Tap Dancing （踢踏舞）
Most of the arts in America are a combination of ideas and influences from many sources. Tap
dancing certainly fits in this category. It is truly an American art, but it has been influenced by English
and Irish dance steps as well as steps from Africa.
Some historians argue that tap dancing was first done by slaves on Southern plantations in North
America, and that originally steps were done wearing soft-soled shoes. Irish step dancing, which also
involves intricate（复杂的）foot patterns, contributed the movement of the free leg to one side and
the swing of the elbows outward. Wooden clog shoes were worn as tap dancing evolved, but for a long
time the steps were done flat-footed.
Tap dancing developed into the form we recognize today in the early 20th century. Metal taps were
added to dance shoes, and a number of new techniques were perfected. One of the most important was
the change from the flat-footed step to dancing on the balls of the feet. This is commonly attributed to
dancer Bill Robinson. Another was the “cramp roll,“ in which the dancer would rapidly move from the
ball of the right foot to the ball of the left, and then to the heel of each foot. This separation of the steps
into distinct areas of the foot, an innovation by dancer John Bubbles, allowed dancers to improvise
even more new patterns. Slides across the floor and movements up and down stairs further enlivened
tap. So did relaxed arm and shoulder movements. Challenges became a common part of dance routines,
with dancers competing very hard to outperform（胜过）each other with new and difficult steps.
Many dancers excelled at tap and contributed to its development. Besides Bill Robinson and John
Bubbles, well-known tappers have included Sammy Davis, Jr., Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell, Gregory
Hines, and Savion Glover.
11. This text is mainly about _______ .
A. famous tap dancers B. tap dancing on Southern plantations
C. tap shoes D. the development of tap dancing
12. The phrase “attributed to”（Line 4, Para. 3）means_______.撷墨教育 墨盒自考 全国高等教育自学考试
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A. credited to B. described
C. turned to D. stated as a question
13. The “cramp roll”（Line 5, Para. 3）was invented by______ .
A. Fred Astaire B. Bill Robinson
C. Savion Glover
D. John Bubbles
14. One of the most important elements of tap dancing is______ .
A. intricate footwork
B. smooth, flowing motions
C. dancing in rhythm with a partner
D. wearing wooden shoes
15. Names are mentioned in this text in order to______ .
A. tell about the lives of famous tap dancers
B. connect tap with jazz music
C. show the influence of women on tap dance
D. give credit to famous tap dancers
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