Tap: A Rhythmical Conversation
Tap dancing is often referred to as the "American Folk Dance". This is due to
the many influences that have helped to create Tap as we know it today.
As more immigrants settled in North America, the new style of dance evolved.
Such influences included African tribal dances, Irish jigs, European folk dances,
Minstrel shows, Vaudeville, Musical Comedy, plus the onset of jazz music.
There were two prominent techniques that helped to evolve tap dancing.
One being the wooden clog shoes that was known to be fast and often choppy.
The second one being the leather-soled shoes that were used in the 'soft shoe'
style. In time, copper pennies were added to the heels of leather shoes - this was
often referred to as 'Sand Dancing'. Gradually, in the 1920's metal taps were added,
thus changing the style to be more athletic. Tap is described as having percussive
footwork, intricate rhythms and often syncopated timing.
When English, Irish, Germans and Africans arrived in the New World, the
merger of various dance forms took place. This new dance art was Tap.
When African-Americans were forbidden to use drums, they naturally
transferred these rhythms to their feet. By the mid-19th century, these rhythms
were combined with Irish and British clogging and created an
original dance form called "Buck & Wing". Another smoother style called
the 'waltz clog' was mastered by the infamous Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson, who
was also the first black Broadway dancing star.
Toward the middle of the 19th century, a form of entertainment known as
Ministrelsy was popular. This helped in nurturing the growth of song and
dance, particularly tap for well over 560 years. 'Juba' (William Henry
Lane) was the greatest influence on dance during this time. His emphasis
was on rhythm and percussion rather than melody. He was the first to add
syncopation and improvisation to his performance. George Primrose also
furthered growth of tap dance in ministrelsy be defining the 'Soft Shoe'.
Unfortunately ministrelsy was predominantly a masculine form of
entertainment. Women became involved as the demand grew for something new
and different. Thus the new era of 'Vaudeville' began. This style of Tap
was often referred to as 'shotgun tap' and the performers were 'hoofers'.
Their specialty was the 'flash step' in addition to an abundance of
improvisation. Time-steps were especially important at this time to set the
tempo with the local orchestra as the vaudeville shows traveled from town
to town.
Many famous dancers aided in the evolution of Tap. Another such man was
John Bubbles who added rhythmic complexity to the form by adding the use of
heel sounds. At the same time, Fred Astaire began his career in Hollywood.
His style imitated ballroom elegance plus rhythmical dynamics.
Throughout the 20's and 30's the art form continued to develop. More body
movement, difficult tricks & athletics, intricate rhythms and flash steps
were added. Two new acts evolved: flash acts & class acts. Flash acts were
difficult, precise and extravagant whereas class acts were a slow tempo
often soft shoe, shown with extraordinary ease and elegance. One famous
flash act was the Nicholas Brothers, and a famous class act was Coles &
Atkins.
Tap popularity continued through the Big Band era of the 40's and is
commonly known as Jazz Tap. During the 50's & 60's, tap took a back seat to
the new trends occurring in the theatre and music. Fortunately a resurgence
came again in the 70's which can be partially attributed to the Broadway
shows including tap again and also to the inspirational dancing of Gregory
Hines.
Tap continued to be stronger than ever throughout the 90's and on into the
new millennium. Many companies such as Tap Dogs and Stomp have incorporated
their own creative use of style, props and theme, but the basic elements
of tap and its history are still apparent.
Not only is Tap dancing full of interesting historical stories, but the
people including performers, teachers and choreographers, and the steps
themselves each have a history behind them. We are continuing to evolve by
incorporating new styles and concepts from a new generation of Tap lovers.
