Tap dance is a type of dance characterized by using the sounds of metal taps affixed to the heel and toe of shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion, coupled with both characteristic and interpretative body movements. Its roots were in minstrel shows, it gained prominence in Vaudeville, then emerged into an art form and means of expression alongside the evolution of jazz.

There are several styles of tap dance, including rhythm (jazz), classical, Broadway, and post-modern. Rhythm tap, the most celebrated and best known, focuses on musicality, and practitioners consider themselves to be a part of the jazz tradition and as such, improvisation is essential to their work. Many influential rhythm tap dancers were members of the Hoofers Club.

In the Gilbert Tap Exam program, tap dancers are instructed in many of the old-time steps which are still very relevant in tap today.  These fundamentals are the building blocks of tap dancing.