Music Genres That Elevate Your Tap Dancing
As tap dancers, we don't just move to music—we become part of the rhythm section. Our feet are our instruments, and the floor is our stage. But the right musical backdrop can transform a routine from simple steps into a soul-stirring performance. The genre you choose sets the tone, influences your phrasing, and ultimately determines the emotional impact of your dance.
Jazz: The Timeless Conversation
It's impossible to talk about tap without honoring its deepest roots in jazz. The syncopated rhythms, swinging beats, and improvisational nature of jazz make it a perfect partner for tap. When you dance to jazz, you're engaging in a musical conversation—the band plays a phrase, you answer with your feet.
Why it works: Jazz's complex rhythms challenge you to play with syncopation and develop your musical ear. The call-and-response tradition inherent in jazz allows for incredible improvisational opportunities.
Artists to Explore:
Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and modern artists like Cécile McLorin Salvant and Gregory Porter.
Hip-Hop: Urban Rhythm Revolution
The heavy beats and intricate rhythmic patterns of hip-hop have created a vibrant new landscape for tap dancers. The genre's emphasis on percussion and beat-making aligns perfectly with the tap dancer's approach to creating rhythm.
Why it works: Hip-hop's clear, strong downbeats provide a solid foundation for building complex rhythms. The culture of hip-hop encourages individuality and innovation—perfect for developing your unique style.
Artists to Explore:
J Dilla, A Tribe Called Quest, Anderson .Paak, Kendrick Lamar, and the soulful samples of producers like Madlib.
Funk & Soul: Groove Is in the Heart
If you want to make people feel something deep in their bones, funk and soul are your go-to genres. The emphasis on the first beat of the measure (the "one") creates a powerful gravitational pull that audiences can physically feel.
Why it works: The strong, steady grooves of funk provide a canvas for both precise rhythm and expressive movement. The emotional depth of soul music encourages storytelling through tap.
Artists to Explore:
James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Vulfpeck, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, and the modern funk of artists like Silk Sonic.
World Rhythms: Global Percussion Exploration
Expanding your horizons to include world music can revolutionize your approach to rhythm. From the complex polyrhythms of West African drumming to the intricate patterns of flamenco, global traditions offer endless inspiration.
Why it works: These traditions often feature rhythm as the primary musical element, making them ideal for tap. They'll challenge you to think about rhythm in new ways and incorporate unexpected patterns.
Artists to Explore:
Fela Kuti (Afrobeat), Buena Vista Social Club (Cuban), Tinariwen (Tuareg), and traditional flamenco artists like Paco de Lucía.
Electronic & Lo-Fi: Modern Soundscapes
Don't overlook contemporary electronic music for tap. From the clean, precise beats of house music to the textured layers of lo-fi, these genres offer fresh sonic landscapes that can make your tap dancing sound utterly modern.
Why it works: The often-minimalist production allows your taps to become a featured instrument in the track. The steady tempos of electronic music are great for practicing precision and clarity.
Artists to Explore:
Kaytranada, Bonobo, Four Tet, and various lo-fi beat creators that provide perfect practice soundscapes.
Ultimately, the best music for your tap dancing is whatever inspires you to move. Don't be afraid to experiment with unexpected genres—you might just discover a revolutionary new way to express yourself through rhythm. Remember: your feet are your instrument, but the music you choose is your collaborator. Choose wisely, and then let the conversation begin.
