Tap dance is a lively and rhythmic form of dance characterized by the sound of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. It originated in the United States in the early 19th century at the crossroads of African and Irish American dance forms. Tap gained its popularity after the Civil War, as a part of traveling minstrel shows. Dancers were able to collaborate with jazz musicians, incorporate improvisations and complicated dance rhythms. Tap dancers wear special shoes with metal plates on the heel and toe, which produce the distinctive sounds when they strike the floor.

Tap dance incorporates elements of both dance and music, as dancers create rhythmic patterns and syncopations with their feet. It's known for its improvisational nature, allowing dancers to express themselves through intricate footwork and syncopated rhythms. Tap dance has been popularized in various forms of entertainment, including Broadway musicals, film, and television.

Any routine that is tap requires the use of a soft-shoe or tap shoes. Small handheld props can be used if related to the choreography, but the focus remains on the “tap” sounds/footwork.