Tap dancing is one of the most rewarding dance forms for both the eyes and the ears. The rapid movements of the feet, combined with the rhythmic sounds created by the dancer, are unparalleled in any other dance form. The history of tapping is full of interesting facts, including these five:

1. An early form of tap dance was popular in the early 19th century among African-American slaves. They used dance to maintain their history of rhythms and rhythms passed down from generation to generation. Slaves used their feet because they were not allowed to freely play drums or other instruments from Africa.

2. Before metal taps were used, the dance was performed in wooden clogs on leather shoes.

3. In the 1920s and 1930s, metal faucets became popular. During that same time, African American dancers expanded the art to become more acrobatic and energetic. Tap dancing at this time expanded from solo performances to often being highly orchestrated teams of dancers.

The Nicholas brothers were two of the most famous dancers to emerge during this period. Their skills wowed audiences and landed them a role in the movie Stormy Weather. The film was one of the first to feature a predominantly African-American cast.

Fred Astaire was quoted as saying that Brother Nicholas’s performance in Stormy Weather was the greatest movie musical number he had ever seen.

4. In the 1930s and 1940s, tap dancing reached a wider audience when it caused quite a stir in Hollywood. Famous dancers like Fred Astaire and Ray Bolger impressed audiences around the world with their musical feet.

5. In the 1950s, Gene Kelley increased the popularity of tap dancing by combining moves from other dance styles with his tap dancing skills.

the beat goes on

Tap dance remains a popular style of dance practiced and studied throughout the world. The musical sound and fast footwork continue to capture the attention of adults and children around the world. The sound of rush, flap, shuffle, ball change and cramp roll tap dance techniques will continue to live on as some of the best variety dance to be enjoyed anywhere.