Tap Dance ThesaurusMichelle Joannides
Dr. McCainINFO 622 – Winter 2008
TAP DANCE THESAURUS
AUTHOR: Michelle Joannides
PRESENTED TO: Dr. McCain
INFO 622, Winter 2008
DATE: March 20, 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………3
Purpose and Scope…………………………………………………………………..3
How to use this thesaurus……………………………………………………………4
Hierarchical terms display…………………………………………………………...6
Alphabetical terms display………………………………………………………….10
References…………………………………………………………………………..25
Appendix……………………………………………………………………………26
Introduction
There are few individuals who can resist tapping the foot, clapping the hands, or keeping time in some manner to a rhythmic beat. Tap dancing is the only form of dance where the dancer is following the exact beat of the music (Atwater, 12). Tap dancers are also known as rhythmic musicians, and their instrument is their feet.
American tap dance was born from a colliding of cultures in the New World. During the 1700 ands 1800’s African slaves brought with them fast dancing footwork, usually done to a drum beat. The African dancing was part spiritual tradition, but also became a means of communication for slaves on plantations. Around 1830 the birth of Minstrel shows became a popular form of entertainment where white dancers would cover their face in burnt cork and imitate the black dances. This lasted in popularity until the Civil War ended slavery and blacks were finally able to share the stage and imitate the white dancers imitating them. Around this time in the late nineteenth century many Irish immigrants came to America and they brought with them a fast footwork style of dance known as step dancing (also known as the Irish Jig or clogging). Both African and Irish infusions are credited with fathering what is known today as American tap dance.
By the late 1800’s, early 1900’s the Vaudeville platform was at the height of its popularity. Vaudeville replaced the Minstrel shows and became a kind of theater for singing, dancing, and comedy short acts. Vaudeville is known as the precursor to Broadway and the movie musicals, with both of the later still very popular today. Tap dancing has evolved over the centuries and will continue to do so as music technology advances, and new dancers are able to imitate and learn from past great dancing legends. The American dance form was born out of a blending of cultures and has grown to become one of the most exciting, adaptable, and long lasting dance forms in the world.
Purpose and Scope
Tap dance is a form of recreation that can be enjoyed by all; either by taking lessons and learning the dance steps, or by watching a Broadway or movie tap musical. This thesaurus was created to provide anyone with a basic vocabulary and knowledge of the individual dance steps, some significant historical dance steps, different styles of dance, and equipment needed. In addition, dance instructors and national organizations; such as the American Tap Dance Foundation and the National Tap Dance Company, could use this thesaurus as a valuable aid in teaching novice users. This thesaurus was created for indexing and retrieval use in books, websites, and teaching manuals.
The vocabulary used in this thesaurus was gathered from multiple sources; mainly through books, websites, and videos. A list of references is provided at the end of this thesaurus. This thesaurus is in no way completely comprehensive. Many individual dance steps are listed; however it is impossible to list all conceivable combinations utilizing those dance steps. Equipment and methods of instruction are included, but are not exhaustive. Also many dance styles are listed; however as music technology advances and changes new dance styles will be created. This thesaurus will need continuous updating in order to reflect new dance steps, techniques, and styles that will be invented as the dance form evolves.
It is recommended for any novice user to understand the basic equipment needed, and learn some of the basic dance step names and movements as a precursory step. This thesaurus will prove to be an invaluable resource for accomplishing that task. However, to actually master the step movements there are some fantastic learning videos listed at the end of this thesaurus in the appendix section. Tap dance is a fast footwork style of dance where the steps need to be seen AND heard to fully understand the correct step performance.
How to use this thesaurus
The vocabulary terms in this thesaurus are displayed by two different methods; hierarchically and alphabetically. The hierarchical display groups terms together by their relationship and likeness. The top term listed is considered a major term (also called the parent term) and any terms listed under that heading are subordinates (also known as children terms). An example is listed below:
Dance steps
<single steps
Tap step
Ball tap
Heel tap
In this example, dance steps is bolded and is the major group heading (called the facet term). Tap step is the major or parent term. Ball tap and Heel tap are indented under Tap Step, which means that both Ball tap and Heel tap are subordinate or children terms to Tap step. Items written in italics and <angle brackets> are for clarification of the hierarchical organization only and are not included in the alphabetical display (they are not considered part of the controlled vocabulary of the thesaurus). The hierarchical display is not in alphabetical order. The major group headings (facets) are organized in no particular manner. You can view any facet independent of another one.
The alphabetical display organizes and displays the vocabulary terms in an alphabetical list format. Below each term is a scope note (SN) which gives a brief description of the term. If there is a bolded word in the SN that indicates the definition of one term can be linked to another term in the thesaurus. This is not necessarily a reciprocal relationship, and the bolded word may or may not be a related term. Under the SN there may be other abbreviations listed. The table below explains what those abbreviations are and how to use them.
SN / Scope note / Provides a brief description of the term. Words printed in bold refer to other terms in the thesaurus. The bolded terms may or may not be a reciprocal related term (check under RT).UF / Use for / Lists non-preferred terms that are closely related to the preferred term.
