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Tap dance is an indigenous American dance form with roots that go back 300 years to British and West African musical and step dance traditions. These fused and evolved into a form of dance called "jigging", which was taken up by minstrel show dancers in the 1800s. Tap dance then became a popular stage entertainment.
Tap dance as it is known today did not emerge until roughly the 1920s, when “taps,” nailed or screwed onto shoe soles at the toes and heels, became popular. During this time entire chorus lines in shows such as Shuffle Along (1921) first appeared on stage with “tap shoes,” and the dance they did became known as tap dancing.
- Rusty Frank
Jun 7, 2021 · Learn about the origins, features, and famous performers of tap dance, a dance style that taps sounds with metal shoes. Explore the syncopated beats, improvisation, and upper body movements of tap dance with MasterClass.
Nov 25, 2015 · Learn how tap dance evolved from a street art to a formal entertainment, and how one dancer is bringing it back to its roots of joy and sharing. Watch a video of a spontaneous performance by tap dancers from different backgrounds and locations.
