The Evolution of Tap Dance: From Origins to Modern Day

Tap dance is a dance style that originated over a hundred years ago in America. It emerged from the fusion of two completely opposite cultures and dance traditions: Irish and African American. This was a fairly typical situation for the country at that time, as people from all over the world were migrating to America, and many dance styles were born there.

Tap dance has gone through many stages and transformations since its inception, which we'll explore in this article.

Its initial popularity was due to numerous Hollywood musical productions and shows where it was widely used. People loved it for its rhythm, unique technique, and ability to complement music and singing with precise foot tapping. This happened about 40 years after its creation.

Around the same time, changes began. Elements of classical and modern movements were added, making it more diverse and richer. Tap dance became smoother, more expressive, and looked better on stage in musicals. Its popularity skyrocketed; everyone started dancing it for fun!

Tap dance changed even more with the rise of jazz and jazz music. These two styles would continue to evolve side by side for a long time. The lively jazz music made the dance more expressive, vibrant, and complicated its technique, as dancers wanted to match its fast rhythms and complement them.

Over the course of its development, tap dance spread beyond its country of origin and reached Europe. This led to its split into two distinct varieties:

— American tap. It was more 'danceable'. People who danced tap in America were inspired by jazz dance and musical compositions. For a time, jazz dance and tap were even merged because they were considered the same. This was due to the high popularity of both styles. This type also includes elements of classical and modern dance, making it more interesting, fluid, and versatile.

— European tap. The European variety leans more towards its Irish roots. A distinctive feature of Irish tap is active legwork while the torso and arms remain nearly still. This variety is more authentic and unique, as it draws from the distinct culture of Ireland. The lively motifs of Irish music complement this dance wonderfully.