User:Pipermclesbian/Tap dance

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Aforementioned tap is a combination of different styles of dance, it has been Americanized. In America, tap dancing is a form of entertainment and art. Earlier forms of tap dancing used folk music, however American tap dancers use popular songs Tap Shoes

Tap shoes come in many different styles for men and women: heeled, or strapped. Low-heeled tap shoes are most suitable for beginners, making it easier for stability and rhythm work. There’s a sturdier feel to the shoe, ensuring a lower center of gravity. Heeled tap shoes are more suitable for broadway or theater style tap dancing. It gives a clean, elegant line to the tap dancer, but may be more difficult for rhythm tap.

Characteristics

Surface area is an important factor to consider when tap dancing. Most tap instructors will choose a studio or gymnasium.. Different flooring makes different sounds and tones; however, it is recommended that instructors choose a room with wood flooring because it will make a better sound and reduce injuries. Most tap dancing is done on the balls of the dancer's feet, soft-knees, and a relaxed posture.

Revival
Tap dance spent nearly four decades in the spotlight; however, it went into decline in the twentieth century. Honi Coles, an American tap dancer, called this period “the lull” as tap dance declined in popularity. The number of performances died down, performers lost their jobs, and venues that were previously used for tap performances became places to film television.

In the 1970s, tap dance was considered to be a dying art. With the emergence of tap dance being featured on popular broadway shows such as 42nd Street and Black and Blue. Gregory Hines– an actor, dancer, and musician– popularized tap dance again with his movie, Tap (1989) Hines used modern music and his style to bolster the image of tap. During this revival period in the late eighties, women were opening tap dance studios for aspiring dancers.

The revival of tap often overlooks the importance of women; they worked to revive the artform knowing it would only grow and survive with the experience of the generation’s “greats”. According to Brenda Bufalino, women worked with little to no pay solely for their love of tap. Tap historian Jane Goldberg added that these women raised money, grants and produced new festivals and shows while documenting the process.