USE / Displayed with the non-preferred term and directs the user to the preferred term.
BT / Broader term / Lists the parent term in the hierarchical relationship.
NT / Narrower term / Lists the subordinate (children) terms in the hierarchical relationship.
RT / Related term / Lists terms that are under the same BT. From the example above, Ball tap and Heel tap are RT’s to each other because they are both under the BT of Tap step. An RT relationship can also exist outside of a BT relationship. For example, the Irish shuffle and Shuffle are RT’s to each other because the Irish shuffle fathered what today is known as the shuffle step. All RT relationships are reciprocal.
It is possible for a term to have an SN and nothing else. In this case the term is important in the knowledge of tap dance, but may not be related to the other tap dance terminology chosen for this thesaurus. It is also important to note that the individual SN for each dance step is technical in nature. The definition of the term will tell you how the step is performed. The dance steps main grouping (facet) is the only facet that will give technical definitions. All other facets will provide generic and brief definitions.
Hierarchical display:
Equipment
Apparel
Leotards
Tights
Leg warmers
Tap shoes
Leather tap shoes
Student tap shoes
Tap shoe supplies
Foot powder
Patent leather cleaner
Powder rosin
Costumes
<hardware>
Hard floor
Mirrors
Metal taps
Stereo
Learning modes
Dance classes
instruction by person>
Instructors
Choreographers
<self taught instructional methods
Tap books
Tap videos
Internet web sites
Dance steps
<single steps
Tap step
Ball tap
Heel tap
Dig step
Ball dig
Heel dig
Drop step
Ball drop
Heel drop
Brush step
Pull
Catch
Pullback
Scuff
Riff
Riffle
Shuffle
Air shuffle
Broadway style shuffle
Hoofer shuffle
Flap
Ball change
Shuffle ball change
Stamp
Stomp
Hop
Jump
Leap
Jazz kick
Slide
Cramp roll
Forward cramp roll
Receding cramp roll
<combination steps>
Time step
Buck time step
Standard time step
Traveling time step
Buffalo step
Wing step
Double wing step
Grapevine
Cincinnati step
Maxie ford
Advanced maxie ford
Maxie ford break
Paddle step
Paddle roll
<turn steps>
Pivot
Quarter pivot
Bandy turn
Barrel roll
Pump barrel roll
Traveling barrel roll
Corkscrew turn
Paddle turn
Dance style
type of tap dance>
Rhythm tap
Jazz tap
Acro-tap
Ballet tap
Ballroom tap
Traditional tap
Hoofing
Electronic tap
Soft shoe
<dance formation>
Chorus line
Influential historic dances
Charleston
Lindy hop
Irish shuffle
Irish jig
Waltz clog
African shuffle
Kozotsky
Cakewalk
Dance modes
Syncopation
Improvisation
A capella
Tacet
Venue
Studio
Professional venues
Broadway
Vaudeville
Movie musicals
Novice venues
Recital
Alphabetical display:
A capella
SNTo dance without any musical accompaniment.
NTTacet
About face
USE Pivot
Acro-tap
SNCombines two entirely different dance forms; tap and acrobatics. Tap steps and combinations are used in between and while performing acrobatic tricks.
Advanced maxie ford
SNLeap right to right, shuffle alternate pullback to left, tap step right back left, leap right to right, shuffle alternate pullback to left, heel drop right, tap step right back left, leap right to right.
BTMaxie ford
RTMaxie ford break
African shuffle
SNKnown as tap’s father this dance style was first brought to America by slaves on plantations. In order to produce no noise their dancing foot movements were shuffles on the floor with hip and torso movements. This style of dance blended with the Irish shuffle to define the style of tap dance now known and built upon today.
RTShuffle
Air shuffle
SNA shuffle step but the feet do not hit the floor. No sound is made.
BTShuffle
RTBroadway style shuffle
Hoofer shuffle
Airplane turn
USE Barrel roll
Aluminum plates
USE Metal taps
Apparel
SNClothing that is specially designed for wear while performing dance movements.
NTLeotards
Tights
Back to the woods
USE Cincinnati step
Ball change
SNA quick transfer step with accent placed on the last foot. With the right foot backward, on the ball of the right foot step forward on left, either on the ball or flat of the left foot.
NTShuffle ball change
Ball dig
SNForceful striking of the ball of the foot onto the hard floor.
BTDig step
RTHeel dig
Ball drop
SNWith both feet on the hard floor flex the toes of one foot and use the heel as a pivot point with weight on the supporting leg. Then with a firm action lower the toe; weigh is transferred to the other leg.
BTDrop step
RTHeel drop
Ball tap
SNTap the ball of the foot on the hard floor with the heel raised.
BTTap step
RTHeel tap
Ballet tap
SNA dance style that blends the technique of ballet with the sounds of tap.
UFClassical tap
Ballroom tap
SNA dance style that blends the steps and style of ballroom dancing with the sounds and rhythms of tap.
