Tap Dancing

By Lillian Richardson

How does tap express people?Dance is a way of expressing yourself. You can

sometimes say things with a step or a combination that you are unable to express with words. Also remember that old advice about punching a pillow when something upsets you? Tap allows you to strike the floor instead! Ok its not quite the same but it is still a way to express yourself.

What is the history of tap?Tap dance is a style of dance which developed in the United

States in the 19th century. Originally, tap dance appeared in black minstrel shows, but by the 1920s, it had become popular with both blacks and whites. In tap dance, performers wear shoes which have been equipped with metal plates. As the dancer moves, the plates click against the dance floor, creating a tapping sound. Tappers can create a variety of percussive rhythms with their feet by tapping, sliding, and clicking the metal plates. They are also very fond of improvisation. Some of the best tap dancers of all time are John 'Bubbles' Sublet , Eleanor Powell , Gene Kelly and of course Mumble from happy feet.

What the shoes look like

How do other people view tap?

I surveyed 26 people and the answers are over here. I asked them ‘What do you think about tap dancing, does it express or not why?

Hannah said ‘Its cool because you get to make cool sounds with your feet but its sort of weird”

What are some famous steps?These steps have four steps in them

paddle and roll: a scuffle, followed by step heel, all on the same foot.

riff walk: a riff, followed by a dig-ball on the same foot. Can be extended to a 5-sound riff walk by inserting a heel on the other foot between the riff and the dig-ball.

Dancers ClipTap Dancing Singin in the rain.

Cabury Tap Dancing Cow

Tap Dancing Kids

TMC (That Mean Crew)

Bibliography www.youtube.com received 9 June

www.tapdanceman.com received 8 June

www.tapfever.com received 7 June

www.tapmoves.com received 8 June

www.beholders.org received 6 June

www.tapdance.org received 6 June

Thanks For Watching Thanks for watching

Bye