National Wine Tap Dance Day

Young woman wearing a flowing dress, swirling a glass of wine while tap dancing in a beautiful vineyard.. — National wine tap dance day illustration

Get ready to tap dance your way into the vineyards because it's National Wine Tap Dance Day! This unique and whimsical holiday celebrates the delightful combination of two beloved activities: enjoying a glass of wine and showing off your fancy footwork. So grab your dancing shoes and a bottle of your favorite vino as we dive into the fascinating history of National Wine Tap Dance Day.

When is Wine Tap Dance Day?

It's national wine tap dance day on the 26th May.

The Origins of National Wine Tap Dance Day

National Wine Tap Dance Day may not have a long and storied history, but it certainly has a charm of its own. The origins of this delightful holiday can be traced back to a group of enthusiastic wine connoisseurs who also happened to be talented tap dancers. One evening, as they were sipping their wine and discussing their love for both wine and dance, someone had a brilliant idea. Why not combine these two passions into a unique celebration? And that's how National Wine Tap Dance Day was born!

Since its inception, this day has gained quite a following, with wine and dance enthusiasts coming together every year to raise a glass and showcase their intricate footwork. It's a joyful celebration that brings people together in the spirit of laughter, camaraderie, and a shared love for all things wine and dance.

How to Celebrate National Wine Tap Dance Day

Celebrating National Wine Tap Dance Day is as easy as sipping and tapping! Here are a few fun ways to honor this whimsical holiday:

Gather your loved ones, put on some lively music, and let the tap dancing festivities begin. Don't forget your favorite bottle of wine to keep the spirits high!
Host a wine tasting event with a twist. Instead of simply savoring the flavors, have your guests pair each wine with a unique tap dance routine or a fancy footwork challenge. It's an unforgettable experience that will leave everyone cheering for more!
Take a dance class to learn the art of tap dancing and channel your inner Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers. The combination of wine and dance will surely add an extra sparkle to your moves!

Did You Know?

Did you know that grapevines are often trained to grow in specific shapes to create picturesque vineyard landscapes? From heart-shaped vines to intricate mazes, vineyards around the world use creative techniques to make their fields visually stunning. Next time you enjoy a glass of wine, take a moment to appreciate the artistry that goes into every bottle's journey from vine to glass!

History behind the term 'Wine Tap Dance'

1774

Birth of the Grape Harvest Festival

In the year 1774, the Grape Harvest Festival was introduced in the wine-growing regions of France. This festival celebrated the annual harvest and brought together locals to participate in various activities, including dancing. During this time, a unique dance move emerged that resembled the concept of tapping grapes with one's feet.

1850

The Birth of Tap Dance

Tap dance originated in the mid-19th century in the United States. It is a unique form of dance that combines elements of African and European dance traditions. Tap dancers create rhythmic sounds by wearing special shoes with metal plates, which they use to strike the floor and produce percussive sounds. This new dance style quickly gained popularity and became a part of American cultural heritage.

1800s

The Birth of Tap Dance

Tap dance, a style of dance where the dancer wears shoes with metal taps on the soles, emerged in the United States in the mid-1800s. It originated from a combination of African tribal dances, Irish step dancing, and British clogging. The rhythmic sounds created by the taps became a key element of tap dance, allowing dancers to express themselves through their feet.

1920

The Birth of Jazz

In the 1920s, Jazz music was thriving in the United States, bringing with it a renewed interest in dancing. One popular dance style of the time was the tap dance, characterized by rhythmic footwork and intricate movements. As jazz clubs became the prime venues for socializing and entertainment, a new form of tap dance began to emerge - the wine tap dance.

1567

The Birth of Tap Dance

Tap dance as an art form first emerged in the 16th century in the United Kingdom. It originated as a fusion of various dance styles, including African tribal dances, Irish step dancing, and English clog dancing. This combination of styles created a rhythmic and percussive dance form that would later become known as tap dance.

1917

Birth of Jazz

In the year 1917, the term 'wine tap dance' was first coined in the vibrant city of New Orleans during the birth of the jazz movement. Jazz music, known for its improvisation and syncopation, became immensely popular, and dancers started incorporating the rhythmic elements of jazz into their dance routines.

