Many assume that when one says they spent their adolescence in a dance school, they must have perfected the fine art of ballet or competed their way into judges' hearts with different styles of jazz. However, one must never forget the under- appreciated genius of a tap dancer.
Tap was made famous by some of show business' greats, such as Gene Kelley and Doris Day. These artists brought tap into the homes of millions through movies, and into the hearts of so many more via the stage. Stars such as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers became icons because of their fabulous feet, and no one can forget Shirley Temple tap dancing up a storm alongside Bo Jangles Robinson.
Today, artists like Savion Glover and the duo Miller and Ben travel the world teaching and performing unbelievable tap combinations and new styles. Tap icon Professor Reed has brought the tap fad back to the city of St. Louis with the Annual Tap Festival, and much more. Even the Rockettes, known for their long legs and their sold out shows in Radio City Music Hall, wow the crowds with each and every tap number they preform.
Today, tap has been taken to a whole new level. Workout classes, such as “Tap and Burn" have been created for fans of the art to get in a nice sweat. Taps have been strapped onto pointe shoes so even the daintiest of the dance world can make some noise, and the shoe styles do not stop there. Tap shoes now come in a variety of colors, ranging from neon pink to the classical black and white.
Broadway classics such as Anything Goes and 42nd Street still appeal to the connoisseurs of fine arts, but new shoes are not shy to the tapping attractions. Broadway newbies, such as Aladdin, are making headlines with their unbelievable tap numbers.
No matter if you are a fan of the arts or simply enjoy good entertainment, tap is a style of dance anyone can always appreciate.
