The spelling of the term "tap danced" corresponds to its pronunciation. The first word, "tap," is pronounced as /tæp/, with the symbol /æ/ representing the short "a" sound. The second word, "danced," is pronounced as /dænst/, with the symbol /æ/ once again representing the same sound as in "tap." The additional "ed" at the end of "danced" is pronounced as /d/, since the word already ends in the sound /t/. This spelling accurately reflects the rhythm and sounds of tap dancing.
Tap danced is a verb that refers to the act of performing a rhythmic dance routine by striking the floor with the toes and heels of specially designed shoes known as tap shoes. This dance form creates distinct percussive sounds, as the dancer uses their feet to produce a series of intricate rhythms and melodies. Tap dancing originated in African-American communities in the late 19th century, drawing influences from various dance traditions, including Irish step dancing, Scottish clog dancing, and West African rhythmic dances.
Tap dancing involves a combination of footwork, syncopation, and improvisation, requiring a high level of coordination, musicality, and precision. The dancer, known as a tap dancer, wears tap shoes equipped with metal plates on the heel and toe, which produce distinctive tapping sounds when struck against the floor.
Tap dance is not only a form of entertainment but is also considered an art form, blending elements of dance, music, and theater. It is often performed as part of musicals, stage shows, and various genres of dance performances, showcasing the dancer's technical skill, creativity, and expressiveness. Tap dancing has evolved over time, with different styles such as Broadway tap, rhythm tap, and classical tap emerging, each with its own distinctive characteristics and techniques.
The word "tap danced" is derived from the combination of two words: "tap" and "danced".
- "Tap" originated in the early 17th century and is believed to come from the Middle Dutch word "tappen", meaning "to strike lightly". It evolved over time to refer to a specific kind of hitting or striking sound produced by lightly touching a surface. In the context of dance, "tap" came to describe a style of dance movement that involves making rhythmic sounds by striking the floor with metal plates attached to the soles of the dancer's shoes.
- "Danced" comes from the Old French word "danser", which is derived from the Latin word "dancingēre", meaning "to dance". This root also led to various related words in other Romance languages, such as "danza" in Italian and "danse" in French.