Tap dance is a lively and rhythmic dance form characterised by metal taps on the dancer’s shoes striking the floor. This unique dance style combines precise footwork with musicality, creating an engaging and dynamic performance. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, understanding the different types of tap dance and how to choose the right style for you is an essential part of your dance journey.
The Origins of Tap Dance
Before we explore the types of tap dance, it’s essential to understand the history behind this popular dance form. Tap dance originated in the United States in the 19th century, blending African rhythms, Irish step dance, and British clog dancing elements. The distinctive tapping sound produced by the shoes became a defining characteristic, and over time, tap dance evolved into a recognised art form.
Tap dance was initially performed on wooden floors with shoes equipped with metal taps, which create a distinctive sound as the dancer strikes the floor. The development of tap dance coincided with the rise of jazz music, and the two became closely intertwined. Today, tap dance remains a popular and influential form of dance seen on Broadway, in musicals, and dance competitions worldwide.
Types of Tap Dance
While tap dance may appear as a single style, there are several distinct types, each with unique characteristics and approaches. Understanding these styles will help you choose the best suits your preferences and goals.
1. Broadway Tap
Broadway tap, also known as theatrical tap, is the style of tap dance most commonly seen in musical theatre and Broadway performances. This tap style focuses on performance and storytelling, incorporating big, exaggerated movements and energetic footwork that matches musicals’ lively, high-energy music.
Key Characteristics:
- Emphasis on performance and expression
- Large, exaggerated movements
- Often performed in musical theatre and Broadway productions
- High-energy and fast-paced footwork
Broadway tap tends to focus on the theatrical aspect of tap dance, with choreography often designed to tell a story or enhance a performance. It’s a great choice if you enjoy acting, storytelling, and performing on stage.
2. Rhythm Tap
Rhythm tap, also known as classical tap or jazz tap, emphasises musicality and rhythm over theatricality. This tap dance style focuses on creating complex rhythms and patterns with the feet, often using syncopation and improvisation to create a unique sound. Rhythm tap is closely associated with jazz music and is often performed in a more intimate setting, such as jazz clubs or small performance venues.
Key Characteristics:
- Focus on rhythm and musicality
- Syncopated, complex footwork
- Often performed in intimate settings
- Emphasis on improvisation and spontaneity
Rhythm tap allows dancers to explore their creativity by improvising with rhythms and sounds, making it a great choice for those who enjoy musical exploration and want to focus on footwork.
3. Hoofing
Hoofing is a form of tap dance that originated in African-American communities in the early 20th century. It is a more grounded and percussive tap style, with dancers using their whole body to create powerful, rhythmic sounds. Hoofing focuses on tapping with the heels and balls of the feet, creating a fuller, deeper sound than other tap styles.
Key Characteristics:
- Grounded, percussive footwork
- Focus on powerful rhythms and sounds
- The heels and balls of the feet are used for tapping
- Often performed with minimal movement and emphasis on footwork
Hoofing may be your style if you enjoy creating powerful rhythms and a deeper, more grounded sound. This style, which has roots in African-American culture, is known for its rich history and influence on modern tap dance.
4. Soft Shoe Tap
Soft shoe tap is a gentler, more lyrical form of tap dance that involves less percussive footwork. This style is characterised by fluid, flowing movements emphasising grace and control. The sound produced in soft shoe taps is smoother and more melodic than the sharper taps of other styles. Soft shoe tap is often used in variety shows, vaudeville performances, and ballroom settings.
Key Characteristics:
- Gentle, lyrical footwork
- Softer sound, more melodic
- Focus on grace and control
- Often performed in variety shows and vaudeville
Soft shoe taps are ideal for dancers who want to emphasise fluidity, grace, and precision in their movements. They are also an excellent choice if you prefer a more controlled, less percussive style of tap dance.
5. Flat Foot Tap
Flat foot tap is a style that involves tapping the entire foot on the floor, using a flat surface rather than just the toes or heels. This style was commonly seen in the early years of tap dance and is often associated with classic vaudeville performances. Flat foot tap focuses on creating rhythmic sounds using the whole foot, often with a slower, more deliberate pace than other styles.
Key Characteristics:
- Flat-footed movement
- Slower, deliberate pace
- Often associated with vaudeville and early tap performances
- Focus on creating rhythmic sounds with the whole foot
Flat foot tap is ideal for dancers who enjoy a more relaxed, slower-paced style of tap that emphasises rhythm and sound over speed and complexity.
How to Choose the Right Type of Tap Dance for You
Several factors must be considered when choosing the right type of tap dance for you. Each style has unique characteristics; the best choice depends on your preferences, goals, and experience level. Here are some things to think about when choosing a tap style:
1. Consider Your Dance Goals
What do you want to achieve with your tap dancing? Broadway tap may be the best fit if you’re looking for a musical theatre career or love performing on stage. If you enjoy rhythm and improvisation, rhythm tap or hoofing might be a better choice. Soft shoe tap is ideal if you want a more graceful and lyrical style, while flat foot tap offers a slower, more relaxed approach.
2. Think About Your Skill Level
If you’re a beginner, starting with a style matching your current skill level is essential. Broadway tap may be overwhelming, while rhythm tap can also be challenging without a solid understanding of tap fundamentals. Soft shoe tap is often a great entry point for beginners, as it’s gentler and easier to pick up.
3. Explore Your Style
Different tap styles appeal to different people. Some dancers love the energy and performance aspect of Broadway tap, while others prefer the rhythmic exploration of rhythm tap or the grounded, percussive sounds of hoofing. Think about which style resonates most with you and your personal dance preferences.
4. Try Different Styles
If you’re unsure which tap style is right for you, consider taking classes in multiple styles to get a feel for what you enjoy most. Many tap dance schools offer introductory courses in various styles, allowing you to explore different tap forms and decide which one is the best fit.
Conclusion
Tap dance is a versatile and expressive dance form with a rich history and many styles. Whether you prefer the rhythmic exploration of rhythm tap, the grace of soft shoe tap, or the energetic flair of Broadway tap, there’s a style of tap dance that suits every dancer’s interests and goals. By understanding the different types of tap and exploring your options, you can choose the style that aligns with your personal preferences and helps you grow as a dancer.
Kew School of Dance offers a variety of tap dance classes designed to help dancers of all ages and skill levels develop their technique and express their creativity. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to advance your skills, our experienced instructors are here to guide you on your tap dance journey.Contact us at 03 9123 8458 / 0410 311 008 to learn more about our tap dance classes and start your tap dancing journey today!
