Tap dancing is all about rhythm, creativity, and connection—not just with your feet, but with the music. Whether you're a seasoned hoofer or just starting out, the right genre can elevate your performance from good to unforgettable. Here’s a breakdown of the best music genres to make your taps sing.
1. Jazz: The Timeless Classic
From the speakeasies of the 1920s to today’s dance studios, jazz and tap are soulmates. The syncopated rhythms of artists like Duke Ellington or Ella Fitzgerald give you room to play with improvisation. Try:
- Swing jazz for fast, bouncy routines
- Bebop for complex rhythms that challenge your footwork
- Big band for dramatic group performances
Pro tip: Listen to Gregory Hines’ improvisations—jazz tap at its finest.
2. Blues: Soulful & Expressive
Blues music’s 12-bar structure creates a steady foundation for rhythmic experimentation. The slower tempo lets you emphasize texture and dynamics in your taps.
- Muddy Waters-style Chicago blues for gritty, grounded routines
- Delta blues for storytelling through movement
Fun fact: Savion Glover often blends blues with hip-hop for contemporary pieces.
3. Funk & R&B: Get Down with the Groove
James Brown didn’t call himself the hardest working man in show business for nothing—his music makes feet move. Modern tap dancers love:
- 70s funk (think Parliament-Funkadelic) for high-energy shows
- Neo-soul (D’Angelo, Erykah Badu) for smoother flows
- Contemporary R&B (Bruno Mars, Silk Sonic) for viral-worthy combos
4. Electronic & Lo-Fi: Unexpected Beats
Don’t sleep on electronic music for tap! Producers are creating tap-friendly tracks with:
- Glitch hop for robotic, precise movements
- House music beats that mimic shuffle steps
- Lo-fi hip-hop for chill practice sessions
Check out #TapTok trends—many use electronic remixes of classic tap tunes.
5. World Rhythms: Global Inspiration
Expand your repertoire with international flavors:
- Afrobeat (Fela Kuti, Burna Boy) for polyrhythmic layers
- Flamenco palmas (hand claps) paired with tap creates fiery duets
- Brazilian samba for carnival-worthy energy
Finding Your Signature Sound
Your ideal genre depends on your style:
- Broadway tappers → Showtunes/jazz hybrids
- Street-style tappers → Hip-hop beats with acoustic tap overlays
- Experimental artists → Mix genres or tap to spoken word
The best part? There are no rules. In 2025, tap dancers are fusing K-pop with hoofing, creating ASMR tap videos, and even tapping to AI-generated music. Your groove is out there—start exploring!
