Is Improvisation Important in Tap Dancing?

Wed, Aug 1, 2007

Masters of Tap, Performances, Tap Resources

I recently began sending this question to professional tap dancers and instructors in hopes of sharing their responses here.

One of the first to respond to my query was Brenda Bufalino, a great tap dancer, artist, and dance philosopher. She performed alongside the late, great Charles “Honi” Coles and created “The American Tap Dance Orchestra.” You can check out her website to view her impressive list of accomplishments.

Her new book, Tapping the Source has received rave reviews on Amazon.com, chronicling her experiences in tap and her creative process. She is a true Master of Tap!

Here is her response to the question, “Is Improvisation Important in Tap Dancing?”

“Improvisation is the essential ingredient for creating new compositions. Where can a new figure (step) come from, but from a mind and feet floating free.

Every piece I compose has an improvised section built in, where I can express what is not in my composition or what has not been expressed in an evening of tap, also to be in relationship to the improvisations of the band.”

-Brenda Bufalino

Wanna improvise? Learn How Here!

Brenda Bufalino in the news, and on her birthday.

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