8.1 Tap Dance Basics
2 min read•july 23, 2024
Tap dance is a art form that blends footwork and . It's all about creating percussive sounds with your feet, using steps like flaps, shuffles, and ball changes to build and combinations.
In musical theater, tap dance has a rich history rooted in African and Irish traditions. It became a staple of shows, showcasing the talents of legendary performers and serving as a powerful means of expression for African American artists.
Tap Dance Fundamentals
Basic tap dance steps
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- Flaps involve brushing the foot forward, striking the ball of the foot on the floor, and immediately following with a step on the same foot
- Shuffles require brushing the foot forward, striking the ball of the foot on the floor, then immediately brushing the foot back and striking the ball of the foot on the floor again
- Ball changes involve stepping on the ball of one foot, quickly transferring weight to the ball of the other foot, and can be performed in place or traveling (across the stage)
Simple tap combinations
- Create short phrases by linking basic steps like flaps, shuffles, and ball changes while maintaining a steady rhythm throughout the
- Proper technique involves keeping weight on the balls of the feet, maintaining an upright posture with relaxed shoulders and arms, using ankles and knees to create clear, crisp sounds, and emphasizing musicality by accenting certain beats (downbeats) or syncopating rhythms (off-beats)
Tap dance in musical theater
- Tap dance originated from the fusion of African rhythms and Irish step dancing, developed in the United States during the 19th century, and was popularized by in (blackface entertainment) and (variety shows)
- Tap dance was incorporated into Broadway shows in the early 20th century, showcased in productions like "" (1921) and "" (1934), and featured prominent performers such as Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and the
- Tap dance represents the fusion of African and European dance traditions, served as a means of expression and empowerment for African American performers, and continues to evolve and influence contemporary dance styles (hip-hop, jazz)
Key Terms to Review (17)
African American Performers: African American performers are individuals of African descent who engage in various forms of performance, including theater, dance, and music, often bringing cultural richness and unique perspectives to their art. They have historically played a significant role in shaping American performing arts, particularly in genres like jazz, blues, and tap dance, which are deeply rooted in African American culture and history.
Anything goes: The phrase 'anything goes' signifies a spirit of freedom and openness, often associated with theatrical works that break traditional conventions. This term encapsulates a carefree attitude towards rules and norms, enabling creativity to flourish in various forms of performance, especially musical theater. It reflects the essence of innovation found in influential shows and composers who challenged the status quo, while also being linked to vibrant dance styles like tap that emphasize improvisation and personal expression.
Ball change: A ball change is a dance movement where the weight shifts from one foot to the other in a quick, alternating fashion, typically involving a step onto the ball of one foot followed by a shift onto the other foot. This movement is essential in various dance styles, creating momentum and flow in choreography, and serves as a fundamental building block for more complex steps and transitions.
Bill Robinson: Bill Robinson, also known as 'Bojangles,' was a legendary tap dancer and actor who rose to fame during the early 20th century. He is best known for his innovative tap dance techniques and contributions to the art form, which helped to popularize tap dance in theater and film, making it a significant component of American entertainment.
Broadway: Broadway refers to a famous avenue in New York City that is synonymous with American theater, particularly musical theater. It represents not only the physical location of numerous theaters but also the pinnacle of live theatrical performance in the United States. Broadway productions are characterized by high production values, star power, and often elaborate choreography and music, making it a significant cultural landmark that influences many aspects of performance arts.
Combination: In the context of tap dance, a combination refers to a sequence of steps and movements that are performed together in a cohesive manner. These combinations are fundamental in teaching rhythm, coordination, and musicality, allowing dancers to express themselves through intricate patterns and styles. Learning combinations is essential for mastering the technical aspects of tap dance while also fostering creativity and performance skills.
Downbeat: The downbeat is the first beat of a measure in music, marking the strongest point in a rhythmic sequence. It serves as a foundation for musical timing, emphasizing the start of each measure and guiding dancers and musicians in their performance. Understanding the downbeat is crucial in tap dance, as it helps performers synchronize their footwork with the accompanying music.
Flap: A flap is a basic tap dance step where the dancer lifts one foot and strikes it against the floor, usually in a rhythmic pattern, followed by a quick step on the other foot. This step creates a distinctive sound and is often used in combination with other movements to add complexity and flair to a tap routine. Understanding how to execute a flap properly helps in developing coordination, timing, and musicality in tap dance.
Intricate patterns: Intricate patterns refer to complex and detailed sequences of movements or steps that create visually engaging and rhythmically appealing forms in dance. In the context of tap dance, these patterns can involve a combination of footwork, syncopation, and coordination that challenges dancers to master both the technique and artistry of their performance.
Minstrel shows: Minstrel shows were a form of entertainment that emerged in the early 19th century, characterized by performances featuring white actors in blackface, presenting a caricatured depiction of African American culture. These shows often included music, dance, and comedy routines, blending various performance elements that would later influence the development of American musical theater and tap dance.
Musicality: Musicality refers to the ability to interpret and express music through movement, emphasizing rhythm, dynamics, and phrasing. It is crucial for performers to connect their physical expressions with the music's emotional content, creating a seamless and engaging experience. This connection enhances the overall performance, making it resonate with the audience on both auditory and visual levels.
Nicholas Brothers: The Nicholas Brothers were an iconic tap dance duo, consisting of brothers Fayard and Harold Nicholas, renowned for their extraordinary talent and innovative dance style during the early to mid-20th century. They are celebrated for blending traditional tap with acrobatic elements, which significantly influenced the evolution of tap dance and showcased its potential as a dynamic performance art.
Rhythmic: Rhythmic refers to the pattern of sounds and silences in music and dance, emphasizing timing, tempo, and the arrangement of beats. This concept is vital in tap dance as it involves creating audible sounds through footwork that align with musical beats, enhancing the overall performance. Rhythm serves as the foundation for movement in tap dance, allowing dancers to express themselves and connect with the music.
Shuffle: In tap dance, a shuffle is a basic step that involves a sliding movement of the foot followed by a striking sound made by the toe and heel. It’s essential for creating rhythm and syncopation in tap routines, allowing dancers to add flair and texture to their performances. The shuffle can be executed in various styles and speeds, making it a versatile step that forms the foundation for more complex tap dance combinations.
Shuffle along: Shuffle Along is a landmark musical that premiered in 1921, known for being one of the first Broadway shows to feature an all-Black cast and creative team. This production played a crucial role in the evolution of musical theater, introducing new rhythms and styles of tap dance that would influence future performances.
Syncopation: Syncopation is a musical technique that involves placing emphasis on beats or parts of beats that are normally unaccented, creating a sense of surprise and rhythmic interest. This technique is essential in various dance styles as it adds complexity to the rhythm, making the movements more dynamic and engaging. Syncopation often gives rise to unexpected rhythmic patterns that can elevate the emotional impact of the performance.
Vaudeville: Vaudeville is a theatrical variety show that became popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring a mix of specialty acts such as comedians, musicians, dancers, and magicians. It was known for its diverse entertainment styles and served as a vital precursor to modern musical theater, influencing early Broadway productions and tap dance performances.