Tap dance has been a popular form of dance for centuries, and its history is rich and varied. From its origins in Africa to its heyday in the jazz age, tap dance has evolved and adapted to the changing times and cultures it has encountered along the way.
Early Origins
Tap dance is believed to have originated in Africa, where the use of rhythmic foot stomping and hand clapping was a common form of communication and celebration. When African slaves were brought to America, they brought their dance traditions with them, and tap dance began to take shape.
Growth in Popularity
As African American communities grew in the United States, tap dance became a popular form of entertainment. Performers like Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and John Bubbles helped to popularize the dance form, and it became a staple of the vaudeville circuit.
The Jazz Age
During the jazz age of the 1920s and 1930s, tap dance reached new heights of popularity. Performers like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers incorporated tap dance into their routines, and the dance form became a symbol of the carefree and exuberant spirit of the era.
Decline and Revival
After the golden age of tap dance, the dance form fell out of favor for a time. However, in the 1970s and 1980s, there was a revival of interest in tap dance, thanks in part to the efforts of performers like Gregory Hines and Savion Glover.
Modern Tap Dance
Today, tap dance continues to evolve and adapt to the changing times. Performers like Michelle Dorrance and Jason Samuels Smith are pushing the boundaries of what tap dance can be, incorporating elements of hip hop and contemporary dance into their routines.
The evolution of tap dance is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of this unique art form. From its early origins in Africa to its modern incarnation, tap dance has always been a dance of rhythm, expression, and joy.
