Tap Dance: Fascinating Facts You Didn't Know

Many historians classify tap as a musical art rather than dance, because this dance style originated from musical traditions. It can be categorized as a percussion dance. Here are some fascinating facts about tap dancing.

The Emergence of Tap Dance

When the slave trade flourished in the United States (at that time slaves could be of various nationalities), a mix of cultures occurred. A new type of music emerged, which gradually transitioned into a new dance form. Of course, we are talking about tap.

Communication through Rhythm
When America bought and sold slaves, they feared revolts that slaves might organize. Slaves couldn't speak directly, so they used drums to send signals. Americans then banned drums.

But they needed to communicate somehow. So during festivities, they invented a new rhythm – using their feet. They could now communicate not with drums but by tapping out rhythms with their feet. That was the birth of tap. Gradually, the movements became more complex, and tap began to evolve.

Tap in Russia
While tap gained popularity in Europe and America in the 18th century, it arrived in Russia only in the early 20th century. It is believed that tap developed mainly in Odessa, due to professional dancers there.

Quick Way to Lose Weight
In just one hour of practice, you burn about 200 to 400 calories. So, by taking up tap, you can quickly shed unwanted pounds.

Names

This dance style has three names: tap, jig, and clogging. So don't be surprised if some people call it by different names. All three are correct.

Types of Tap
There are four types of tap: acro, ballet, cane, and tap dance. Each has its own features. For example, ballet tap introduces ballet movements into clogging rhythms. Acro tap even incorporates acrobatic tricks.

Musicality
To become good at tap, it's not enough to be just a dancer; you also need to be a musician, because dancers beat out the musical rhythm with their feet. So you must be on friendly terms with rhythm and learn to beat it out not with your hands but with your feet, which is not so easy.

Loss of Popularity

In the 1950s, this dance style lost its former popularity, but it was never forgotten. This is evidenced by International Tap Dance Day, when people come out and start tapping. Today, tap still enjoys popularity among people of all nationalities.

Legend
There is a legend that African-American dancers performed tap at the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg in the early 20th century. That was the first time this dance style was demonstrated on Russian soil. Soon, Russians picked up the style and began doing it themselves.

Freedom

Tap involves free movements, but that doesn't mean the dance is easy to learn. In fact, even the simplest moves won't come to a beginner on the first or second try. The dance requires a certain discipline and some skills.

Tap is a very unusual dance, and not everyone can master it. Tapping out rhythm with your feet is no simple task, so you need careful and long training to learn a few classic moves. Nevertheless, it is an interesting and captivating dance.