Although the history of tap dancing is widely considered an American art form it involves a fusion of many different cultures.
This form of dance is a mixture of British, African, Irish, Spanish and Scottish influences.
During the mass influx of different cultures into the New World, an amalgamation of artistic expression evolved.
This blending is clearly evident in the development of this very unique form of entertainment.
In Ireland, clogging was a very popular form of dancing.
It involved quickly moving the feet in a constant heel and toe movement on a hard wooden floor.
This produced a rhythmic sound similar to tapping.
What is known as hoofing, became very popular in America during the Advent of the Minstrel shows.
White dancers would mimic African Americans by putting on Black Face, by way of rubbing coal over their faces.
They would perform simple tapping routines while engaged in their comedic act.
African American dancers helped this style of dancing to develop into a more intriguing and complex art form.
Many extraordinary African Americans came out of this time, one of them being a man that went by the stage name Master Juba.
He took the New York City tapping scene by storm with his never before seen moves which were greatly inspired by Irish and African cultures.
This form of artistic dancing first made its show popularity during the latter part of the 19th century as part of traveling Minstrel shows.
White dancers disguised in black face copied the stylistic moves of African American performers.
But African American dancers evolved this art form to new levels.
Intricate moves, complex stepping and aerobics were later incorporated.
A famous 19th century African American dancer that mastered this art form was called Master Juba.
He dominated the New York City tapping scene with his unique, complex moves, created with the influences of the Irish jig and African step dancing.
During the time of the grand Vaudeville shows, this style of dancing became very popular in the United States.
This art form was performed throughout the country, during the era of The Great Depression.
It was usually part of a comedy act but Vaudeville had all types of acts ranging from dancing, singing, animal acts to plate twirling.
By the beginning of the 20th century over 25,000 performers took part in this form of entertainment.
This form of dancing evolved over the years into various forms.
Soft shoe is performed without metal taps whereas the more traditional forms use the metal plated heels and toes.
Other forms include the Buck and Wing, Sham Shimmy and the Black Bottom.
All dance forms found their influences from African and Irish cultural traditions.
Tapping took on new art forms during early 1950s.
Amazing dancers such as Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Sammy Davis Jr.
And Ray Bolger added more modern elements to their routines.
Fred Astaire added a more elegant flair whereas Gene Kelly was known to showcase a more inventive and expressive form.
When the Hollywood film industry, burgeoned, white dancers took center stage and tapping took on a more stripped down version than its origins.
Until the art form was no longer as appreciated.
But then during the mid to late 1980s, this form of dance hit the mainstream again.
Thanks to the extraordinary talents of dancers such as Gregory Hinds, Savion Glover this art form became hip and cool again.
They both were responsible for bringing something new and relevant to tapping.
Percussive dance has been around for hundreds of years.
The history of tap dancing involves several different cultures from around the world that are responsible for its evolution and growth.
Although it is not as popular as in its golden years, it is still enjoyed today.
Young people are still signing up for lessons.
This artistic expression will be appreciated for many more years to come.