Tap Dance and Its Impact on American Art History
Written by Amber Andrews, Company Member
One of the richest and most uniquely American art forms is tap dance, influenced by a wealth of African, Irish, and other cultural influences. From its beginnings in streets and dance halls to its emergence on vaudeville stages, Broadway shows, and Hollywood movies, tap has always had the power to express and tell a story. It is not simply rhythm on your feet—tap dance represents American history, imagination, and the way other cultures blended into something new. Tap's influence is embedded in the American arts and continues to influence dancers and fans today.
Early American Origins
For enslaved Africans, dance was not simply a means of entertainment—a means to express, to keep alive tradition, and to establish identity in the midst of oppression. With time, these rhythmic stepping patterns evolved with other percussive forms and eventually wound their way into American popular entertainment. Among tap's earliest and most influential practitioners was William Henry Lane, also referred to as Master Juba, who transformed dance by blending African and European elements into a dynamic, syncopated style that paved the way for tap to become what it would be. For a fuller appreciation of Master Juba's phenomenal contributions to dance history, read this article by Rocky Mountain Rhythm.
The Emergence of Tap in Early Entertainment
Early Origins of Tap: Minstrel Shows and Vaudeville
Tap has always been reflective of American life and developed in partnership with the nation's entertainment industry. Its beginnings in minstrel shows and vaudeville in the 19th and early 20th centuries put it in the public eye but not without controversy. Minstrel shows that featured white entertainers in blackface spread tap's body percussion but perpetuated destructive racial caricatures. Nevertheless, in spite of the roadblocks, Black artists such as William Henry Lane (Master Juba) battled their way into recognition with their authenticity and unequalled proficiency.
Master Juba: A Pioneer of Tap Dance
Master Juba's rapid-fire footwork and complex rhythms not only made him stand out as a performer—those rhythms set the foundation for what tap would become.
The Golden Age: Tap on Broadway and in Hollywood
By the 1920s, tap was flourishing in Broadway shows and Hollywood movies, entrancing crowds with its intersection of rhythm and showmanship. This was the golden era of tap during which Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers made it appear effortless and astounded the world with their abilities. And then there was the inimitable style and refined grace of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, particularly during his legendary stair dance with Shirley Temple. And the Nicholas Brothers, whose excitement and acrobatic feats defied gravity and continue to amaze the world to this very day. Their uninhibited high-energy style showed that tap was as revolutionary as it was elegant.
Crossover to Rhythm Tap: Jazz and Improvisation
As jazz music asserted its dominance in the 1940s and 1970s, tap was transformed from slick Hollywood routines into a less refined, highly improvisational style known as rhythm tap. It was no longer a matter of show but one of storytelling through sound and motion. Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr. took tap back to its essence, employing it as an expressive musical medium, akin to a jazz musician on an instrument. Their efforts kept tap alive, in transition, and grounded in American music and culture.
Tap has never just been about flashy steps—it's a language, a conversation, and a tradition handed down through generations.
Tapping as Cultural and Political Statement
Tapping has never simply been a matter of show business—it has long served as a way to break down barriers, challenge convention, and create history. From the start, Black artists struggled to get past segregation by using their craft to create spaces in an industry that would otherwise shut them out. Tap dancers weren't creating American music and dance; they were rewriting the rules of who should be in the spotlight. Stars such as Bill "Bojangles" Robinson defied racial segregation in Hollywood, and artists such as Sammy Davis Jr. used their fame to denounce discrimination and promote civil rights.
Tap and the Civil Rights Movement
Empowered by the Civil Rights Movement, tap went from being an art form to a statement. Some artists used their presence to advocate on behalf of change, and some, such as Gregory Hines, went on to continue the tradition of harnessing tap as means of protest and storytelling. Tap has ever had a voice with which to call out injustice in ways words alone cannot.
Women in Tap: Breaking the Boundaries
Women have also contributed to tap dance in an otherwise male-dominated industry in a significant way. Eleanor Powell astounded theaters with her technical prowess, demonstrating that women could be as quick, crisp, and rhythmically sophisticated as men. Brenda Bufalino later transformed rhythm tap such that women's contributions to the style were seen and valued by all.
A Means of Cultural Expression and Activism
More recently, tap has remained a cultural phenomenon and force of activism. Our company was fortunate enough to see the Syncopated Ladies on tour, and their use of tap to narrate the life of Black activists was stunning. They showed us through their performance that tap is not all about feet—tap is storytelling and resilience and continuing the legacy of those whose paths we are walking.
