Dance
College-aged cloggers bring the heat with fast-paced routine that electrifies the crowd
This is probably the best clogging routine I've ever seen.
Sasha Alonzo
04.15.24

Red hot—that’s the perfect description for the electrifying performance delivered by the fourteen-member team known as Tap This! from Lincoln, Nebraska.

Their dance routine, set to the exhilarating rhythm of Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk,” melds various dance styles with intricate percussive footwork.

It’s an absolute spectacle that you won’t want to miss witnessing.

Morgan Mallum - YouTube
Source:
Morgan Mallum - YouTube

Those smiles are more than just a part of the show; they’re a prelude to the funk about to be unleashed.

The moment Tap This! steps onto the stage, the audience’s excitement palpably surges.

There’s a shared, unspoken agreement among the dancers, reflected in their knowing smiles—it’s time to bring the house down.

Morgan Mallum - YouTube
Source:
Morgan Mallum - YouTube

As the first notes of music play, the choreography unfolds as naturally as breathing for this supergroup.

Each dancer’s movements are meticulously synchronized, creating an escalating bubble of kinetic energy that captivates everyone watching.

Morgan Mallum - YouTube
Source:
Morgan Mallum - YouTube

“Are you guys ready?” They’re always prepared to electrify the crowd.

This infectious energy isn’t just felt on stage; it reverberates through the audience, eliciting loud cheers and enthusiastic screams.

The dancers’ feet move at a breathtaking pace, with swift footwork and dynamic arm gestures that amplify the intensity of their performance.

They keep their pace in unison and match each other’s pace beat by beat.

Morgan Mallum - YouTube
Source:
Morgan Mallum - YouTube

During the bridge of the song, they seamlessly converge into a unified group.

With each bass thump, they stomp rhythmically, their gestures inviting the crowd to partake in the funk fest.

It’s a visual and auditory invitation to join in the excitement that Tap This! orchestrates every night.

Morgan Mallum - YouTube
Source:
Morgan Mallum - YouTube

The audience’s response is explosive, with applause and cheers matching the dancers’ every move.

The performers alternate between pop and hip-hop routines, shifting from front to back in a seamless flow.

They then transition into clogging, where they skip and kick their feet in a rhythmic sequence that’s mesmerizing to watch.

Morgan Mallum - YouTube
Source:
Morgan Mallum - YouTube

Clog dancing, the spectacular dance form exhibited by Tap This!, has roots that reach deep into the cultural history of Wales and northern England.

Originally a pastime among slate quarry workers and farmers, these performers would compete during breaks, attempting to outshine each other with their rhythmic steps on the slates and fields.

Morgan Mallum - YouTube
Source:
Morgan Mallum - YouTube

This traditional dance has evolved significantly over the centuries.

Clog dancing involves the dancer using their heels to strike the floor, creating resonant sounds that complement the music.

Unlike tap dancers, who are known for their lighter steps and intricate melodies, cloggers emphasize the beat, often performing in synchronized formations that highlight unity and collective rhythm.

Morgan Mallum - YouTube
Source:
Morgan Mallum - YouTube

Mastering such a complex dance form is no small feat, and the ability to present it to audiences across the nation showcases not only the talent of Tap This! but also their passion for dance.

With every performance, they likely earn a standing ovation, stirring aspirations among the audience and budding dancers alike.

Ready to experience the rhythm yourself?

Click below to see Tap This! in action and start stepping to the beat!

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