Tap Shoes: The Evolution of America's Percussive Dance Form

Tap dance, recognized as America's distinctive dance style, originated from a fusion of cultural traditions. Its percussive roots trace back to enslaved Africans in the 18th-century American South, who used rhythmic foot stomping when denied musical instruments. This blended with immigrant dance forms like Irish step dancing and English clog dancing. Initially, dancers attached nails or coins to shoes before metal plates became standard. The art form gained popularity through early 20th-century vaudeville shows, where Bill "Bojangles" Robinson performed as one of the few solo Black artists during segregation. Mid-century Hollywood featured tap prominently with stars like Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, the Nicholas brothers, and Shirley Temple. Though its mainstream prominence declined toward the century's end, notable figures like Gregory Hines and Savion Glover kept it alive, including in films such as "Happy Feet." A pair of Fred Astaire's shoes from Boston University's 20th-century popular entertainment archive was displayed in the Department of Special Collections on December 22, 1997. This exploration is part of the "American Objects" series commemorating the United States' 250th anniversary.