2. Learn about influential figures in tap dance.

4. Plantation Dances and Influences African dances would be done by slaves as well as the plantation owners would do the European styles of dance. By watching each other they adopted the two styles. Slaves would have competitions on plantations and the owners would place bets on the best performers. 1739 a law was passed that slaves were not longer allowed to use drums. This put the percussive focus on using the feet among other things. This was an important shift in the creation of tap dance.

5. Evolution of Tap 1820’s: Tap dance evolved into a stage dance through these shows 1890’s: After the civil war many minstrel shows were created which added 1900’s Vaudeville evolved into the broadway musical and tap dance was a huge part of that 1930’s Tap Dance being represented in film. Movies are depicting tap dance and musicals. It is very popular The creation of jazz music and ragtime also influences tap dance by creating a free style that often used improvisation

7. William Henry Lane “Master Juba” Learned Irish jig and other dance styles in early 1800’s in the five points section of New York city. Out of this created his own style that would ultimately become American Tap dance. Participated and won many minstrel show contests internationally. One of the first performers that danced in shows with white people. Most shows were still segregated.

8. Bill Robinson1879-1949 Also one of the first African Americans to perform on Vaudeville then Broadway in New York.

9. Nicholas Brothers1921-2001 First African American tem to get a contract with MGM film company. They combined tap with high powered stunts and tricks, jump splits, split-sides etc….

10. Nicolos Brothers

11. Fred Astaire

12. Sammy Davis Jr.

13. Gregory Hines

14. Savion Glover