American Tap Dancing Essay

American tap dancing evolved from African stomp style dancing and Irish step dancing, which is known in modern day as Irish Riverdancing. A percussive style dance where rhythm is made with metal taps, is a dance that can be performed without music due to the drumming of the taps worn on the shoes to create the harmony. Transformed from African Stomping, American Tap Dancing uses rapid foot movement where the dancer, taps complex rhythmic patterns to create a highly energetic performance. “Tap is an unusual dance form because it depends on being heard as well as seen.” Over the hundreds of years in the making, tap dancing, the shoe worn, and the talent that has derived from this style of dance has had an astronomical influence on the dance …show more content…
However, Robinsons grace did not spread to the people over night. He joined numerous traveling companies and vaudeville tours, slowing constructing a reputation in which everyone grew to love. Bill Robinsons performed for mainly blacks during his career until he was fifty year old when he started to become appreciated in the white communities and was permitted to dance upon their stages. Known for his incredible speed of magical foot movement, showmanship, and a kind heart, …show more content…
Choreographed performances can be seen on Broadway, in your neighborhood dance class recitals and still on television shows. From Africa, to Ireland, to the New World, what Americans consider tap dancing is really a culturally combined style of dance. With each generation adding their touch, we have moved from stomping bare footed, to sophisticated sets of performances in well-made metal tap shoes. Stomping/Taping has given rise to rhythm and taught each participant that the harmony within is a beautiful sound to