Tap World

The international reach of tap dancing is explored in filmmaker Dean Hargrove's exciting documentary, which illustrates just how much the form has pervaded societies everywhere, taking on a bit of local flavor in different cities. The film initially focuses on tap in America, where young and old dancers alike talk about tap as a bonding experience between generations and a way to embrace a surrogate family. Child dancers find mentors—older men and women who were stars in their day—who happily work in studios alongside these up-and-comers. Tap World also serves up some history about the origins of tap, particularly the “gumboots” style of dance from South Africa, as practiced by miners as a form of communication in underground shafts. The bottom line is that tap is musical rhythm transmitted through the feet, and anyone from Sao Paolo to Tokyo to Moscow can participate in the universality of tap while also expressing something both personal and culturally specific. An illuminating, fun documentary, this is recommended. (T. Keogh)