Tap dancing is a trend that continues to grow amongst the younger generation. Of course, a trend is nothing without the people who bring it to life and carry it over further generations. Tap dancing has no shortage of iconic influencers who’ve set the standards with their memorable performances. Anyone who aspires to learn tap dancing today looks towards these famous tap dancers to learn how they broke the crowd just by moving their feet to the rhythm.
So today, let’s discuss who these tap-dancing kings and queens are and how each of them danced their way to the hall of fame. Get ready to get your groove on as we’ll introduce you to the best tap dancing tutors to start your dance classes near me.
Who Are the Most Popular Tap Dancers of All Time?
Among the most influential dancing styles that have stood the test of time, tap dancing is definitely in a league of its own. Popular since way before Hollywood became mainstream, this spunky style stands out for its simple yet whimsical and energetic movement that inspires quick thinking and creativity.
Here are some of the most popular tap dancers of all time:
Bill Robinson
What better way to start than with the king himself? Bill Robinson, better known as ‘Bojangles,’ is an African-American icon popularly marked as the single most legendary tap dancer of our time. He redefined tap dancing from a simple music genre to an art technique through his series of remarkable performances across Hollywood, radio, and television.
He built a notable dancing career in Vaudeville shows from 1905. Eventually, he went on to perform in Broadway shows in 1928, which led to his groundbreaking success in Hollywood in 1930. Some of his most influential works include the stair dance scene from ‘The Little Colonel’ and the jazz band sequence from 1943’s ‘Stormy Weather.’
Robinson’s reputation as the highest-paid American-African entertainer of the 20th century is well-earned, as his phenomenal footwork was not only the highlight of the era but also inspired dozens of tap dancers for years to come, including the talented Shirley Temple, who credited Robinson as a mentor and an uncle. To top it all off, Robinson’s contributions to tap dance are so memorable that his birthday on May 25th is officially marked as National Tap Dance Day.
Fred Astaire
Another iconic beacon of the tap dancing culture, Fred Astaire is regarded as not only a highly talented dance prodigy but also as an actor, singer, and choreographer.
He broke records in Vaudeville and Broadway shows with his unique and thrilling footwork that was supported by his flawless understanding of the rhythm. His ability to express light-hearted, wholesome energy and intense emotions was downright mind-blowing and helped him make his way to the big screen.
Astaire’s most famous classic performances are the ones he gave alongside other fellow tap masters and choreographers, such as Adele Astaire, Hermes Pan, and Ginger Rogers. Throughout his 76-year-long career, he’s played a central part in 10 Broadway musicals and 31 Hollywood musicals, making him an inspiration for thousands of aspiring performers. Some of his most collaborative and non-collaborative works include ‘Top Hat,’ ‘I Want to Be a Dancin’ Man,’ ‘Shall We Dance,’ ‘Funny Face,’ ‘Let Yourself Go,’ and much, much more.
Ginger Rogers
You can’t talk about Fred Astaire without appreciating his spectacular dance partner and Academy Award winner, Ginger Rogers. Astaire and Rogers made the ultimate duo on the screen and were marked as the ‘King and Queen of Hollywood Dance Productions.’ Nobody could replicate what they did. Together, they kept grasping tap dancing across mainstream media by delivering ten iconic musicals.
As Rogers wasn’t a natural tap dancer, she had to observe Astaire’s technique to improve hers. It goes to show that even the best of the best have to start somewhere, and they can always rely on an expert’s intuition to guide them through.
Similarly, if you want to break out your tap dancing skills with the help of a dedicated trainer, Superprof’s got you covered. Their immersive library of over 100 dancing coaches can help you jumpstart your career from small local shows to international concerts. Take your steps to the dance floor with Superprof’s tap dancing lessons.
Chloe Arnold
Despite being a new entry compared to the other artists we’ve discussed, Chloe Arnold has left an unbelievable impact on the entertainment industry as an actress, choreographer, director, producer, and Emmy-nominated, famous female tap dancer. Her influence on dancing culture speaks for itself, as she was invited to the Season 11 of the hit show ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ on FOX.
Savion Glover
One of the youngest best tap dancers to ever be famous, Savion Glover stands strong not only because of his age but also due to his remarkable talent for adapting to a diverse range of music styles and genres, whether it’s something old-school or a trending funky style. Mentored by Gregory Hines himself, he was first discovered playing a leading role in a Broadway show when he was 11.
Only a few years later, Glover was nominated for a Tony Award for delivering an amazing performance in ‘Black and Blue.’ From there, he went on to choreograph several successful musicals, including ‘Bring in Da Noise,’ ‘Bring in Da Funk,’ and ‘Shuffle Along.’
