I’m going to go out on a limb and say the majority of you who read this blog do not watch CBS Sunday Morning.

Am I right? If you don’t you are really missing out. I look forward to watching Every. Sunday. Morning! I rarely miss. It’s a news show, yes, 

But not your typical news show. They feature human interest stories with celebrity interviews, featured artists and so forth…but I’m digressing. 

This week’s blogpost was a featured story on CBS Sunday morning. Nothing like stealing like an artist! (That’s the title of a book by the way. Here’s the link to it if you’re interested.) 

The segment was on the history of  tap dancing and its reemergence in pop culture. 

I’ve never been a huge fan of tap dancing. Come to think of it, I don’t think I ever tap danced. But I am always impressed how fast the dancers can move their feet, especially the Irish River Dancers! I don’t think my feet are capable!

No doubt,Tap Dancing is an art form. 

What I learned was  tap dancing has evolved over the past 300 years with African and Irish roots. 

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE HISTORY OF AMERICA, MAYBE YOU SHOULD STUDY THE HISTORY OF TAP

When slave owners took away traditional African percussion instruments, slaves turned to “becoming the music” in order to express themselves and retain their identity. Humans always find a way! And then came the Irish in the 1600’s, known for their clog dances, hornpipes and jigs. Thousands of Irish were deported to the Caribbean becoming indentured servants, many working side-by-side in the fields with African slaves. For over a century, these cultures intermingled, creating a unique form of self-expression. 

IF EVERYTHING IS TAKEN FROM YOU AND ALL IS LEFT IS YOUR BODY, YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE ART WITH YOUR BODY

Tap is an improvisation of a give and take-sharing, stealing and reinventing themselves within their art form.

The giving, taking, reinventing within the confines of art is truly what art is all about. 

Watch the Episode Here