Tap dancing is a productive activity for a child to learn, and many children pursue this area of dance. A great way to raise a child's interest in tap is to also share with them books, movies, and songs about tap dancing. Here are a few great ideas for books and movies young tap dancers would enjoy.
"Flying Feet: A New Children's Book of Tap" is a great book for young tap dancers who aspire to become professional performers. Written by James Stevenson, the book appeals to children of a very young age. It is a child's story about a town that was enlightened and changed when two tap dancers showed up. The book paints a beautiful picture about tap dancing in the minds of young readers.
"Gotta Dance!: The Rhythms of Jazz and Tap" is also great for children in grade school who have an interest in tap dancing. It is a short picture book composed and written by Jenai Cutcher, a faculty member of Steps in New York City. Vibrant pictures of tap dance performances excite curiosity among readers.
For children who are approaching their teens, "Shoot Me While I'm Happy: Memories from the Tap Goddess of the Lower East Side" is a great read. Jane Goldberg, professional tap dancer, tells her story about living the life of tap and loving every moment. Goldberg has preformed along side some of the tap greats, including Gregory Hines, who wrote the foreword to the book.
A classic movie about tap dancing called "By Word of Foot: Tap Masters Pass On Their Tradition" is an excellent movie for young dancers to watch.
"Knockin' On Wood" is a book written about the life of famous tap great "Peg Legs" Bates. It chronicles his life, from the days of childhood, when he would dance on the streets for spare change, to the day when he lost part of his left leg in an accident. It is an inspiring story because he did not let the accident prevent him from achieving a successful career in tap dance.
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