Tap dance is a form of dance that originated in the United States during the 19th century. It combines African American and European dance traditions and is characterized by the use of metal plates on the shoes of the dancers, which create a tapping sound when they strike the floor.
The roots of tap dance can be traced back to the African American slaves who were brought to America in the 17th and 18th centuries. These slaves brought with them their own unique dance traditions, which were later blended with European dance styles to create what we now know as tap dance.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, tap dance became a popular form of entertainment in vaudeville shows and on Broadway. Famous tap dancers of this era included Bill Robinson, Fred Astaire, and Ginger Rogers.
During the mid-20th century, tap dance began to decline in popularity as other forms of dance, such as jazz and ballet, became more popular. However, tap dance experienced a resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s thanks to the work of dancers like Gregory Hines and Savion Glover.
Today, tap dance continues to be a popular form of dance, both as a performance art and as a form of exercise. It has a rich history that has played an important role in the development of American dance and culture.
At Sharon’s Studio of Dance & Music, we proudly offer tap dance classes for children of all ages. View our dance class schedule and register online today or contact the office to schedule a free trial class.