TAP

Tap dance is a uniquely indigenous American art form. Originally a fusion of European and West African musical step dance traditions that emerged in the United States in the 1700’s, it has been popular since the 1920’s. Tap remains strong today with very few changes in form and technique.  You may remember the more famous early tappers such as Shirley Temple, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Ann Miller, Eleanor Powell, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, and Danny Kaye, just to name a few. 

Today the most popular tap comes from shows like Tap Dogs, Stomp, and the ever so popular Broadway musicals such as 42nd Street, Crazy for You, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Producers, etc. All of the MGM musicals from the 30’s through the 60’s were primarily filled with tap dancing.

Tap has been a staple to dance education for over 60 years. Today we teach a well rounded style of tap to our students – close to the floor grounded footwork, acapella work, graded work and broadway style, along with pieces from the world famous “Radio City Rockettes”. We strive to keep pushing the art form forward while teaching and preserving its rich history. We always recommend tap for those students who are very energetic and would enjoy an outlet that lets them make a lot of noise! Tap communities thrive all over the world, and tap festivals can be found throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia.