8.3 Tap Dance in Film and on Stage

Tap dance took center stage in Hollywood musicals from the 1930s to 1950s. Stars like Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, and the Nicholas Brothers wowed audiences with their fancy footwork, making tap a mainstream sensation and inspiring future generations of dancers.

On Broadway, tap became a crucial element in shows like "Anything Goes" and "42nd Street." It advanced plots, developed characters, and created spectacular numbers. Tap's presence in film and on stage increased its exposure, influenced its development, and helped preserve its legacy.

Tap Dance in Hollywood Musicals and on Broadway Stages

Tap dance in Hollywood musicals

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• Tap dance prominently featured in Hollywood musicals from the 1930s to the 1950s
  • Showcased the talents of performers and added excitement to musical numbers (elaborate routines, intricate footwork)
  • Incorporated into storylines and character development (dance battles, romantic duets)
• Influential tap dancers in Hollywood musicals
  • Fred Astaire
    • Elegant and sophisticated style emphasized precision and musicality
    • Partnered with Ginger Rogers in numerous films ("Top Hat", "Swing Time")
  • Gene Kelly
    • Athletic and energetic approach to tap incorporated ballet and modern dance elements
    • Starred in films like "Singin' in the Rain" and "An American in Paris"
  • The Nicholas Brothers
    • Known for their acrobatic and fast-paced routines featuring leaps and splits
    • Featured in films like "Stormy Weather" and "The Pirate"
• Impact on American cinema
  • Popularized tap dance and made it accessible to a wider audience (mainstream exposure)
  • Influenced the style and aesthetics of musical films (lavish production numbers, innovative choreography)
  • Inspired future generations of dancers and filmmakers (Gregory Hines, Savion Glover)

Representation of tap dancers

• Stereotypical roles for tap dancers in early Hollywood films
  • Often portrayed as entertainers or supporting characters (nightclub performers, sidekicks)
  • Limited opportunities for character development and dramatic roles (typecast as dancers)
• Racial stereotypes and discrimination faced by African American tap dancers
  • Typecast in roles as servants, entertainers, or comic relief (maids, butlers, minstrel show performers)
  • Segregated from white performers and audiences (separate dance numbers, "race films")
  • Faced barriers in accessing equal opportunities and recognition (lower pay, lack of leading roles)
• Challenges in breaking stereotypes and expanding representation
  • Efforts by tap dancers to showcase their versatility and acting skills (dramatic performances, non-dancing roles)
  • Advocacy for more diverse and complex roles in films (speaking out against typecasting)
  • Gradual shift towards more inclusive and respectful representation in later decades (increased diversity in casting)

Tap dance in Broadway shows

• Tap dance as an integral part of Broadway musicals
  • Advanced the plot, developed characters, and created spectacular production numbers (dream ballets, dance breaks)
  • Showcased the skills of performers and added to the overall entertainment value (show-stopping routines)
• Notable Broadway shows featuring tap dance
  • "Anything Goes"
    • Starred Ethel Merman and featured choreography by Robert Alton
    • Included the iconic tap number "Anything Goes" performed by the ensemble
  • "42nd Street"
    • Adapted from the 1933 film and showcased elaborate tap routines
    • Featured the show-stopping number "We're In The Money" with intricate tap choreography
  • "Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk"
    • Explored the history of African American experience through tap dance and music
    • Showcased the innovative tap style of Savion Glover and addressed social issues
• Tap dancers who made significant contributions to Broadway
  • Bill "Bojangles" Robinson
    • Starred in "The Hot Mikado" and "All in Fun"
    • Known for his solo tap routines and his influence on the art form (stair dance, elegant style)
  • Gregory Hines
    • Appeared in "Eubie!" and "Sophisticated Ladies"
    • Helped revitalize tap dance on Broadway in the 1980s and 1990s (new works, mentoring young dancers)

Film's impact on tap dance

• Increased exposure and accessibility through film and stage productions
  • Brought tap dance to a wider audience and sparked public interest (movie screenings, national tours)
  • Inspired people to learn and appreciate the art form (dance studios, amateur performances)
• Influence on the development of tap dance techniques and styles
  • Film and stage performances showcased innovative choreography and new approaches to tap (jazz-influenced rhythms, incorporation of other dance styles)
  • Encouraged experimentation and creativity among tap dancers (development of individual styles)
  • Contributed to the evolution of tap dance as an art form (fusion with contemporary dance, hip-hop influences)
• Preservation and transmission of tap dance knowledge
  • Films and stage productions serve as historical records of tap dance (documentation of legendary performers and choreography)
  • Provide opportunities for future generations to study and learn from master tap dancers (instructional videos, archived footage)
  • Help maintain the legacy and cultural significance of tap dance (appreciation for the art form's history and pioneers)