What Is Tap Dancing

A definition of the art of tap dancing. See also Styles of Tap Dancing and Types of Tap Dancing.

Tap dancing is a form of dance that prominently features the sound of shoes tapping the floor. Tap dancers wear special shoes with metal plates known as "taps" affixed to the sole in both the toe region and heel region.

Some styles of tap dancing are focused on tapping as a artistic dance that uses the entire body for expression and aesthetics. Other styles of tap dancing are focused primarily on the rhythm of shoes tapping the floor.