8.3 Tap Dance in Film and on Stage
4 min read•july 18, 2024
Tap dance took center stage in Hollywood musicals from the 1930s to 1950s. Stars like , , and wowed audiences with their fancy footwork, making tap a mainstream sensation and inspiring future generations of dancers.
On Broadway, tap became a crucial element in shows like "" and "." It advanced plots, developed characters, and created spectacular numbers. Tap's presence in film and on stage increased its exposure, influenced its development, and helped preserve its legacy.
Tap Dance in Hollywood Musicals and on Broadway Stages
Tap dance in Hollywood musicals
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- Tap dance prominently featured in Hollywood musicals from the 1930s to the 1950s
- Showcased the talents of performers and added excitement to musical numbers (elaborate routines, intricate footwork)
- Incorporated into storylines and character development (, )
- Influential tap dancers in Hollywood musicals
- Fred Astaire
- Elegant and sophisticated style emphasized precision and musicality
- Partnered with Ginger Rogers in numerous films ("", "")
- Gene Kelly
- Athletic and energetic approach to tap incorporated ballet and modern dance elements
- Starred in films like "" and ""
- The Nicholas Brothers
- Known for their acrobatic and fast-paced routines featuring leaps and splits
- Featured in films like "" and ""
- Fred Astaire
- Impact on American cinema
- Popularized tap dance and made it accessible to a wider audience (mainstream exposure)
- Influenced the style and aesthetics of musical films (lavish production numbers, innovative choreography)
- Inspired future generations of dancers and filmmakers (, )
Representation of tap dancers
- Stereotypical roles for tap dancers in early Hollywood films
- Often portrayed as entertainers or supporting characters (nightclub performers, sidekicks)
- Limited opportunities for character development and dramatic roles (typecast as dancers)
- Racial stereotypes and discrimination faced by African American tap dancers
- Typecast in roles as servants, entertainers, or comic relief (maids, butlers, minstrel show performers)
- Segregated from white performers and audiences (separate dance numbers, "race films")
- Faced barriers in accessing equal opportunities and recognition (lower pay, lack of leading roles)
- Challenges in breaking stereotypes and expanding representation
- Efforts by tap dancers to showcase their versatility and acting skills (dramatic performances, non-dancing roles)
- Advocacy for more diverse and complex roles in films (speaking out against typecasting)
- Gradual shift towards more inclusive and respectful representation in later decades (increased diversity in casting)
Tap dance in Broadway shows
- Tap dance as an integral part of Broadway musicals
- Advanced the plot, developed characters, and created spectacular production numbers (, )
- Showcased the skills of performers and added to the overall entertainment value (show-stopping routines)
- Notable Broadway shows featuring tap dance
- "Anything Goes"
- Starred Ethel Merman and featured choreography by Robert Alton
- Included the iconic tap number "Anything Goes" performed by the ensemble
- "42nd Street"
- Adapted from the 1933 film and showcased elaborate tap routines
- Featured the show-stopping number "We're In The Money" with intricate tap choreography
- ""
- Explored the history of African American experience through tap dance and music
- Showcased the innovative tap style of Savion Glover and addressed social issues
- "Anything Goes"
- Tap dancers who made significant contributions to Broadway
- Bill "Bojangles" Robinson
- Starred in "The Hot Mikado" and "All in Fun"
- Known for his solo tap routines and his influence on the art form (, )
- Gregory Hines
- Appeared in "Eubie!" and "Sophisticated Ladies"
- Helped revitalize tap dance on Broadway in the 1980s and 1990s (new works, mentoring young dancers)
- Bill "Bojangles" Robinson
Film's impact on tap dance
- Increased exposure and accessibility through film and stage productions
- Brought tap dance to a wider audience and sparked public interest (movie screenings, national tours)
- Inspired people to learn and appreciate the art form (dance studios, amateur performances)
- Influence on the development of tap dance techniques and styles
- Film and stage performances showcased innovative choreography and new approaches to tap (, incorporation of other dance styles)
- Encouraged experimentation and creativity among tap dancers (development of individual styles)
- Contributed to the evolution of tap dance as an art form (fusion with contemporary dance, hip-hop influences)
- Preservation and transmission of tap dance knowledge
- Films and stage productions serve as historical records of tap dance (documentation of legendary performers and choreography)
- Provide opportunities for future generations to study and learn from master tap dancers (instructional videos, archived footage)
- Help maintain the legacy and cultural significance of tap dance (appreciation for the art form's history and pioneers)
Key Terms to Review (28)
42nd Street: 42nd Street is a famous street in New York City known for its vibrant theater district, particularly during the early to mid-20th century. It became synonymous with the Broadway musical and the tap dance genre, showcasing elaborate productions and the golden age of American musical theater. This street not only serves as a cultural hub for live performances but also highlights the evolution of tap dance in film and stage, influencing generations of dancers and choreographers.
