The Tap originates from the fusion of the Swedish dances of Ireland, the north of England and Scotland, combined with the dances practiced by African Americans, such as the juba, between the 17th and 18th centuries.
In 1739, black slaves were prohibited from using percussion instruments. This motivated them to perform percussion with their feet and hands.
Originally danced by slaves, it was polished in the United States after its War. The dancers, immigrants from various groups, would gather to compete and to demonstrate their best qualities and movements. In this way, while the dances were mixed, a new style of dance was born: the American Tap. The dancers relaxed stiff Irish poses, used arms and shoulders to score and new steps were added. Improvisation was the main thing in this dance.
After its boom in the 30s-40s, when it achieved great popularity for its presence in various Hollywood musicals, and with El Claque it is an American dance in which the feet move rhythmically while performing a musical stomp.Artists like Fred Astaire It left the North American stages until it resurfaced in the 70s. Already in the 80s there were a series of Broadway shows (Sophisticated, Ladies, Black and Blue) and movies (White Nights, The Cotton Club) that gave it a new impetus.
The tapping was always located within the "show business", rather than in the "serious dance" circuit. However, today there are large companies that spend seasons in theaters previously unthinkable for tap and their shows are merely dedicated to this dance.
On May 25, the international day of tap is celebrated.
