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Adult Tap Dance Costume Ideas

Tap dance has a variety of historical influences that make for a myriad of costume ideas. Although tap dance is typically associated with vaudeville and jazz of the 1920s, tap dance originated from English clog dancing and Irish step dancing. Tap dancing was also influenced by Juba dance practiced by black slaves in the 1800s. Whatever costume you choose, keep in mind that tap dancing requires a costume that allows for wide freedom of movement for the dancer. Avoid restrictive costumes and tight dresses; instead, opt for pieces that you can add on to a leotard or elastic dance clothes.

  1. Vaudeville

    • Pay tribute to the vaudeville dancers of the late 1800s with a vaudeville tap dance costume. Wear loose black dance pants and a stretchy black jacket to create the look of a vaudeville suit. Pair it with a white top and tie to complete the effect. You can find a black bowler hat at a thrift store or costume shop; be sure to secure it to your hair with pins so that it doesn’t fly off during the performance. Draw on a Charlie Chaplin style moustache or purchase a fake moustache from a store. If you incorporate a wood cane into your dance routine, it will complete the look and give you a fun prop to work with.

    Zoot Suit

    • Male tap dancers can don a zoot suit costume to add flair to their performance. Find an oversized suit with baggy pants from a thrift store. Keep an eye out for suits with bright colors and pinstripes that epitomize the era. If you can’t find a bright-colored suit, opt for brightly colored ties and vests instead. Top the outfit off with a fedora and suspenders.

    Sailor Costume

    • Ever since Gene Kelly’s legendary performance in "Anchors Aweigh," sailor costumes have become a popular option for a tap dance routine. Wear white dance pants that have a wide flair or are labeled as bell bottoms. You can pick up a T-shirt with white and blue vertical stripes at most clothing retailers or big box stores. Tuck the shirt into the pants to mimic Gene Kelly’s high-waisted costume. In his performance, Gene Kelly wore a sailor’s cap with a red bottom at the top, but any sailor cap will create the intended effect.

    Flapper

    • Your audience will appreciate a jazz tap dance costume that pays homage to the roaring twenties. If your routine allows it, women can purchase a flapper dress from a thrift store or costume store. If you’d rather make your own at home, create a straight, short, sleeveless dress with layers of fringe from the top to the bottom. A headband with a feather attached is a great accessory that won’t impede your dancing. A pearl necklace will complete the look; try attaching it to your top with pins so it doesn’t fly in your face when you’re dancing.

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