Tap Dance History

Historical Context Originating in the United States, tap is a combination of African tribal dances, Scottish, Irish, and English clog dances, hornpipes, and jigs. In the last few decades of the 20th century, it was believed that African slaves and Irish servants observed each other’s dances on Southern plantations and tap was born from this. Tap dance was a dynamic art form, and dancers continually molded and shaped it. Dancers such as Harland Dixon and Jimmy Doyle impressed audiences and influenced developing dancers with their skill, and creativity. Tap did not appear in the “books” until 1928. More than one hundred years after most dances. It enjoyed nearly four decades of popularity on the American stage, from the turn of the twentieth
Because they were both considered “ back of the yard” dances. African Americans helped influence tap and lower class Dominicans evolved Bachata. There are many differences in the two styles of dance. For example, tap dance was made up of of more than one culture versus Bachata is made up of one culture. Because both cultures were looked down upon neither of the dances or their music was supported. Both styles of dance originated in completely different parts of the world. Tap is made up of more than one culture, bachata is one culture. One major aspect that makes the two dance styles alike is that they both came up in the 20th century. A time period were both dances were not welcomes with open arms but they stood true to what they believed
Tap dancers use their feet like drums to create rhythmic patterns and timely beats. The term "tap dancing" is derived from the tapping sound produced when the small metal plates on the dancer's shoes touch a hard floor or surface. “A common style of tap dancing is called "classical tap." Classical tappers use their arms and upper bodies to blend movements of ballet or jazz into their tap routines” (Bedinghaus). Tap is not a stiff dance. You need rhythm and moment to be able to tap well. Some dancers prefer flat shoes while some feel more comfortable with a heel. The most popular colors for tap shoes are black, white and beige. The shoes should fit well and be comfortable. Snug-fitting shoes are preferred over loose ones. The taps, two on each shoe, should be the same width as the heels and the toes of the shoe. Beginning tap dance classes focus on learning single tap steps, then incorporating the steps into series of combinations. A few of the basic tap steps include the brush, flap, shuffle, and ball change. Tap dancers strive to produce clean tap sounds with each step. The goal in tap dancing is to produce clear, clean sounds with various levels of tone. Body weight should be held slightly forward, allowing most of the dancing to be done on the balls of the feet. The knees and ankles should be relaxed at all times. “Beginning tap dancers are sometimes told to dance