Acrobatic Routines: Acrobatic routines are choreographed sequences that incorporate gymnastic skills and movements, often featuring flips, jumps, and balance techniques. These routines are designed to showcase strength, agility, and coordination, while also being visually captivating, making them a popular element in performance styles such as tap dance in film and on stage.
An American in Paris: An American in Paris is a musical film released in 1951, centered around the story of a young American artist in post-World War II Paris who falls in love with a beautiful French woman. This film is significant for its innovative use of dance and music, particularly highlighting the tap dance genre, showcasing how it can convey emotion and narrative within a cinematic context. The film's vibrant choreography and stunning visual elements elevated tap dance, demonstrating its potential to tell complex stories beyond mere entertainment.
Anything Goes: 'Anything Goes' is a phrase that signifies the idea of unrestricted freedom, particularly in the context of creative expression and performance. In dance and theater, it embodies a spirit of innovation and the blending of various styles and techniques, encouraging artists to explore new forms and ideas without traditional limitations. This concept is often associated with the tap dance genre, especially in film and stage productions, where the emphasis on spontaneity and experimentation reflects the cultural shifts occurring during its popularization.
Athletic approach: The athletic approach refers to a style of dance performance that emphasizes physical strength, agility, and dynamic movement. This approach showcases the dancer's athleticism, often incorporating elements of competition and high energy, which can elevate the overall impact of the performance. In tap dance, this approach allows dancers to highlight their technical skill and stamina, creating an engaging spectacle both on stage and in film.
Bill Robinson: Bill Robinson, also known as 'Bojangles,' was a groundbreaking African American tap dancer, actor, and choreographer, who became one of the most famous performers of the early 20th century. He is celebrated for his innovative dance style, characterized by his unique rhythmic footwork and smooth gliding movements, which set the foundation for modern tap dance. Robinson's influence extended beyond dance; he played a significant role in bridging cultural gaps during the Harlem Renaissance and showcased the art of tap dance on both stage and screen.
Bring in 'da noise, bring in 'da funk: 'Bring in 'da noise, bring in 'da funk' is a phrase that encapsulates the energetic and vibrant nature of tap dance as an art form, highlighting its roots in African American culture and its evolution through various performance mediums. This expression emphasizes the unique sounds created by the rhythm of the dancers' feet while also celebrating the cultural and stylistic influences that have shaped tap dance over the years. It connects to the ways tap dance has been portrayed and innovated in film and stage productions, showcasing its ability to both entertain and communicate deep cultural narratives.
Dance battles: Dance battles are competitive dance events where individuals or teams showcase their skills, creativity, and style to outshine their opponents. These performances are often spontaneous and energetic, with dancers taking turns to demonstrate their moves while the audience and judges evaluate their talent. Dance battles have a rich history in various dance genres and serve as a platform for self-expression, community building, and artistic innovation.
Dance breaks: Dance breaks are short segments within a performance where dancers showcase their skills, often breaking away from the main choreography to deliver an individual or group routine. These moments serve as a highlight in both film and stage productions, allowing performers to express their creativity and technique, often emphasizing rhythmic footwork and improvisation that are central to styles like tap dance.
Dream ballets: Dream ballets are a unique form of dance performance that blend narrative and choreography, often serving as a visual representation of a character's inner thoughts and emotions. These performances are particularly prominent in musical theater, where they utilize tap dance as a means to convey complex feelings without the use of dialogue. The dream ballet format allows choreographers to express intricate storylines through movement, often resulting in stunning visual spectacles that enhance the overall emotional impact of the production.
Elegant style: Elegant style refers to a refined and graceful approach in dance that emphasizes smooth lines, fluid movements, and a polished aesthetic. This style is characterized by its ability to combine technical precision with artistry, creating visually stunning performances that captivate audiences. In tap dance, this approach is particularly evident in the way dancers execute intricate footwork while maintaining an overall sense of poise and sophistication.
Fred Astaire: Fred Astaire was an iconic American dancer, singer, and actor, celebrated for his innovative contributions to dance and film. His unique style combined elegance, athleticism, and charm, setting a new standard in both ballroom and tap dance, influencing generations of performers and the development of dance in popular culture.
Gene Kelly: Gene Kelly was an influential American dancer, actor, choreographer, and director known for his innovative contributions to dance in film and theater. He is particularly celebrated for his unique ability to blend athleticism with a sense of joy and storytelling, making dance accessible and relatable to a wide audience. His impact on American dance is seen in both classical forms and tap dance, showcasing a seamless integration of European influences with American styles.