Tap has always had a message to convey and will be heard as long as dance artists are willing to express themselves through rhythm.
Contemporary Tap: Sustaining the Beat
Tap dance is not only surviving in the 21st century—it's thriving. A new crop of tap dancers has pushed the style to new and exciting places, fusing tradition with new influences to demonstrate that tap is far from antiquated.
Savion Glover and the Resurgence of Tap
One of the largest driving forces of tap's revival is Savion Glover, whose fiery, rhythm-based style rattled the dance world. His performance in Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk wasn't only a Broadway success—it was a declaration of purpose, employing tap to narrate the narrative of Black history in America. Now artists such as Michelle Dorrance and Jason Samuels Smith are continuing that legacy, creating new limits to what tap can achieve and ensuring that it continues to be relevant to future generations.
Tap has tales that ring with the attention of people today.
Tap in Pop Culture and Mainstream Media
And let's not overlook the influence of tap on popular culture. How can anyone forget the stunning stepwork in Happy Feet (danced and choreographed by Savion Glover) or the transformation that Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk brought to Broadway? Tap continues to turn up in new and surprising locations – viral dance videos to the latest stage shows – to demonstrate its timeless rhythm.
The best part? Tap continues to evolve. Each shuffle, each stomp, each syncopated step keeps this dance tradition alive, so its legacy—and its future—is as exciting as ever.
Tap Dance in Colorado
While Colorado might not be the first state that jumps out in your mind in association with tap dance history, it has played an important role in sustaining the tradition and growing its popularity. For decades, Colorado has been a haven for rhythm and creativity, from turn-of-the-20th-century theaters sponsoring vaudeville shows to its diverse tap community today. Nowadays, institutions such as Rocky Mountain Rhythm continue to honor and grow tap's reputation in Colorado with shows, workshops, and programs that perpetuate the tradition. From the stage to the classroom to groundbreaking collaborations, the tap scene in Colorado continues to thrive.
Rocky Mountain Rhythm is committed to preserving the rich tradition of tap dance through performance and education. We continue to teach and perform historical dances to maintain Tap's legacy. A few of the signature routines we perform include:
“53”
Created by Leon Collins. It's performed a cappella and showcases rhythmic complexity and musicality.
“Laura”
Choreographed by Buster Brown. Known for its musical and intricate rhythms.
“BS Chorus”
Originated from the Copasetics (honoring Bojangles Robinson). A classic routine in tap education.
“Shim Sham”
Called the national anthem of tap. Created by Leonard Reed and Willie Bryant, it’s a staple of tap jams around the world. Watch this video where Leonard Reed talks more about how it became what it is today!
“New Lowdown”
By Charles "Honi" Coles, featuring smooth footwork that marked the shift to rhythm tap.
“Coles Stroll”
Another tribute to Honi Coles, showcasing his elegant and highly stylized rhythm tap style.
Through these works, Rocky Mountain Rhythm preserves tap's rich history to be accessed by future generations of dancers and spectators. Our activities keep the tradition alive while linking dancers to the past through rhythm and motion.
Keeping the Beat Going
Tap dance isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s a living, breathing art form that continues to evolve with every shuffle and syncopated step. Its deep history is woven into the fabric of American culture, and its future depends on preservation and education. Through classes, documentaries, festivals, and live performances, tap’s legacy remains alive for new generations to discover and embrace. Whether you’re a dancer, a history buff, or just someone who appreciates the power of rhythm, there are countless ways to engage with tap—attend a live show, take a beginner class, or dive into the stories of tap’s greatest legends. Tap is more than entertainment; it’s a vital piece of American art history, a testament to resilience, and a constantly evolving tradition. By learning about it, supporting it, and sharing its stories, we ensure that tap dance continues to inspire for years.
For those looking to explore tap further, here are some great resources:
Rocky Mountain Rhythm – Colorado’s premier tap dance company, offering performances and education.
Syncopated Ladies – A groundbreaking all-female tap group blending rhythm and activism.
American Tap Dance Foundation – A hub for tap history, classes, and performances.
Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk – Learn more about the show that redefined tap for modern audiences.
The Express Way with Dulé Hill – Watch a video about the history of tap from an entertainment tapper.
