Tap dancing is a style of dance which requires the dancer to wear a specialised pair of shoes equipped with a metal toe and heel, and produce a distinct rhythm by tapping their feet. There is a variant of the dance called “soft shoe” which does not require the performer to wear special tap shoes and the rhythm is produced by not just tapping the feet but also sliding motions. The effect of the sound of sliding motions can be enhanced by scattering sand on the stage. Tap dance performances need not be accompanied by music because the shoes themselves can be used to produce the sounds of rhythm which act as the music for their steps.
Improve your balance and posture. The basis of any tap dance move is balance. Those who practice tap dancing regularly will be forced to improve the balance of their body which will ultimately lead to improvement in the posture of the body as well. Movements like winging and shuffles are complicated and encourage the body to strengthen its core muscles.
Learn about music and dance. Tap dance is closely related to music since the moves are not just performed to look good on the stage but to also act as a form of rhythm. There are two types of taps – rhythm tap and Broadway tap.
Rhythm tap focuses on musicality and is very closely related to jazz music while Broadway tap is more focused on the dance aspect of tap.
Burn calories and improve overall health. Tap dancing is a very energetic dance and the various combinations of moves produce an aerobic effect.
The heart rate increases and the circulation is improved when one is performing tap dance moves.