What is the purpose of tap dance?

Tap dance is a form of dance characterised by using the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a percussive instrument. It began in the early 19th century among enslaved African communities. It developed alongside ragtime and jazz from African American vernacular dances which fused African polyrhythms and European clogging steps.

Today, tap dance serves a variety of purposes:

1. Artistic form of cultural expression

2. Rhythmic accompaniment to music performance

3. Theatrical form, often incorporating choreography

4. Dance competition and recreational leisure practice

5. Music therapy.