Tap is blending of.. - ANSWERSIrish jig, english clog dancing, and the negro shuffle
characteristics of tap - ANSWERSshoes with metal taps, distinct sound, prescribed tap dance
steps, improv
Minstrel shows - ANSWERSbegan in the 1830's, showcased black songs and dances, performed
in theaters, blacks were not allowed to perform on stage so white people put on "black face"
and parodied songs and dances of black people
Black Minstrel shows - ANSWERSin the 1860's, blacks were allowed to perform. they performed
for other blacks and Irish immigrants. "cake walk": competitive dance showcasing struts high
kicks and show stopping footwork
Vaudeville - ANSWERSincluded a wide variety of song and dance, uniqueness and diversity were
encouraged, was training ground for performers
Different styles of tap (5) - ANSWERSsoft shoe, hoofers/rhythm*, broadway*, class acts, flash
acts
Soft shoe tap - ANSWERSMinstrel stage(early 1910s), humor wit and delicate tapping nature,
George Primrose: gently skip the floor and produce soft muted steps) soft shoes and sand, not
really done today
Rhythm "jazz" tap - ANSWERSHoofers-primarily danced with legs, no plot/show, focused on
musicality, tap jams/improv, Steve Condos: father of rhythm tap, Gregory Hines, Bunny Brigs,
Jimmy Slyde, Sandman Sims, Savion Glover
, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson - ANSWERSVaudeville era(first black performer to have regular
employment in mostly white theaters) One of first rhythm tappers, elegant style, stair dance in
"the little Colonel" with Shirley Temple
Savion Glover - ANSWERSchild prodigy, known for unique pounding style of tap called "hitting,"
his own tap style "free form hard core," Rhythm tapper he was the tapper in Happy Feet
Broadway Tap "show tap" - ANSWERSincludes arms and extravagant costumes, chores not
improv, "42nd Street" "Anything Goes" (Broadway musicals)
The Nicholas Bros - ANSWERSHarold and Fayard (greatest tappers of their day) athletic tap style,
acrobatics, "Flash Acts" "Stormy Weather" "The Pirates"
Fred Astaire - ANSWERSgrace and elegance in his movements, ballroom style, partner to Ginger
Rogers "too hot to handle" "The Gay Divorce" "Top Hat" "Easter Parade" "Class Acts"
Gene Kelly - ANSWERScombined tap, ballroom, and ballet, physical and acrobatic dancer,
"Singing in the Rain" (1955), "Anchors Aweigh" (Tom and Jerry cartoon-danced with cartoon
1945), "Covergirl, 'Alter Ego'"(1944) "Class Acts"
World Dance/Ritual Dance - ANSWERSpart of every country and culture, come based in ritual,
others meant for presentation and concert stage, strong use of repetition, communication, folk
dances can be considered world dances
Folk Dance - ANSWERSmajor part of dancing in 16th century Europe, ballet courts and folk
dances began borrowing movement from each other, socialization and sense of community,
passed down gen. to gen., every country pretty much has one, performed for audience, social
involvement and recreation, each dance represents something going on (wedding, fishing,
farming), music and costumes are important