Tap dance: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 15:30, 9 December 2024

File:Tapdance-japan-stationfront.ogv Tap Dance

Tap dance is a form of dance characterized by using the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. As a dance form, it is distinguished by its use of rhythm, syncopation, and improvisation. Tap dance has a rich history and has evolved over time, incorporating elements from various cultures and dance traditions.

History[edit]

Tap dance originated in the United States during the 19th century, evolving from a blend of African American, Irish, and English dance traditions. The fusion of these styles occurred in the urban environments of the United States, particularly in New York City.

Early Influences[edit]

The early influences of tap dance can be traced back to the Juba dance, a form of dance brought to America by enslaved Africans. This dance involved rhythmic clapping and footwork, which laid the groundwork for tap dance. Additionally, Irish and English clog dancing contributed to the development of tap dance, with their emphasis on intricate footwork and percussive sounds.

Vaudeville and Broadway[edit]

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, tap dance became a popular feature in vaudeville shows and Broadway musicals. Performers such as Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and Fred Astaire helped to popularize tap dance, showcasing its versatility and entertainment value.

Jazz Era[edit]

During the Jazz Age, tap dance became closely associated with jazz music. The improvisational nature of jazz music complemented the rhythmic and spontaneous elements of tap dance. This era saw the rise of legendary tap dancers such as John Bubbles and Eleanor Powell, who pushed the boundaries of the art form.

Techniques[edit]

Tap dance is characterized by its use of tap shoes, which have metal plates attached to the heel and toe. These shoes create a distinctive sound when struck against a hard surface. Tap dancers use a variety of techniques to produce different sounds and rhythms.

Basic Steps[edit]

Some basic steps in tap dance include the "shuffle," "flap," "ball change," and "cramp roll." These steps form the foundation of tap dance and are combined to create more complex routines.

Improvisation[edit]

Improvisation is a key element of tap dance, allowing dancers to express their creativity and respond to the music in real-time. This aspect of tap dance is often highlighted in performances and competitions.

Styles[edit]

Tap dance has evolved into several distinct styles, each with its own characteristics and influences.

Rhythm Tap[edit]

Rhythm tap focuses on the musicality and percussive elements of tap dance. Dancers emphasize complex rhythms and syncopation, often performing without musical accompaniment.

Broadway Tap[edit]

Broadway tap is more theatrical and often incorporates elements of musical theater. This style is characterized by its emphasis on presentation and storytelling through dance.

Classical Tap[edit]

Classical tap combines elements of ballet and tap dance, creating a more graceful and fluid style. This style often features intricate footwork and elegant movements.

Cultural Impact[edit]

Tap dance has had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing music, film, and theater. It has been featured in numerous films, such as "Singin' in the Rain" and "42nd Street," and continues to be a popular form of entertainment.

