Tap Roots

Mark Knowles, choreographer of more than 300 theatrical productions, is on the faculty of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, California.

Table of Contents



Acknowledgments    

List of Illustrations    

Preface    



PART I: PRIMARY INFLUENCES

1 Irish Influences    

2 English Influences    

3 African Influences    

4 Dance in the West Indies    

5 Dance in New Orleans    

6 Dance on the Plantation    

7 Slave Religion and the Ring Shout    

8 Dispersion of African-American Dances    



PART II. THEATRICAL INFLUENCES

9 Early Theatrical Developments    

10 “Daddy” Rice    

11 The King of Diamonds and Master Juba    

12 The Virginia Minstrels    

13 The Development of the Minstrel Show    

14 Black Minstrelsy and Musical Theatre    

15 Other Forms of Entertainment    

16 Vaudeville    

17 English Music Hall    

18 Women on the Stage    



PART III: OTHER INFLUENCES

19 Indian, Gypsy, and Spanish Influences    

20 German and Shaker Influences    

21 Native American Influences    

22 American Country Dance    

23 Conclusions    



Notes    

Bibliography    

Index