The buffalo tap step is a dance move that involves tapping the toes rhythmically on the floor. It is often associated with tap dancing, but also has roots in Native American culture. The buffalo tap step gets its name from the buffalo, specifically the rhythm of buffalo hooves striking the ground. This article will explore the history and origin of the buffalo tap step dance.
History of Tap Dancing
Tap dancing has origins in multiple cultures, including African American and Irish American communities in the 19th century. It developed as a fusion of African rhythms and dances mixed with Scottish and Irish step dancing. The most basic move in tap dancing is the tap step, which simply involves tapping the toes against the floor. More complex steps were developed by tap dancers over time. The buffalo tap step emerged as one of these tap steps.
Tap dancing increased in popularity in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Well known tap dancers like Bill “Bojangles” Robinson helped popularize the art form. By the mid-20th century, tap had reached incredible popularity and tap dancers like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were major stars. Tap dancing declined somewhat by the 1970s-80s, but had a resurgence in the 1990s until today. Over this evolution, tap steps like the buffalo developed as iconic moves in the tap dancer’s repertoire.
Native American Influences
In addition to origins in traditional tap dance, the buffalo step has influences from Native American culture. Tribal dances mimicking animals were common among many Native American tribes, particularly those living on the Great Plains where buffalo herds were plentiful. Prominent tribes like the Sioux, Blackfoot, Comanche, and others incorporated buffalo dances into their cultural celebrations.
These buffalo dances involved stomping motions to mimic the pounding of buffalo hooves on the plains. Dancers would often wear buffalo robes or headdresses during performances. Over time, this style of footwork made its way into early folk tap dancing, ultimately evolving into the buffalo tap step.
Significance of Buffalo in Native Culture
To understand the Native American origins of the buffalo step, it is important to recognize the essential significance of buffalo in tribal life. Buffalo provided food, clothing, tools, and shelter for the Plains Indians. Buffalo were revered as a gift from the Creator. Native buffalo dances paid respect to this critical resource and also celebrated successful hunts.
So the footwork used in buffalo dances was incredibly meaningful, designed to channel the essence of the buffalo through rhythm. This foot-stomping and toe-tapping accordingly made its way into tap dancing as the iconic buffalo step.
How the Step Evolved in Tap Dancing
While originally an imitation of galloping buffalo, the buffalo step was adapted over time for tap dancing. The step involves tapping the toes on alternating feet, similar to running in place. However, it morphed into a styled dance move.
Some key attributes of the buffalo step in tap include:
- Performed in a stationary position, rather than traveling across the stage
- Toes are tapped in a syncopated, rhythmic pattern instead of a straight gallop
- Dancers use specialized tap shoes with metal plates, rather than bare feet
- Upper body and arms are held in a poised position, unlike the hunched posture in tribal dances
- Often done as a solo routine, not in a large group like Native ceremonies
So while the origins trace back to buffalo dances, the buffalo tap step evolved quite a bit to become a staple of tap performances. The rhythmic toe taps are still reminiscent of buffaloes on the run.
Key Tap Dancers Who Performed the Step
Certain tap dancers are closely associated with popularizing the buffalo step:
- Bill “Bojangles” Robinson – Iconic African American tap dancer of the early 1900s. He performed the buffalo step in histap routines and films.
- The Nicholas Brothers – Fayard and Howard Nicholas were a famous tap duo who incorporated buffalo steps in their lively routines, like in the movie Stormy Weather.
- Gregory Hines – Renowned tapper of the 1980s and 1990s who frequently used the buffalo step. He performed it during his “Fascinatin’ Rhythm” number.
- Savion Glover – Young tap prodigy in the 1990s who skilled executed buffalo steps and popularized tap among his generation.
These revolutionary tappers demonstrated the exciting potential of the buffalo step and integrated it into many famous tap numbers. Their performances were pivotal in making the buffalo step an iconic tap dance move.
How to Do the Step
Doing the buffalo tap step requires coordination and skill to get the rhythm down correctly. Here are some tips:
- Start with feet together, standing upright but relaxed. Engage your core muscles.
- Shift weight to right foot. Lift left foot and tap the toe down rhythmically.
- Repeat several toe taps with the left foot. Keep taps light, not stomping.
- Shift weight to left foot when ready to switch. Lift right toe and repeat taps.
- Gradually increase the tempo of the toe taps as you get more comfortable.
- For more advanced moves, try alternating double toe taps on each foot. Or add heel drops.
- Have fun with it! Keep a bouncy rhythm like a galloping buffalo.
It’s also helpful to practice the buffalo step along with music. Any upbeat song with a strong 4/4 time like jazz, swing, or ragtime works well. This will get you used to maintaining the galloping rhythm.
Significance of the Step in Tap History
While a relatively basic move, the buffalo tap step has origins tracing back centuries and an important place in the evolution of tap dance.
Some key facts about its significance include:
- One of the oldest tap steps, with background in tribal dances before tap existed
- Highlights the multicultural roots of tap as an American art form
- Rhythm mimics the iconic buffalo, which holds an enduring symbolism in American lore
- A fundamental move that novice tap dancers learn, but can be built upon for advanced steps
- Appears frequently across tap dance history, performed by legends and in famous routines
So while on its surface it is simply toe tapping, the buffalo step represents the rich cultural melting pot that created tap dance in America. Master tappers inevitably put their own spin on this classic step in advanced routines. It remains an iconic piece of tap vocabulary.
Conclusion
The uniquely American dance form of tap has diverse origins stemming from blending of African, Irish, and Native American traditions. At the heart of tap dance is rhythmical footwork, like the quintessential buffalo tap step. Mimicking the prancing of buffalo during tribal ceremonies, this foot-stomping translated into an essential move in tap dancer’s repertoire.
The syncopated toe taps of the buffalo step epitomize the fusion of cultures that shaped tap as an artistic genre. This basic yet lively step is passed down through generations of tappers and retains its popularity today. When executed by skilled dancers from Bojangles to Savion, the buffalo step encapsulates the spirit of tap dancing. Though a simple move, it channels a profoundly rich cultural history.