By 1965, tap dance had virtually vanished from public consciousness. Rock and roll dominated youth culture, modern dance claimed artistic legitimacy, and Broadway favored jazz dance and ballet. Tap seemed antiquated, associated with outdated entertainment modes. Studios stopped teaching it, and master dancers retired into obscurity.
A Generation Nearly Lost
The knowledge gap became critical. Dancers who learned from vaudeville veterans were aging, and no systematic documentation existed. Oral tradition preserved techniques, but without students, that tradition would die. Some masters like Honi Coles worked retail jobs, their expertise unused. The Nicholas Brothers performed occasionally in Europe where audiences still appreciated their work.
A small group of young dancers recognized the impending loss. Brenda Bufalino, Jane Goldberg, and others sought out elderly hoofers, recording their stories and learning their steps. These anthropological efforts happened informally, driven by personal passion rather than institutional support. Preserved footage became precious as original performers passed away.
The 1980s Turnaround
Gregory Hines changed tap's trajectory by becoming a mainstream star. His 1984 film The Cotton Club and 1989 film Tap introduced younger audiences to the form. Hines used his celebrity to spotlight rhythm tap masters, hiring them for film roles and bringing them to talk shows. His advocacy created visibility and renewed interest.
Savion Glover emerged as the young prodigy who could bridge generations. Trained by veterans but fluent in hip-hop culture, Glover made tap relevant to contemporary audiences. His 1996 Broadway show Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk earned a Tony Award and demonstrated tap's continuing vitality and cultural importance.
Tap dance by the numbers
Professional tap dancers average 180 taps per minute during upbeat performances
Master 12 fundamental movements to build a solid tap dance foundation
Consistent practice leads most students to confident performance within 6 months
Choose your learning path
Start with rhythm basics
Begin your tap journey with basic shuffles, flaps, and ball changes. Focus on developing clean sound production and steady timing before attempting complex combinations. Practice 20 minutes daily to build muscle memory and coordination across 8 to 12 weeks of foundational training.
Refine your technique
Layer in syncopated rhythms, traveling steps, and multi-directional movement patterns. Work on speed variations and dynamic control while maintaining precision. Intermediate dancers typically spend 30 to 45 minutes per session exploring improvisational elements and building performance stamina.
Master complex choreography
Challenge yourself with intricate rhythmic phrases, rapid-fire combinations, and full-stage choreography that demands both technical excellence and artistic expression. Advanced practice includes 60-minute sessions focused on performance polish, musicality refinement, and developing your unique style signature.