Tap dance is a popular style practiced by children and adults throughout the U.S. This lively, upbeat form of dancing involves wearing shoes with metal taps on the toe and heel, allowing dancers to make percussive sounds combined with expressive movements. Before signing your kids up for tap classes, you might want to know more about the history of this style. Here's more about the origins and evolution of tap. 

Beginnings of Tap Dancing

Tap has roots in African djouba or gioube, a style of dance that features rhythmic foot shuffling and hand clapping to the beat of live drums. African slaves in the United States developed tap dancing in response to the Slave Laws of the 1740s, which forbade the playing of drums. As a substitute, they began using louder and more percussive footwork to mimic the beat and rhythm of the drums. African slaves who worked alongside Irish indentured servants observed the latter clog dancing, making quick and precise foot movements while keeping the upper body steady. Tap dancing thus became a unique fusion of African and Irish styles. 

Rise in Popularity 

In the late 19th century, vaudeville was among the most popular forms of entertainment in the U.S. In addition to performances by singers, acrobats, and musicians, tap dancing routines became a central component of these variety shows. Combined with music, singing, and theatrical elements, tap rose to popularity on Broadway in the early 20th century. Musical productions such as 42nd Street, Anything Goes, and Black and Blue prominently showcased tap dance. By the 1930s, Hollywood stars such as Shirley Temple, Gene Kelly, and Fred Astaire tap-danced on the silver screen, which helped this dance style reach mainstream audiences.

Tap Today

Though less popular than its 20th-century heyday, you may still observe tap routines in popular media and live performances. If you go to a Broadway show today, you'll likely see a tap-dancing number as part of the production. Tap also remains a popular style of dance taught in studios throughout the nation.

Introduce your kids to tap dance by enrolling them in lessons at RAD Dance Arts Academy. This studio provides dance classes to children and teens throughout Greenville, TX. Call (903) 440-6355 to sign your kids up for lessons, and visit the website to learn more about this dance studio's styles and programs.