Gregory Hines: Gregory Hines was a renowned American tap dancer, actor, and choreographer known for his innovative contributions to the art of tap dance, particularly in film and stage performances. He played a pivotal role in revitalizing interest in tap dance during the late 20th century, blending traditional styles with contemporary elements to create a unique and dynamic form of expression that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Harlem Renaissance: The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City during the 1920s. This movement celebrated African American culture and promoted the contributions of Black artists, writers, musicians, and dancers, profoundly influencing American arts and society.
Jazz-influenced rhythms: Jazz-influenced rhythms are characterized by their syncopation, swing feel, and complex rhythmic patterns, which originated in the African American musical tradition. These rhythms play a significant role in various dance forms, especially tap dance, where they contribute to the energetic and improvisational qualities that define the style. Tap dance incorporates these rhythms, blending them with traditional steps to create a dynamic performance that reflects both musicality and movement.
Minstrelsy: Minstrelsy was a theatrical entertainment popular in the 19th century that involved white performers in blackface portraying caricatures of African American life, often perpetuating racial stereotypes. This art form significantly influenced American popular culture and music, particularly the development of tap dance, which became integral to performance traditions on stage and in film.
Racial identity: Racial identity refers to an individual's sense of belonging and identification with a particular racial group, encompassing cultural, historical, and social dimensions. This concept influences how people perceive themselves and are perceived by others, shaping their experiences and interactions in society. It plays a crucial role in the expression of art forms, including performance and dance, where cultural narratives and histories are communicated and expressed.
Romantic duets: Romantic duets are collaborative performances featuring two dancers, often expressing a deep emotional connection or relationship through their movements. These duets typically showcase intricate partner work, highlighting the chemistry and synchronicity between the dancers while conveying themes of love, intimacy, and partnership. They can be found in various styles of dance, including ballet and contemporary, and are integral to storytelling in performance.
Savion Glover: Savion Glover is a renowned American tap dancer, choreographer, and actor known for his innovative approach to tap dance that emphasizes rhythm and improvisation. He gained fame for his unique style, which blends traditional tap with hip-hop influences, making significant contributions to the art form both on stage and in film. Glover is celebrated for his ability to transform tap into a dynamic expression of storytelling and musicality.
Singin' in the rain: 'Singin' in the Rain' is a classic musical film released in 1952, celebrated for its vibrant depiction of the transition from silent films to talkies in Hollywood. The film features iconic dance sequences, especially its famous title number, which showcases tap dance as a dynamic form of expression on screen, blending music, choreography, and storytelling seamlessly. This film not only highlights the artistry of tap dancing but also illustrates the cultural shifts in American entertainment during the early 20th century.
Stair dance: Stair dance refers to a style of dance performed on a staircase or steps, incorporating rhythm and intricate footwork that enhances the visual impact of the dancer's movements. This form is closely associated with tap dance, where performers often use the stairs to elevate their performance, both literally and artistically, creating a dynamic stage presence. The technique allows for unique choreography that plays with levels and the spatial relationship between the dancer and the audience.
Stormy weather: Stormy weather refers to a state of tumultuous emotional or social conditions, often used metaphorically to describe challenging times. In the context of dance, particularly in tap, it can symbolize both the struggles and the triumphs faced by dancers and performers, influencing their artistry and expression on stage and screen.
Swing time: Swing time refers to a specific rhythmic feel in dance and music characterized by a syncopated or uneven timing that creates a bouncy, lively quality. In the context of tap dance, swing time influences the way dancers interpret musical rhythms, allowing for improvisation and personal expression. This rhythmic style is essential in both tap dance performances on stage and in film, where timing can dramatically impact the overall aesthetic and energy of a routine.
The Nicholas Brothers: The Nicholas Brothers were renowned American tap dancers, known for their incredible athleticism, acrobatic style, and innovative choreography that defined the art of tap dance in the 20th century. They rose to fame during the Harlem Renaissance and made significant contributions to tap dance on stage and in film, showcasing their unique blend of jazz, rhythm, and traditional dance forms.
The pirate: In the context of dance, particularly tap dance in film and on stage, 'the pirate' refers to a character archetype that embodies rebellion, adventure, and a free-spirited nature. This character is often depicted with flamboyant costumes, energetic movement, and a captivating presence that draws audiences in. The pirate serves as a metaphor for breaking societal norms, allowing performers to express their creativity and individuality through dynamic choreography.
Top hat: A top hat is a tall, cylindrical hat with a wide brim, traditionally made from silk or other materials. This stylish accessory became synonymous with formal dress, especially in the context of tap dance performances, where it often serves as a visual emblem of elegance and sophistication.
Urban culture: Urban culture refers to the social practices, artistic expressions, and lifestyle trends that arise in densely populated cities. It encompasses a variety of influences, including music, dance, fashion, and visual arts, and is often shaped by the diverse backgrounds of its inhabitants. This culture reflects the dynamics of urban life, where innovation and cultural exchange thrive, making it a breeding ground for various dance forms and performance styles.