tap (verb): from Middle English "tappen," probably imitative of the sound of a footfall
dance (noun): from Old French "danse," from Medieval Latin "dantia," from Vulgar Latin "dantiare," meaning "to dance"
Meaning
Tap dance is a form of dance characterized by using the sounds of one's tap shoes against a hard surface as a form of musical accompaniment.
Origin
The origins of tap dance are debated, but it is generally believed to have developed in the African-American community in the United States during the 19th century.
Early Forms
Juba Dance: A form of dance performed by slaves in the Caribbean and the United States, involving rhythmic stamping and slapping of the feet.
Clog Dance: A traditional dance from Northern England and Ireland, performed with wooden clogs that produced a percussive sound.
Development in the US
Minstrel Shows: Tap dance was popularized by African-American performers in minstrel shows, where they incorporated elements of juba and clog dance.
Vaudeville: Tap dance became a staple of vaudeville performances, featuring performers such as Bill Robinson and John Bubbles.
Jazz: In the early 20th century, tap dance was incorporated into jazz music, becoming a significant element of jazz performances.
Modern Tap Dance
Today, tap dance is performed in various styles, including:
Rhythm tap: Emphasizes rhythmic footwork and complex syncopations.
Musical tap: Incorporates musicality and storytelling through taps and other sounds.
Street tap: A more urban and improvisational style with influences from hip-hop and funk.