Also see[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[File:Iowatapdancers.jpg|Iowatapdancers|thumb]] [[File:Jimmy_Slyde.jpg|Jimmy Slyde|thumb|left]] [[File:04232012dae_jpg_semana_de_la_cultura082.JPG|04232012dae jpg semana de la cultura082|thumb|left]] [[File:Blackface.jpg|Blackface|thumb]] [[File:Tapdance-japan-stationfront.ogv|Tapdance-japan-stationfront.ogv|thumb]] [[File:Teen_Tap_Dancer.jpg|Teen Tap Dancer|thumb]] '''Tap dance''' is a form of [[dance]] characterized by using the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. The term "tap dance" is both a descriptive of the sound the shoes make and an indicator of the dance's distinctive style. This dance form has its roots in a variety of cultures, including African, Irish, and English dance traditions, and has evolved over centuries into the globally recognized form it is today.
+[[File:Iowatapdancers.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Jimmy Slyde.jpg|thumb]] [[File:04232012dae jpg semana de la cultura082.JPG|thumb]] [[File:Tapdance-japan-stationfront.ogv|thumb]] Tap Dance
-==History==
+Tap dance is a form of dance characterized by using the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. As a dance form, it is distinguished by its use of rhythm, syncopation, and improvisation. Tap dance has a rich history and has evolved over time, incorporating elements from various cultures and dance traditions.
-The origins of tap dance can be traced back to the fusion of several ethnic percussive dances, including African tribal dances, English clog dancing, and Irish jigs. The African influence is particularly significant, as enslaved Africans in America used percussive dancing as a form of self-expression and communication, given that drums and other musical instruments were often banned. By the 19th century, these diverse influences converged in the United States, giving birth to what would become known as tap dance.
-In the early 20th century, tap dance flourished in the United States, particularly within the vaudeville circuit and later in film and Broadway productions. Notable tap dancers such as [[Bill "Bojangles" Robinson]], [[Fred Astaire]], and [[Ginger Rogers]] brought tap dance into the mainstream, showcasing its potential as both an art form and a form of entertainment.
+== History ==
+Tap dance originated in the United States during the 19th century, evolving from a blend of African American, Irish, and English dance traditions. The fusion of these styles occurred in the urban environments of the United States, particularly in New York City.
-==Styles==
+=== Early Influences ===
-Tap dance can be divided into two main styles: rhythm (jazz) tap and Broadway tap. Rhythm tap focuses on musicality and practitioners often dance to jazz music, considering themselves to be a part of the band. Broadway tap, on the other hand, is more focused on dance as a part of theatrical performance, often featured in musical theater productions.
+The early influences of tap dance can be traced back to the [[Juba dance]], a form of dance brought to America by enslaved Africans. This dance involved rhythmic clapping and footwork, which laid the groundwork for tap dance. Additionally, Irish and English clog dancing contributed to the development of tap dance, with their emphasis on intricate footwork and percussive sounds.
-==Technique==
+=== Vaudeville and Broadway ===
-Tap dancers wear shoes fitted with heel and toe taps that act as both an instrument and a means to produce sound. The technique involves creating a variety of tapping sounds and rhythms with the feet. Dancers use a combination of heel drops, toe taps, shuffles, and brushes to create complex rhythmic patterns. Mastery of tap dance requires a good sense of rhythm, timing, and precision.
+In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, tap dance became a popular feature in [[vaudeville]] shows and [[Broadway]] musicals. Performers such as [[Bill "Bojangles" Robinson]] and [[Fred Astaire]] helped to popularize tap dance, showcasing its versatility and entertainment value.
-==Notable Tap Dancers==
+=== Jazz Era ===
-Several tap dancers have had a significant impact on the art form, including:
+During the [[Jazz Age]], tap dance became closely associated with jazz music. The improvisational nature of jazz music complemented the rhythmic and spontaneous elements of tap dance. This era saw the rise of legendary tap dancers such as [[John Bubbles]] and [[Eleanor Powell]], who pushed the boundaries of the art form.
-* [[Bill "Bojangles" Robinson]] - Known for his smooth style and charismatic performances, Robinson is one of the most famous tap dancers of all time.
-* [[Fred Astaire]] and [[Ginger Rogers]] - This duo popularized tap dance in Hollywood musicals with their elegant and highly technical performances.
-* [[Gregory Hines]] - A modern tap dancer who played a key role in reviving tap dance in the late 20th century with his innovative style and choreography.
-==Cultural Impact==
+== Techniques ==
-Tap dance has made a significant cultural impact, particularly in the United States, where it is seen as a symbol of American performance art. It has been featured in numerous films, theater productions, and television shows, contributing to its popularity and evolution as an art form. Tap dance also serves as a means of storytelling and expression, reflecting the cultural and historical contexts from which it originates.
+Tap dance is characterized by its use of tap shoes, which have metal plates attached to the heel and toe. These shoes create a distinctive sound when struck against a hard surface. Tap dancers use a variety of techniques to produce different sounds and rhythms.
-==See Also==
+=== Basic Steps ===
-* [[Dance]]
+Some basic steps in tap dance include the "shuffle," "flap," "ball change," and "cramp roll." These steps form the foundation of tap dance and are combined to create more complex routines.
-* [[Jazz Dance]]
-* [[Musical Theatre]]
-* [[African-American Culture]]
-* [[Irish Dance]]
-[[Category:Dance]]
+=== Improvisation ===
-[[Category:Performing Arts]]
+Improvisation is a key element of tap dance, allowing dancers to express their creativity and respond to the music in real-time. This aspect of tap dance is often highlighted in performances and competitions.
-{{dance-stub}}
+== Styles ==
+Tap dance has evolved into several distinct styles, each with its own characteristics and influences.
+=== Rhythm Tap ===
+Rhythm tap focuses on the musicality and percussive elements of tap dance. Dancers emphasize complex rhythms and syncopation, often performing without musical accompaniment.
+=== Broadway Tap ===
+Broadway tap is more theatrical and often incorporates elements of musical theater. This style is characterized by its emphasis on presentation and storytelling through dance.
+=== Classical Tap ===
+Classical tap combines elements of ballet and tap dance, creating a more graceful and fluid style. This style often features intricate footwork and elegant movements.
+== Cultural Impact ==
+Tap dance has had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing music, film, and theater. It has been featured in numerous films, such as "[[Singin' in the Rain]]" and "[[42nd Street]]," and continues to be a popular form of entertainment.
+== Also see ==
+* [[Jazz dance]]
+* [[Ballet]]
+* [[Modern dance]]
+* [[Hip hop dance]]
+* [[Percussive dance]]
+{{Dance}}
+[[Category:Dance styles]]
+[[Category:American culture]]
+[[Category:Performing arts]]