Tap

Tap dancing, a truly American art form, is once again rat-a-tatting into the nation's consciousness, in all its variations — from Fred Astaire grace to hip-hop antics. Tap dancing features a form that's loose-limbed, individual and inspired by the syncopated beat of urban life.

The origins of tap dance can be traced to the antebellum South when African-American slaves, adept at copying Irish jigs, Virginia reels and Lancashire clogging, improvised and embellished those dances with their own African-style rhythms and movements. Popular on the vaudeville circuit and even more so in 1920s and '30s movies and theater, tap dance entered a long dormancy in the '50s and '60s, partly as a result of the black pride movement.

In the past two decades, a few Broadway shows and movies, devotees, such as Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, and dedicated dance teachers have worked hard to revive the art form. Now, with the innovative Bring in 'Da Noise, tap dance is once again making itself heard loud and clear and enjoying a new level of popularity.

Tap classes are among the most popular at Fishback Studio and appeal to boys, girls, teens, and men and women of all ages.