When you consider signing your kids up for tap dance classes, you might have a specific idea of what this style of dance involves. Most people are aware that it’s distinguished by the use of special shoes fitted with metal plates to create distinctive rhythmic sounds. However, what’s less commonly known is that tap calls on nearly two centuries of tradition and development, during which a range of unique styles and approaches have been developed. Find out more about just a few of them in the article below.

What Are Some Styles of Tap Dance?

1. Jazz Tap

Jazz tap calls on elements of jazz dance, such as breathtaking leaps and precise, isolated movements, and combines them with the tightly-controlled leg- and footwork characteristic of traditional tap dance to create an exciting, distinctive style. Although tap originated as a fusion of European and African dance styles traditionally performed to folk music, jazz tap can be performed to any number of jazz musical styles, from ragtime and Dixieland jazz to acid jazz and even techno and funk.

2. Classical Tap

This is what most people think of when they sign up for tap dance classes. Popularized through the performances of A-list dancers in Hollywood musical films, classical tap blends jazz dance, ballet, and gravity-defying acrobatics, often in tightly-synchronized performances between partners and full ensembles. It was first brought to global attention by the Nicholas Brothers, a duo of performers who influenced many of the tap dancers of the late 20th century.

3. Soft-Shoe

The earliest form of tap dance was the soft-shoe, which is performed without the use of the metal-capped shoes the style is otherwise famous for. Although it doesn’t feature the characteristic sharp clicking of other types of tap dance, the audience is nevertheless invited to enjoy the rhythmic sounds made by performers’ feet as they execute a series of elegant motions. Soft-shoe performers sometimes dance on sand to enhance the sound of their footwork.

When your little one is interested in tap dance classes, get in touch with Misty’s Dance Unlimited in Onalaska, WI. Since 1988, they’ve introduced kids ages three and up to a wide range of dance styles, including tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, and more. Visit their website to browse their upcoming class schedule, and call (608) 779-4642 today to enroll your child in tap dance classes.