3 minute read
The Benefits of Tap
by Expert Contributor Kaitlin Battiste From the Top Dance
Photo courtesy of From the Top Dance
Whether you’re a dancer or not, surely you’ve seen or heard of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and his adorable tap dancing partner, Shirley Temple in their performance in the 1935 film The Little Colonel.
Maybe you’re familiar with Bing Crosby’s work, such as his iconic performance with Fred Astaire in the 1942 film Holiday Inn, or in the classic 1954 film White Christmas alongside Danny Kaye. If none of those are ringing a bell, you have some homework to do! Tap dance is much more than an art form—it’s good for the body and the soul.
It serves as a healthy outlet for self-expression for all ages, it’s a fun and effective form of cardiovascular exercise, and it can aid in sharpening one’s memory. Not to mention… it makes you happy!
Tap dancing has been around for a long time. It emerged in the southern United States in the 1700s, but started out as a fusion of British and West African musical and step-dance. There are various styles of tap dance, including rhythm jazz, classical, Broadway and post-modern.
What makes tap stand out among other styles of dance is its ability to produce sound. It is a unique art form because it creates a distinctive way for children and adults to express themselves while developing their sense of rhythm and musicality. For children, tap gives them permission to get up and make noise in a productive way.
This can be a cathartic experience and a healthy way to expel energy. For adults who are seeking more exercise in their busy days, tap is a fun way to move their bodies while riffing along to upbeat music, or even without music. This is known as acapella tap dancing.
If you’re feeling the effects of the winter blues, give tap dance a try! A study done by Harvard Medical School has shown that dance, like any other form of physical exercise, not only offers physical benefits but mental and cognitive benefits as well. It helps reduce stress by increasing levels of serotonin, which is known as the “feel-good” hormone.
Memorizing choreography and connecting the brain with body movement is also extremely beneficial for developing new neural connections. Dancers use the regions of the brain responsible for executive function, long-term memory and spatial recognition.
Focusing on choreography can also be a nice distraction from negative thoughts and can lift you to a better mood because it requires so much focus and concentration. Tap has so much to offer, and is a gift to all of those who encounter it. So get up and tap your troubles away!
Kaitlin Battiste From the Top Dance
