Oxford University Press - Tap Dancing America History Book

Discover the vibrant and colorful story of tap dance with Tap Dancing America: A Cultural History. This book provides the first comprehensive and fully documented history of this uniquely American art form. It explores the musical and social exchanges that shaped the genre, tracing its roots from Afro-Irish percussive step dances like the jig, gioube, buck-and-wing, and juba to the modern era. Written by Constance Valis Hill, an accomplished jazz tap dancer, choreographer, and performance scholar, this work offers a deep look into the evolution of the craft. The narrative begins with a dramatic account of a buck dance, leading readers through the history of the art form toward the work of contemporary tap luminaries. Whether you are a student of dance, a music lover, or a history enthusiast, this book serves as an essential guide to understanding the cultural impact and technical development of tap dance in America.