Jazz Tap

Loads of people love to dance, though many do not stick to a certain branch of dancing.  The majority of individuals will dance at parties, in clubs or other events in an improvised fashion.  For some, however, the dances they choose to perform are very specific and disciplined, such as ballet.  Tap dancing is very specific, but also allows for improvisation.  Having developed in the United States of America during the nineteenth century, tap dance has been influenced by a number of styles from a variety of cultures and countries.  Some of these influences are thought to be Irish, English, African and West Indian.

Tap dance has had fallen in and out of popularity over the years, but always has a following of enthusiasts who keep the spirit of the dance alive.  There are several kinds of tap styles, ranging from hoofing to jazz tap.  Anyone thinking of learning should do a lot of research into the varieties to see which suits them best, the history of tap is also a fascinating topic, and worth reading, as is information about famous dancers themselves.  

The variety of Tap Shoes available can seem daunting to those who are new to purchasing them, but generally speaking the type of tap which is going to be learned will narrow down the options a bit.  Choosing the right kind of shoe is very important, and choosing materials are one of the first decisions that should be made.  Leather Shoes are quite expensive and need to be broken in for a while before they provide optimum comfort, but are long lasting and are of a high quality.  Canvas is not so expensive but is very flexible, but the shoes have a shorter life than leather shoes.  Plastic tap shoes are the least expensive but also last the least amount of time.  The height if tap heels is very important, and low heels tend to be preferred by beginners, especially children.  If there is ever any doubt in regards to which style of heels are most appropriate, a qualified tap instructor should be contacted and asked for advice.  Some dance schools or classes actually specify which style of tap shoes they require,
and can often recommend suppliers and brands that they find most suitable.It is important that tap shoes are comfortable and well fitting, to allow for the best performance no matter what the dancer’s level.  Shoes which cause discomfort or are too loose can have a very negative impact on what is achieved in tap lessons.  Kinds of taps themselves also vary, and it is worth researching which ones are needed for lessons.

As with any sort of dance, learning tap requires dedication and enthusiasm, as well as patience.  Enjoying learning to dance is really important, those observing dancers can pick up on the mood of the performer, and their enjoyment will be marred if the dancer appears to be hating what they are doing!  An audience can also catch the spirit of the tap dancer who clearly loves the dance.