Tap dance

Tap dance was born in the United States during the 19th century, and today is popular all around the world. The name comes from the tapping sound made when the small metal plates on the dancer's shoes touch a hard floor. This lively, rhythmic tapping makes the performer not just a dancer, but also a percussive musician.

Famous tap dancers

• Fred Astaire
• John Bubbles (born John William Sublett)
• Brenda Bufalino
• Charles "Honi" Coles
• Steve Condos
• Lynn Dally, co-founder of Jazz Tap Ensemble
• Sammy Davis, Jr.
• Vera Ellen
• Savion Glover
• Gregory Hines of Hines, Hines and Dad
• Maurice Hines, Jr. of Hines, Hines and Dad
• Maurice Hines, Sr. of Hines, Hines and Dad
• Master Juba (William Henry Lane) of Five Points
• Ruby Keeler
• Gene Kelly
• Ann Miller
• Fayard Nicholas of The Nicholas Brothers
• Harold Nicholas of The Nicholas Brothers
• Eleanor Powell
• Bill Robinson (aka Bojangles)
• Howard "Sandman" Sims
• Jimmy Slyde is a Jazz influenced tap dancer whose style is reflected in his name ('slide').
• Tommy Tune