Tap into Connection: Accessing Tap Dance in the Therapeutic Process to Amplify Human Connection

This thesis discusses the origins of tap dance and dance/movement therapy and explores the application of tap dance technique in dance/movement therapy contexts. Tap dance is an American art form that developed from the sharing of rhythms and steps amongst enslaved Africans and indentured Irish servants. Rhythm, a core element of both tap dance and dance/movement therapy, is a key component in the adaptive human behavior of communication. Through the experiences of tap dance and dance/movement therapy, human rhythms can be explored, shared and highlighted. Rhythmic movement, intrinsic to the human body, has the power to connect humans to each other, themselves, and the world around them. Understanding each other’s rhythms gives us the ability to empathize and transcend conflict. It also gives us the opportunity to celebrate human difference rather than criticize it. Through therapeutic tap dance, we can build community and unity. Keywords: tap dance, dance/movement therapy, rhythm, connection