Tap Dance

Question 1

What is tap dance?

Answer 1

• a percussive American dance form, incorporating rhythm amplified sounds from the feet
• includes English, Irish, and African musical and dance traditions
• imitation, assimilation, transformation have helped the growth of tap dance in North America

Question 2

Describe the evolution of tap dance.

Answer 2

• challenges (staged by masters), challenge dancers in Minstrel shows in clubs and on Vaudeville stages
• battles in clubs and on Vaudeville stages
• done for class rivalries
• tap was developed by listening, watching, stealing, sharing, reinventing, and mimicking technique

Question 3

What is jigging?

Answer 3

• unknown why tap came from “jigging”
• jigging was rhythm created by their feet. Very syncopated with bursts of staccato notes
• Irish jig

Question 4

Name the historical timeline of tap dance.

Answer 4

1920’s: European dances such as the Fox Trot
1930’s: Fox Trot replaced by jitterbug and windy (syncopated box step)
1940’s: Swing era faded
1945-1955: BLACKOUT with little to no dancing
1960’s: Lindy was replaced by the twist. Rock and Roll brought back popular dancing
- from then on, hips are involved

Question 5

What did the blackout (1945-1955) result from?

Answer 5

new, “undanceable” jazz music (bop), and the disappearance of ballroom and the big bands that played them

Question 6

When did kids begin dancing to Rock and Roll?

Answer 6

1955

Question 7

Describe Rock and Roll.

Answer 7

• “race” music, or “rhythm and blues” was rebranded and tailored for the jukebox… very danceable
• saxophone with a major off beat feel (syncopation)

Question 8

What did the Nicholas Brothers bring to the table for tap dance?

Answer 8

• movement had maturity and athleticism. Everything came as a surprise to the audience
• Stormy Weather: most famous performance

Question 9

What did Bill “Bojangles” Robinson bring to the table for tap dance?

Answer 9

coined the term “Copasetic” (really good) in the 1940’s

Question 10

Who were The Copasetics?

Answer 10

a men’s club of tap dancers, jazz musicians. Brought hoofing to the forefront

Question 11

Who is Jimmy Slyde?

Answer 11

• master of rhythm tap dance
• intricate footwork, accentuating a distinct rhythm
• incorporated a smooth style allowing him to glide across the floor with minimal effort

Question 12

How does tap before compare to tap today?

Answer 12

• historically, tap steps were not that difficult

- today: less stunts, show stopping moments, but very difficult patterns and steps

Question 13

Name 3 historically influential people of tap dance.

Answer 13

• Bill “Bojangles” Robinson
• Jimmy Slyde
• Gregory Hines

Question 14

Name 3 present day influential people of tap dance.

Answer 14

• Andrew Nemr
• Jason Janas
• Michelle Dorrance