The Evolution of Tap Dance

Dulé Hill explores the transformative power of tap dance, tracing its roots from the African diaspora to its evolution through American history. He shares his personal journey and the cultural significance of tap, highlighting its role in communication and expression. The video delves into the historical influences on tap, including African rhythms and European folk dances, and its controversial past in minstrelsy. Hill discusses the revival of tap in the late 20th century and its modern-day practitioners, emphasizing the art form's resilience and growing popularity. The video concludes with a look at the future of tap dance and its potential to connect and inspire across generations.

What does Dulé Hill describe tap dance as?

• A beautiful language rooted in African experience

• A form of silent communication

• A modern dance style

• A European folk dance

What instrument's rhythms influenced the development of tap dance?

• The djembe drum

• The piano

• The guitar

• The violin

What did early slaveholders do to traditional African drums?

• Modified them

• Ignored them

• Banned them

• Encouraged their use

What was the role of minstrel shows in the history of tap dance?

• They were a form of silent theater

• They celebrated African-American culture

• They were a form of protest

• They popularized tap dance through exaggerated performances

Which era saw the rise of tap dance in vaudeville and Hollywood?

• The 1920s and 1930s

• The 1940s and 1950s

• The 1980s and 1990s

• The 1960s and 1970s

What cultural movements contributed to the decline of tap dance in the late 1960s?

• Jazz and blues

• Classical music and opera

• Hip hop and rap

• Rock and roll, funk, and soul

Who is known for reviving tap dance with 'Bring in 'da Funk'?

• Gene Kelly

• Gregory Hines

• Savion Glover

• Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson

Which modern tap dance group is known for integrating social media?

• The Nicholas Brothers

• The Rockettes

• The Syncopated Ladies

• The Harlem Globetrotters

Who is currently rated as the world's best female tap dancer?

• Sarah Reich

• Dormeshia Sumbry

• Savion Glover

• Jason Smith

What is the significance of tap dance according to Dulé Hill?

• It is a competitive sport

• It is a connective tissue that can make the world a better place

• It is a forgotten art form

• It is a form of entertainment only