A New Twist on Tap Dancing
Tap dancing, which originated in 1845, has been a beloved form of dance for generations.
It is a unique blend of African rhythms, clog, European jig, and reel steps.
Traditionally, jazz music has been the soulmate of tap, but William Henry Lane, a master of this art form, knew that tap had the potential to evolve and adapt over time.
Tap’s Modern Popularity
Today, tap dancing continues to captivate audiences, whether it’s performed in local community theaters, on grand stages, or in films and television shows.
Typically, dancers perform routines to jazz music, but a recent group of tappers decided to break the mold by choosing a different genre: country music—a surprising and delightful combination that is not commonly seen.
Going Viral with Country Tap
A video of this unique performance has taken the internet by storm.
Garnering 2.6 million views, it features dancers from 2013 dressed in their finest cowboy and cowgirl attire, complete with hats, ready to deliver a sensational tap routine that is both nostalgic and fresh.
As the song “Country Road” starts, the dancers take a step forward in unison, stomping their feet and clapping their hands.
Initially, the dance appears subdued, but the drumming beat in the song soon adds a lively twist, signaling that this is no ordinary tap performance.
The Men Take the Stage
The male dancers are the first to start tapping, with the female dancers quickly joining in.
The music then shifts into a fast-paced version of the song, and as the words “Are you ready to party” ring out, the dancers respond with incredible tap footwork, showcasing their skill and enthusiasm.
Incorporating Clogging Moves
The video reveals that the dancers incorporate clogging techniques into their routine, tapping their feet while keeping their arms perfectly still at their sides.
Clogging is a part of the tap genre, making this integration seamless and precise.
It’s a nod to the roots of tap dancing while bringing a modern flair.
Synchronized and Stunning
As the performance progresses, the dancers’ skills become increasingly apparent.
Despite their varying heights, their kicks and body positions remain impeccably synchronized—a remarkable achievement in any dance genre.
Their unity is proof of their hours of practice and deep connection with each other.
A Second Performance Emerges
Midway through the video, the first set of dancers concludes their routine, making way for a second group of country tappers.
Dressed in vibrant red and black, they choose an even livelier song and tap away in rapid succession, earning enthusiastic cheers from the audience.
Their entrance is a delightful surprise that adds a new layer of excitement to the performance.
A Unique Spin on Couple’s Moves
While many of the steps are similar between the two groups, a notable difference is that the second set of dancers incorporates a lot of couples’ moves into their routine.
This adds an extra layer of complexity to the tap dance, but these performers don’t miss a beat.
They keep perfectly in sync with the music, demonstrating both their individual talents and their ability to work beautifully as part of a pair.
A Performance to Remember
This isn’t just a dance; it’s a celebration of culture, history, and the joy that comes from movement and music.
Whether you are a fan of tap or country music—or neither—you can’t help but be drawn into the energy and passion that these dancers exude.
It’s a performance that leaves viewers tapping their own feet and wearing a big smile.
Watch them for yourself in the video below.
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