Tap dancing is all about rhythm, timing, and musicality. Choosing the right genre can elevate your routine from good to unforgettable. Here are the top music genres that make tap dancers' feet fly in 2025.
The timeless pairing. The syncopated rhythms of jazz and the bouncy energy of swing music create the perfect playground for tap improvisation and classic time steps.
Try: "Sing Sing Sing" by Benny Goodman or "It Don't Mean a Thing" by Duke Ellington
Modern tap choreographers are loving the groove-heavy beats of neo-soul. The laid-back tempos with complex rhythmic layers allow for creative syncopation.
Try: "Cranes in the Sky" by Solange or "Leave the Door Open" by Silk Sonic
The hottest fusion genre for tap in 2025 blends vintage swing with electronic beats. The clear downbeats with modern production make it ideal for competition pieces.
Try: "Booty Swing" by Parov Stelar or "Lone Digger" by Caravan Palace
The contrast between traditional tap sounds and modern hip hop creates magic. Look for tracks with prominent snare hits and space in the rhythm for your taps to become part of the instrumental.
Try: "SICKO MODE" (instrumental) by Travis Scott or "DNA." by Kendrick Lamar
For theatrical tap, nothing beats the driving energy of Broadway classics. These are specially composed to highlight tap choreography with dramatic builds and breaks.
Try: "I Got Rhythm" from Crazy for You or "42nd Street" from the musical of the same name
Emerging Trends
This year, we're seeing more tap dancers experiment with:
- Afrobeat rhythms - The polyrhythms challenge dancers to layer steps in new ways
- AI-generated jazz - Customizable BPM and swing percentages perfect for competition routines
- Silent tap - No music at all, just the pure acoustic interplay of taps
