Tap dance, with its rhythmic beats and infectious energy, is one of the most unique forms of dance. Born from a blend of cultural influences, tap developed into a widely celebrated art form that’s still evolving today. Here’s a look at the rich history of tap, from its origins to its role in contemporary dance.
The Origins of Tap Dance (17th-19th Centuries)
Tap dance has its roots in the African and Irish cultures that merged in America during the 17th and 18th centuries. African slaves brought rhythmic footwork traditions, often performed without drums due to restrictions placed on them. They used body percussion, including stomping and clapping, to create music. Meanwhile, Irish immigrants brought with them traditional step dancing, which features precise footwork, rhythmic taps, and sliding movements.
In the 19th century, these two dance styles began to blend together, primarily in urban areas where different cultural communities intermingled. Early tap-like forms appeared in the minstrel shows of the time, where performers used their feet to create rhythm. Though often problematic in its portrayal of African Americans, the minstrel era played a role in introducing rhythmic footwork to American audiences and setting the stage for tap dance to develop further.
The Birth of Tap as an American Art Form (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)
Tap dance began to solidify as a recognized form in the late 19th century, particularly in the Vaudeville circuit. Vaudeville, which brought together diverse acts from singers and dancers to comedians, provided tap dancers with a platform to showcase their skills. Black dancers like Master Juba (William Henry Lane) became famous for their unique style and intricate rhythms, earning respect and influencing future generations of tap dancers.
During this time, metal taps were added to shoes, which enhanced the clarity and volume of the beats. This small change transformed the art, making each step and shuffle resonate with a sharp, distinct sound. By the early 20th century, tap dance was evolving quickly, with new styles and techniques emerging as performers refined and reimagined the form.
The Golden Age of Tap Dance (1930s-1950s)
The 1930s to 1950s marked the “Golden Age” of tap dance, as it exploded in popularity and entered the world of film and theater. Tap’s presence on Broadway and in Hollywood introduced the dance to mainstream audiences. Iconic performers like Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson brought tap to the silver screen, pairing it with ballroom and jazz elements in dazzling, high-energy routines.
While Hollywood brought tap into the spotlight, it was also thriving in the jazz clubs of Harlem, where dancers like John Bubbles and Baby Laurence added new rhythms and syncopations, influenced by the jazz music of the time. Bubbles, in particular, is credited with pioneering rhythm tap—a style that emphasizes complex timing and musicality, focusing on the sound created rather than solely on the visual appeal.
The Influence of Jazz and Rhythm Tap (1940s-1970s)
Jazz music and tap were closely linked, as both art forms thrived on improvisation, rhythm, and individual style. Rhythm tap emerged as a distinct style that leaned into the percussive, musical qualities of the form. It was less about high kicks or showmanship and more about intricate footwork and syncopation.
Dancers like Gregory Hines and Jimmy Slyde became influential figures in this era, bringing improvisational skills into the spotlight. Hines, especially, played a crucial role in reviving public interest in tap during the 1970s and 80s. He championed rhythm tap, performed on Broadway, and helped usher tap into new spaces like jazz clubs, making the art more about personal expression and musicality.
Tap in Contemporary Culture (1980s-Present)
Tap has seen several revivals, each bringing the art to new audiences and fusing it with other styles. Savion Glover, known for his powerhouse technique and raw style, brought a modern edge to tap in the 1990s with his intense, hard-hitting approach known as “hitting.” Glover, who starred in Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk, helped usher tap into hip-hop and street dance culture, inspiring a new generation of dancers with his innovative, unfiltered style.
Today, tap dance continues to evolve, incorporating influences from hip-hop, jazz, and even electronic music. Tap companies and choreographers experiment with digital sounds, alternative spaces, and contemporary techniques, keeping the form fresh and relevant. Festivals like the New York City Tap Festival and the Chicago Human Rhythm Project celebrate tap’s past and push its future forward.
Tap dance, rooted in diverse traditions and continually evolving, has become a powerful expression of rhythm, resilience, and innovation. Each tap dancer brings something new to the form, contributing to an art that’s always growing, reinventing itself with each generation. Today, tap remains both a beloved classic and an ever-changing form of dance, uniting audiences around the world through its rhythmic beats and expressive steps. From Broadway to the streets, tap continues to captivate dancers and audiences alike, proving that its rhythm will never fade.