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tap dance |
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tap danceStyle of American theatrical dance using precise rhythmical patterns of foot movement and audible foot tapping. It is derived from the traditional clog dance of northern England, the jigs and reels of Ireland and Scotland, and the rhythmic foot stamping of African dances. Popular in 19th-century minstrel shows, versions such as “buck-and-wing” (danced vigorously in wooden-soled shoes) and “soft-shoe” (danced smoothly in soft-soled shoes) developed as separate techniques; by 1925 they had merged, and metal taps were attached to shoe heels and toes to produce a more pronounced sound. The dance was also popular in variety shows and early musicals. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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Tap and jazz director Robyn Reed said the difference between ballets and jazz and tap dances is that ballets typically have story lines, while the other dances don't; it was a treat for her to be able to acquaint other nonballet dancers with the classic story. This was the third concert in a series by Evans's company celebrating the company's twenty-fifth anniversary: "Silver" was a retrospective of both modern and tap dances by Evans; in the spring was a vibrant tap and jazz dance festival at the University. Wilson's off-the-wall linguistic tap dances and Chan's remarkable balletic stunts make them almost as much fun as Fred and Ginger. |
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