Tap dancing: history, styles and health benefits
Tap dancing is one of the most expressive and captivating forms of dance in the world. With its fast, rhythmic movements, it has won over millions of fans on stage, in films and on television. But tap dancing is far more than just entertainment: recent research shows that it strengthens the heart, brain and mind in equal measure.
In this article, we take a look at the history, the main styles and the most influential figures in tap dancing. You’ll also find out why tap dancing is one of the most versatile forms of exercise you can imagine – and how you can give it a go in Ahrensburg.
The History of Tap Dance
Tap dancing originated in the USA in the 19th century, when African slaves combined their traditional dances with European steps and rhythms. Influences came from Irish step dancing, British clog dancing and various West African dance traditions.
Tap dancing first became accessible to a wide audience in the variety shows and vaudeville performances of the late 19th century. It experienced a further resurgence during Prohibition in the 1920s: Tap dancing played a central role in the illegal clubs and dance halls of that era.
Hollywood brought about the definitive breakthrough in the 1930s and 1940s. Films such as Singin’ in the Rain and Stormy Weather made tap dancing famous worldwide. A key figure was the dancer and choreographer Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson, who popularised the elegant ‘Class Act’ style and was one of the first African-American artists to feature prominently in Hollywood productions.
Since then, tap dancing has continued to evolve. Today, there is a wide variety of styles and techniques that are practised and reinterpreted by dancers all over the world.
Styles and techniques of tap dancing
Tap dancing is a diverse form of dance with several different styles. What they all have in common is a love of rhythm and movement.
Irish Step Dancing
Irish step dancing has its roots in 18th-century Ireland and was originally performed as a competitive dance between villages and towns. The style is characterised by rapid leg movements, often combined with synchronised arm and body movements. Irish step dancing gained international recognition through shows such as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance.
Broadway Tap
Broadway tap dates back to the Broadway theatre stage in the 1930s and 1940s. In contrast to Irish step dancing, the emphasis is on musicality and rhythmic expression. Among the best-known practitioners are Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly and Ann Miller.
Jazz Tap
Jazz tap combines elements of jazz dance with tap dancing and was shaped in the 1920s primarily by Bill Robinson and John Bubbles. This style places great emphasis on improvisation and individual interpretation of the music.
Funk Tap
Funk tap is a modern style that incorporates elements of funk, hip-hop and other urban dance forms. It is characterised by fast, precise movements accompanied by contemporary music. Well-known practitioners include Savion Glover and Jason Samuels Smith.
Notable figures in tap dance
The history of tap dance has been shaped by outstanding artists:
Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson was one of the most influential dancers of the 20th century. He pioneered the ‘soft shoe’ style with its smooth, flowing movements and, as one of the first African-American stars in Hollywood, made a significant contribution to integration in the entertainment industry.
Fred Astaire epitomised elegance and technical perfection. Together with his partner Ginger Rogers, he created some of the most unforgettable tap dance choreographies in film history.
Gene Kelly brought tap dancing to a wide audience. His innovative style combined various dance forms and set new standards, for example in Singin’ in the Rain and An American in Paris.
Gregory Hines blended traditional tap dancing with elements of jazz and hip-hop. He also actively campaigned for the recognition of tap dancing as an art form in its own right.
Savion Glover is regarded as a pioneer of funk tap. He began at the age of seven and has collaborated with leading musicians from the jazz and hip-hop scenes.
Misty Copeland made her name as the first African-American soloist in the history of the American Ballet Theatre and is also skilled in tap dancing. She combines technical precision with powerful expression.
Jason Samuels Smith has further developed funk tap, combining traditional tap dance elements with modern urban dance styles.
Tap dancing today
Today, tap dance is not only performed in musicals and theatre shows, but is also celebrated as an art form in its own right. Groups such as Dorrance Dance, led by Michelle Dorrance, combine traditional technique with contemporary elements and tour worldwide.
A current trend is the integration of technology and multimedia. Dancers use video and audio technology to enhance their performances and are increasingly collaborating with other art forms such as acting and live music. Festivals such as the Chicago Human Rhythm Project bring together the world’s best tap dancers every year.
Health benefits of tap dancing
Tap dancing is not only an art form and a form of entertainment, but also a versatile form of exercise. Recent scientific studies show that regular dancing strengthens both body and mind.
Cardiovascular fitness
Tap dancing is an intensive endurance workout that has been proven to promote heart health. The continuous movement, combined with rhythmic patterns, improves fitness, regulates blood pressure and boosts blood circulation. Research findings show that moderate dancing makes the heart muscle work more efficiently and can therefore reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Muscle strength and bone health
The repetitive footwork involved in tap dancing specifically targets the leg, gluteal and core muscles. Over time, tap dancers develop lean, defined muscles. Particularly valuable: tap dancing is a weight-bearing exercise that promotes bone density. The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation confirms that dancing can maintain bone strength and even build new bone mass – an important protective factor against osteoporosis.
Balance, coordination and fall prevention
Tap dancing requires precise movements and a high degree of balance. The subtle rhythmic foot movements train proprioception – the body’s awareness of its own position in space. Studies in the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science show that tap dancing improves balance and coordination, particularly in older adults. Even in people with Parkinson’s disease, a study in PLOS ONE demonstrated clinically significant improvements in walking speed and stride length.
Cognitive fitness and dementia prevention
Learning choreography challenges memory, concentration and the ability to make quick decisions all at the same time. This combination of physical and mental activity is particularly effective: A groundbreaking study by Verghese et al. in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that regular dancing can reduce the risk of dementia by a remarkable 76 per cent – more than any other leisure activity studied. Tap dancing constantly stimulates the brain to form new neural connections, which protects cognitive function in the long term.
Stress relief and emotional wellbeing
The combination of movement, music and social interaction makes tap dancing an effective remedy for stress. Recent research by the University of Surrey confirms that dancing not only lifts the mood but also strengthens mental resilience. Dancing triggers the release of endorphins and oxytocin, whilst stress hormones such as cortisol decrease. Tap dancing also offers a creative outlet for expressing emotions through rhythm and movement.
Self-confidence and community
Mastering new steps boosts self-esteem – an effect that carries over into other areas of life. Group classes also foster a sense of community and reduce isolation. The joy and fun experienced within the group are a key factor in ensuring that tap dancers stick with it in the long term.
Try tap dancing in Ahrensburg
Would you like to give tap dancing a go yourself? The Musicalschule Ahrensburg offers tap dance classes for all age groups – from children aged 6 and over to adults, from beginners to advanced dancers. Our headteacher Jacqui is looking forward to meeting you!