National Tap Dance Day is observed on May 25 to recognise tap dancing as an art form. This dance style incorporates intricate rhythmic step combinations and character expression through sound and body movement. Tap dancing has numerous forms, including clogging, soft-shoe, and jazz, among others. This fun and thrilling holiday is also celebrated in Japan, Australia, India, and Iceland, in addition to the United States.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL TAP DANCE DAY
Carol Vaughn, Nicola Daval, and Linda Christensen conceived of National Tap Dance Day. It was presented to the U.S. Congress for the first time on February 7, 1989, and President George H.W. Bush passed the bill into law on November 8, 1989. The first official observance occurred on May 25, 1989. This date has an additional fascinating history. Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson, a significant contributor to tap dance, was born on May 25.
Various hypotheses exist regarding the origins of tap dance. Tap dance is believed to have originated in the United States during the 19th century, when slave proprietors removed traditional African percussion instruments. Slaves expressed themselves through percussive movements. Together, these dance styles and clog dancing from the British Isles produced a unique cadence and movement.
After that, tap dancing evolved considerably. At the turn of the twentieth century, it became an essential component of popular Vaudeville variety performances. Tap dancers incorporated syncopated intricate rhythms into their movements. Fred Astaire, Gregory Hines, and Ginger Rogers are some additional talented tap dancers. Tap dance has become one of the most prominent dance styles over the years as a result of the influence of the aforementioned figures.
Tap dance became a fixture of film and television during the 1930s to 1950s in Hollywood, where it was introduced. Shirley Temple made her film début as a tap dancer at the age of six. Tap dance has grown so prevalent that as of 2016 it has attracted more than 27 million social media comments.
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5 MIND-BOGGLING FACTS ABOUT TAP DANCING
Using feet’s soles
African American slaves originally used the soles of their feet to perform tap dancing.
Initial tap dance sneakers
Before the proper shoes for tap dancing were invented, people used pennies to create the tapping sound.
Musical instrument
Tap shoes qualify as acoustic instruments.
Secret jargon
Tap dancing can be used to communicate in secrecy using Morse code.
Tap dance styles
This dance technique incorporates a variety of styles, including Broadway, classical, rhythm, funk, and jazz.
NATIONAL TAP DANCE DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 25 | Thursday |
| 2024 | May 25 | Saturday |
| 2025 | May 25 | Sunday |
| 2026 | May 25 | Monday |
| 2027 | May 25 | Tuesday |
