Tap Shoes

Capezio Inc.

1996 · Leather, steel, velcro, form padding, various materials · Musical Instruments

Tap shoes are specially made with metal plates, known as taps, affixed to the toe and heel of the sole. When a dancer steps or dances they create a percussive sound that characterizes tap dance. The art form is indigenous to the Americas, with roots in West African step dances. In the nineteenth century, minstrel shows included an early form of tapping known as "jigging." Later, tap dancing became an important part of vaudeville. Two distinct type of tap dance evolved: Broadway tap and rhythm (jazz) tap. The former is used primarily in musical theater while the latter treats the taps as an instrument within the jazz tradition. This pair of tap shoes was worn by Savion Glover in performances of the Broadway musical "Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk." In this work, Glover brought rhythm tapping onto the Broadway stage. Description: Two black leather, string-tied shoes with steel taps on heels and toes; velcro attached to front of shoe below laces to hold microphone (missing); "BRUNT" written on inside of each shoe; "Savion Glover" signature in silver ink on right shoe; taps held on with three Phillips screws.

Artist

Capezio Inc.

Date

1996

Medium

Leather, steel, velcro, form padding, various materials

Culture

American

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Gift of Savion Glover, 1997