Selecting Tap Dance Costumes

Tap dancing combines movement and music through dance and makes for a delightful form of entertainment. Since its rise from the ‘30s, tap dance has been a staple of musical theater and staged dance performances. Kids and adults alike can learn tap dancing for fun and maybe even find a true knack. Choosing tap dance costumes is not that hard but you need to pay attention to certain details in order for your performance to go smoothly. We’re giving you some pointers on how to choose your tap dance costumes.

First thing you have to know is that tap dance costumes should be made of comfortable material, usually made of stretchy fabric like Lycra, enabling you to move as freely as possible. Wear light clothing when you rehearse and perform on stage. Many tap dancers prefer dancewear that is tight and snug. Not only that that they’re able to move with ease, the audience get to focus on their movement. Baggy clothing such as oversized pants and balloon skirts get in the way of those tap combinations. Footwork is the foundation of tap dancing. You should wear dance clothes that highlight the movement of your leg and feet.

Once you’ve covered function, you can move on to style. Women tap dancers can wear flapper dress, reminiscent of the vaudeville era where tap featured prominently. Jazz costumes can also be worn, as well as cabaret. Tight fitting pants called unitards are usually paired with sequined tops that accentuate the part of the body that moves less when tap dancing. Leotards are also popular, along fringe, and shorts and skirts that show off the dancer’s legs.

Men can wear comfortable shirts that are snug around the arms. Tight, collared vests can also be an option, while trousers have to be the right length. Pants shouldn’t be baggy or too long, otherwise the fabric would get caught on the tap shoes. Tap dancers look good wearing suspenders over a plain white shirt and black slacks. A bow or tie would also be a charming touch. Dancing accessories may include top hats, beret, gloves, light headpieces, armbands and canes.

Perhaps the most important component in tap dance is the shoes. Most beginners wear black leather shoes. While more experienced dancers go with high-heeled tap shoes or ordinary footwear, such as cowboy boots sneakers, with metals attached to the heel and soles. Tan colored tap shoes are easy to match with any outfit. When dancers want to accentuate their legs, they match the color of their shoes and pants. Tap shoes also come in silver, white, beige and other shades of brown and gray.

Tap dancers can adapt their costumes to the storyline or theme of their dance numbers. From the classic Fred Astaire dance suit to the more unorthodox outfits on the stage like a policeman’s attire, a chef, a construction worker, a cowboy, a fairy or other fictional costumes. As long as these character costumes were made with comfort and freedom of movement in mind, tap dancers are sure to rock it on stage.

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