Tap History Research Reflections

Tap Dance History is one of the most heavily debated topics in the Tap Dance Community. 

Understandably so, because the Tap Dance Community is passionate about the culture and history of the art form being honored and recognized.

Today’s episode is all about my heaviest hitting takeaways from one of my recent deep dives into Tap Dance History research.

From The Stono Rebellion of 1739, to The Negro Act of 1740, to Master Juba, often referred to as the “father” or “grandfather” of Tap Dance, this episode is filled with lessons learned, major takeaways, and more. 

Listen to this episode to hear about:

• Who inspired my love of Tap Dance History.
• How iTap Teachers learn about Tap Dance History.
• Master Juba, often referred to as the “father” or “grandfather” of Tap Dance.
• The Stono Rebellion of 1739 and The Negro Act of 1740.
• Enslaved people having their drums taken away from them.
• How Circus History relates to Tap Dance History.
• Inherent biases of the information we currently have.
• The beauty and challenge of Oral Tradition.
• The fragility of Tap Dance History as we know it today.
• How the artform has been whitewashed.
• How teachers are celebrated in Tap Dance History (or not). 
• The connection of Tap Dance History to American History. 
• Your next steps for learning more about Tap Dance History.
• The iTap Teacher Certificate Program.
• Gratitude and thanks to those who helped me in my research and overall appreciation of Tap Dance History.

Thank You For Listening!

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