Tap shoes wooden floor

Tap shoes on a wooden floor evoke the tradition and unique sound of this dance, combining African and Irish rhythms.

About this subject

Tap dance is a form of dance that turns feet into percussion instruments. Originating in 19th-century United States, it fused African rhythms with Irish step dancing, creating a body language marked by precise foot strikes. Wooden floors are essential for sound propagation: oak or maple planks provide the resonance needed for each tap to be heard clearly. Tap shoes have metal plates (taps) attached to the sole, usually made of steel or aluminum, producing distinct sounds when the dancer taps the heel or toe. Beyond technique, tap requires coordination and musicality; many dancers improvise over jazz, blues, or Brazilian music like chorinho. In Brazil, tap dance has grown in recent decades, with schools and festivals celebrating this percussive art. The choice of wooden floor is not merely aesthetic: it influences sound quality and dancer comfort, reducing impact on joints. Over time, taps can wear down the floor, so professional studios use treated planks or special plywood. Tap dance is a democratic art, practiced at any age, and continues to evolve, blending with hip-hop and street dance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do tap shoes produce sound?

Tap shoes have metal plates (taps) on the toe and heel. Striking these against a hard floor, especially wood, creates percussive sounds that vary with strike force and angle.

What is the best floor for tap dancing?

The ideal floor is solid wood, like oak or maple, laid over a sprung subfloor. This amplifies sound and absorbs impact, reducing stress on the dancer's joints.

Is tap dancing popular in Brazil?

Yes, it has gained popularity, with dedicated schools in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Festivals and amateur groups spread the practice, often blending with Brazilian rhythms like samba and frevo.