Tap is by far my favorite genre of dance. I absolutely love the precision of it and all of the amazing ways to produce a multitude of sounds from four thin pieces of metal.

Tap dancing is truly an American art form having developed from several different ethnic dances including African tribal dances, Scottish, Irish and English clog dances among other styles. Throughout the years different styles and techniques were layered added and altered into the modern form we know today. One of the most famous tap dancers of all time was Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, who was famous for dancing on the toe taps of his shoes and for his stair dance routines. He was the first African-American dancer to be featured on Broadway and you may remember him as Shirley Temple’s amazing dance partner. He is considered a tap dancing legend and that is why National Tap Dance Day is celebrated on his birthday!

No matter how you choose to celebrate, everyone will enjoy one of Bill Robinson’s most famous routines below. Happy National Tap Dance Day!