The Tap Dance Blog

photo credit: tylerdurden1

Each year I watch as much of the X Games as I can, and this year was no different. I really enjoy watching competitors perform death-defying stunts before an enthusiastic audience and there just aren’t enough Nicholas Brothers video clips to satisfy me! This time I was struck by something that could effect how I structure future Tap Jams, especially when an audience in present.

An Instant Tap Program Courtesy of the X Games!

At the X Games the BMX and Skateboard competitions are divided into three distinct sections.

The One Minute Intro Run

At the start of the event, each competitor is allowed one minute to enter the course and perform a selection of tricks for the audience. This gives the performed an opportunity to adapt to the dynamic of being in front of the audience, while also providing the audience with a very exciting introduction.

As a member of the audience who is not familiar with any of the competitors by name, this was very helpful to me. I was able to get a feel for each rider, and decide early on whose style was most engaging to me. This got me invested in the outcome and gave me something to look forward to as the events progressed.

Starting your tap jam in this way beats verbal introductions that no one remembers anyway.

The problem with a standard introduction is that, the audience has no reason to remember you. At least until after they have seen what you can do. By introducing artists after the one minute intro, you increase the likelihood that the audience will remember the names.

Musicians figured this out long ago. That’s why they always wait to introduce members of the band at about the halfway point of the performance, usually after each artist has engaged in some grand solo effort! Tap dancers should do the same.

The Jam Session

Yes that’s really what they call it!

After the one-minute intro run the competition then moves into the Jam Session. At X Games this lasts for a set amount of time during which each competitor is given a few minutes to showcase for the audience. This is where a lot of the creativity comes out. After all, now we’re getting into true improvisation. There are no breaks between riders. As soon as one exits the course, the next one enters.

The riders are competing with one another at this point, but not directly. While the audience can sense that the performers are trying to one up each other. It’s not as aggressive or extreme as it will be in the 3rd phase.

This would be a perfect structure for the Tap Jam.

Ten participants could perform for two minutes each leading to a 20 minute segment of continuous dancing!

The music could even be arranged so there are no breaks, particularly if there is a live band present.

The Competition

In tap dancing, the “competition” portion could take the form of a “cutting contest.” This segment would start after the rules are explained to the audience. The dancers would then compete, one-on-one against one another and be evaluated on how well they keep time, and on their ability to “cut” the other dancer, that is, how well they are able to steal the other’s combinations and improve upon them.

The standard rules of the cutting contest would apply with each dancer showcasing over a certain number of bars before handing it off.

Come in too early or stay in too late and you’re disqualified.

Judging of the contest could be left up to the audience. The winner would then be invited to perform a selection from his or her repertoire which could even incorporate the other dancers. If nothing else, this would be a great format for an hour long promotional showcase!

The X Games approach to organizing a tap jam would produce a great performance that would educate and entertain the audience while also allowing the audience to really connect with the performers.

What do you think? Have you ever had to organize a tap jam? What were the biggest challenges you faced?

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