Gene Kelly
You can’t talk about top dancers without mentioning the star of one of the best dance movies out there. Gene Kelly’s name spreads far and wide to today’s generations, thanks to his iconic dance scene as Don Lockwood in the old classic ‘Singing in the Rain.’ That motion picture was undoubtedly the highlight of his career, as it clearly showcased the height and impact of his vibrant tap skills.
Gene’s tap style had a blend of jazz and ballet that became symbolic as his career went forward. He went on to climb among the ranks by starring in many more classics in Broadway and Hollywood, such as ‘Hello, Dolly!,’ ‘Cover Girl,’ and ‘An American in Paris.’
If you want that sort of guidance for your dance career, head over to Superprof, where you’ll find professional trainers for your tap dancing lessons who can tell you everything you need to know about the greatest contributors in tap dancing history. Start tap dancing with Superprof and be happy in the rain again.
Eleanor Powell
Known as one of Hollywood’s best dancers in the world, Eleanor owned the stage during the 1930s and 1940s. She was known for her exceptionally acrobatic and versatile movement that few others could replicate at the time. Her dazzling and elegant footwork easily won the hearts of many during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
She was a famous tap dancer and a phenomenal actress starring in many classic Vaudeville, Broadway, and Hollywood productions like ‘Rosalie,’ and ‘Born to Dance.’ She also had the opportunity to collaborate with the talented Fred Astaire in ‘The Broadway Melody of 1940.’ In a show filled with outstanding tap performances, she stood out in every scene she was in.
The Nicholas Brothers
These famous black tap dancers are most well-known for revolutionizing pop culture tap dance by introducing their iconic flash dancing technique. They truly saw dancing as a form of art with limitless potential for creativity, so they spanned their 60-year-long career over this understanding. Fed Astaire himself credited their mind-blowing performance in ‘Stormy Weather’ as one of the greatest dance numbers ever filmed. Some of their other popular works include ‘Kid Millions,’ and ‘Sun Valley Serenade.’
Gregory Hines
Many of the performers we’ve discussed today, including Savion Glover, have claimed to see Gregory Hines as a key inspiration for their tap dance career. This man’s legacy stretches far and wide, as he not only left a mark on over 40 Broadway and Hollywood productions, but he also remains famous as one of the few dancers who can improvise their taps like they’re playing drums.
He started dancing in New York at a very young age, and up until his tragic passing in 2003, he was regarded as the greatest tapper of his generation.
Ann Miller
Another icon from the Golden Age of Hollywood, Ann Miller, left quite the impact on the industry after her breathtaking ‘Too Darn Hot’ scene in 1953’s ‘Kiss Me, Kate,’ where she breaks down on a coffee table as the exuberant Lois Lane. Through this and many of her celebrated performances, she dominated the American entertainment industry from the 1920s to the 1950s.
What’s shocking is that Ann used to suffer from rickets and weak legs in early life, but thanks to her mother’s help and encouragement, she was able to stand on the stage and dance her way to glory. If you want to tap in her footsteps, you can find the greatest tap dancers on Superprof to help you get started. They’ve got the experience and charisma to help you find your perfect build and tap dancing types. So, start tapping your way to fame with Superprof.
Amongst the Best Dancers in the World with Superprof
As you can see, the legacy of tap dancing icons spans from the last century till this very decade. This beloved style of dancing remains a cultural favorite for millions as music enthusiasts all over the world eagerly practice creative footwork patterns to break down their favorite songs.
It’s safe to say that these taps won’t be leaving the dance floor anytime soon, and if you want to witness the growth, you can take your first step towards a promising dancing career by signing up to Superprof. Here, you’ll find tap dancing tutors from all over the world who can teach and inspire you to come up with your own techniques and flares. So, whether you want to learn online or physically, find the perfect tap dancing coach for you on Superprof today.
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Thank you for the information ☺️
I’m glad you enjoyed the article! Thank you for your comment, Theresa!
The Nicholas Brothers and Gregory Hines were the Best and Greatest Dancers in the world. Because of their Color their talent was down played and even ignored. We Love them and miss them. The Best. Simply the Best. Better than all the Rest. Gregory Hines could Act, Dance, and Sing.
Thank you for the comment, Karen! While we couldn’t mention every remarkable tap dancer, we would love it if you could share more of your favorites in the comments.
You can’t compare each of these performers against the others because each has in them the drive to grace Tap with exuberance. No one would argue the choices of the top well known artists in tap however, the men and women of the street performers, minstrel shows, vaudeville, theater 🎭, stage and movies all had skills developed but blood, sweat and tears. We should remember the offering of the hoofers. Many sensational two bit, pickup the pennies, drop in the hat, dancer of the line that made the foundation of “High Hat 🎩 “ Tap.