Bandy turn
SNWith weight on the left, step front of left, turn to the left executing a pivot to the left and end facing backward.
Barrel roll
SNWhen one arm is up the other arm is down while the body does a complete full turn. Both arms are never up at the same time.
UFAirplane turn
Windmill turn
NTPump barrel roll
Traveling barrel roll
Broadway
SNThe street in New York City that is known as the center of professional theater in America.
UFTheater
BTProfessional venues
RTBroadway style shuffle
Movie musicals
Vaudeville
Broadway style shuffle
SNUses an exaggerated knee movement to move the foot into a shuffle step. Made popular by theaterdancers.
BTShuffle
RTAir shuffle
Broadway
Hoofer shuffle
Brush step
SNStrike the ball of the foot on the hard floor in any direction away from the body.
NTPull
Scuff
Shuffle
Buck time step
SNPerformed by a stomp right foot forward, pull right foot back, hop left foot, step right foot back, flap right foot forward, and step right foot back.
BTTime step
RTStandard time step
Traveling time step
Buffalo step
SNStarting with the right foot in front of the left knee leap right to right, shuffle left to left, leap left backward.
Cakewalk
SNOriginally started as an African-American slave dance on plantations, where couples would dance with a bucket of water on their heads. Whichever couple spilled the least amount of water was awarded a cake by the plantation owner. Later on the dance stopped using the bucket and eventually evolved into a stage dance.
Catch
SNA pull movement that is done on both feet.
BTPull
RTPullback
Charleston
SNAn eight count step executed by stepping forward right, snap kick the left forward and tilt backward, hold for 3 counts, step backward left, hold for one count, ball change right backwards, lean forward.
Choreographers
SNA director who coordinates the dancers, the dance steps and movements.
UFDance director
Chorus kick
USE Chorus line
Chorus line
SNDancers dance in a single straight line and perform the steps and kicks in precision.
UFChorus kick
Illustration 2: Example of a chorus line (performed by the Rockettes).
Cincinnati step
SNPerformed by a pull back right, drop left heel, shuffle, step back right.
UFBack to the woods
Classical tap
USE Ballet tap
Corkscrew turn
SNCross the left forward right, leaving feet in that position slowly turn to the right and begin to squat down until you can sit on the floor.
UFSpiral
Cramp roll
SNPlace the ball of one foot on the hard floor then the ball of the other foot followed by the heel of the first foot then the heel of the second foot.
NTForward cramp roll
Receding cramp roll
Crossover
USE Grapevine
Costumes
SNSpecial apparel worn during a show or performance.
UFDance costume
RTRecitals
Dance classes
SNA forum where individuals gather to watch and learn from an in person instructor.
Dance costume
USE Costumes
Dance director
USE Choreographers
Dance music
USE Stereo
Dance surface
USE Hard floor
Dig step
SNA forceful tap step of one foot, executed by placing the ball, toe, or heel of the moving foot close to the supporting foot.
NTBall dig
Heel dig
Double wing step
SNDone by executing a single wing step on both the right and left foot simultaneously.
BTWing step
Drop step
SNA dance move that means to lower part of the foot or the entire body.
NTBall drop
Heel drop
Electronic tap
SNTouted as the wave of the future, the tap moves are synthesized and can be made to sounds like a drum, machine gun, or any other variety of electronic sound.
UFTaptronics
Flap
SNRaise one foot in a backward position, swing that foot forward and downward making a brush sound, then step forward on the ball of the foot.
Foot powder
SNA powder used inside the shoe to extend the life of the tap shoes and keep them fresh and reduce odor.
BTTap shoe supplies
RTPatent leather cleaner
Powder rosin
Forward cramp roll
SNA basic cramp roll step moving in a forward direction.
BTCramp roll
RTReceding cramp roll
Graboff
USE Pullback
Grapevine
SNMovement is done in a sideways direction. Step right to right, step left back right, step right to right, step left front right.
UFCrossover
Hard floor
SNA tile, linoleum, or hardwood floor that is conducive for tap dancing.
UFDance surface
Heel dig
SNForceful striking of the heel of the foot onto the hard floor.
BTDig step
RTBall dig
Heel drop
SNWith both feet on the hard floor lift the heel of one foot keeping the ball of the foot in contact with the floor and firmly lower the heel. There may or may not be a weight transfer.
BTDrop step
RTBall drop
Heel tap
SNPlace the back edge of the heel on the hard floor in any direction with toes flexed up.
BTTap step
RTBall tap
Hoofer shuffle
SNA fast shuffle only using ankle movements.
BTShuffle
RTAir shuffle
Broadway style shuffle
Traditional tap
Hoofers
USE Traditional tap
Hoofing
SNA style of dance using improvisation and imitating others work. These dancers were known as hoofers and would meet at the Hoofer’s Club in Harlem, New York circa 1920’s.
BTTraditional tap
RTImprovisation
Hop
SNBend at the knees and on one foot spring into the air and land on the same foot; usually on the ball or flat of the foot.