happening across the nation. Vaudeville was primarily a comedic form of entertainment consisting of dancers, musicians, comedians, singers, ventriloquists and any other unique, odd, funny act. During the latter part of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century these acts were performed by more than 25,000 performers, and were the most popular form of entertainment in the United States.

There are different styles of tapping. The first formalized style was known as Buck and Wing which came out of the Minstrels. Other forms were called the Shim Sham Shimmy, the Black Bottom and the Soft shoe. African American dancers were major contributors of the development of this form of entertainment. The most famous African American dancer of that era was Bojangles, Bill Robinson.

Tapping took on new art forms during early 1950s. Amazing dancers such as Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Sammy Davis Jr. And Ray Bolger added more modern elements to their routines. Fred Astaire added a more elegant flair whereas Gene Kelly was known to showcase a more inventive and expressive form. When the Hollywood film industry, burgeoned, white dancers took center stage and tapping took on a more stripped down version than its origins. Until the art form was no longer as appreciated. But then during the mid to late 1980s, this form of dance hit the mainstream again. Thanks to the extraordinary talents of dancers such as Gregory Hinds, Savion Glover this art form became hip and cool again. They both were responsible for bringing something new and relevant to tapping.

dance has been around for hundreds of years. The history of tap dancing involves several different cultures from around the world are responsible for its evolution and growth. Although it is not as popular as in its golden years, it is still enjoyed today. Young people are still signing up for lesions. This artistic expression will be appreciated for many more years to come.