Tapping is Love of Rhythm

I wanted to share how much I love the viral video where tappers interpret the Cups song. It's already been on the Web for a while and I'd be surprised if you hadn't seen it, but being a bit of a dance nut, I couldn't help myself.

I tap danced for years when I was younger and having tried to brush up on my tap skills last  year, I can only appreciate the high level of performance, ability and agility shown by this choreography.  As a dancer, I'm always listening to music to feel it and be open to how my body interprets the rhythm and the melody. 

As a swing dancer, I've been working on my musicality for as long as I can remember. It gives me goosebumps when I watch someone nailing just the right part in a song and it gives me a rush when I'm the one who just "got it in my bones". 

When I watch this, I'm amazed at the way the choreographers have absolutely captured the essence of the song and go beyond following it; they complement the song by adding character through tap. They own it - you can tell by their confidant movement and their smiles - and they say "Yeah, here's how we do it." Have you noticed how textured their rhythms are? That's understanding. That's love of the craft.

Watch this and tell yourself that these busy people have shared their love for music through their talent and their performance. This is beautiful.

There is also a great article, found on dance-teacher.com here.