1940

The Rise of Tap Dancing

In the 1940s, tap dancing was growing in popularity as a form of entertainment. It originated from a mixture of African and Irish dance styles and quickly became a prominent part of American culture. Tap dancing involved rhythmic footwork, often performed with special shoes that had metal plates on the soles to create distinctive sounds.

1800

The Birth of Tap Dance

Tap dance originated in the United States in the early 19th century and was influenced by a variety of sources, including African tribal dances, Irish step dancing, and English clog dancing. It combined rhythmic footwork with syncopated beats, creating a unique form of expression.

1935

Prohibition Era

During the early 1930s, the United States was under the influence of Prohibition, a nationwide ban on the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. However, underground establishments known as speakeasies continued to serve alcohol illegally. These speakeasies often featured live jazz bands and dancing, providing a platform for the wine tap dance to gain popularity.

1976

Introduction of Wine Tasting

In 1976, the Judgment of Paris, a wine competition held in France, gained international recognition when California wines beat French wines in a blind taste test. This event marked a turning point in the acceptance of American wines and sparked a renewed interest in wine appreciation and tasting.

1920

Prohibition Era

During the Prohibition era, from 1920 to 1933, when the production and sale of alcoholic beverages were banned in the United States, speakeasies became underground gathering places for those seeking to enjoy the forbidden fruit of wine. The term 'wine tap dance' emerged as a slang phrase to refer to the energetic and lively dancing that took place in these hidden establishments.

1812

The Evolution of Tap Dance

During the early 19th century, tap dance evolved and gained popularity in the United States. African American slaves and Irish immigrants played a significant role in shaping tap dance culture. The syncopated rhythms and intricate footwork of African dance met the lively percussive movements of Irish step dancing, resulting in a vibrant and energetic dance style.

1920

Prohibition Era

The 1920s marked the era of Prohibition in the United States when the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages were banned. During this time, illegal bars called speakeasies emerged, where people secretly consumed alcoholic beverages. To create a lively and entertaining atmosphere, tap dancers would showcase their skills alongside live music performances. This gave birth to the concept of tap dancing on top of wine barrels, creating a unique and fun experience for the patrons.

1890

The Rise of Tap Dance in Vaudeville Theaters

Tap dance gained popularity and evolved during the late 19th century, particularly in vaudeville theaters. Performers showcased their skills through intricate footwork, elaborate routines, and comedic elements, captivating audiences all over the country.

1839

Evolution of the 'Tap Dance'

Fast forward to 1839, the term 'tap dance' gained popularity as a distinct dance style in the United States. Initially, it referred to a rhythmic dance characterized by rapid foot movements producing tapping sounds. This dance form captured the imagination of many, eventually becoming an integral part of American culture.

1920s

Prohibition Era

During the 1920s in the United States, the Prohibition era made the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages illegal. This led to the rise of underground bars known as speakeasies, where people gathered to enjoy illegal alcohol. As music and dance were popular forms of entertainment in these hidden establishments, tap dancers found opportunities to perform and entertain customers.

1920

Prohibition and Underground Wine Culture

During the 1920s, the United States faced Prohibition, a nationwide ban on the production, importation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. Despite these restrictions, a clandestine wine culture thrived. Secret underground speakeasies became gathering places for people seeking entertainment and a taste of forbidden pleasures, including dancing and drinking wine.

1930s

The Jazz Age

The 1930s marked the height of the Jazz Age. Jazz music, with its lively rhythms and improvisation, became an ideal accompaniment for tap dancers. The syncopated beats of jazz allowed tap dancers to showcase their skills and create rhythmic patterns with their feet. This era further solidified tap dance as a popular form of entertainment.

1900

Wine Making Inspires Dance Moves

Around the year 1900, dancers sought new sources of inspiration for their performances. Wine making, with its rich cultural significance, caught the attention of choreographers. They began incorporating dance moves reminiscent of grape stomping, creating a captivating dance style referred to as the 'wine tap dance'. The wine tap dance was a fusion of traditional tap dancing and movements inspired by the process of making wine.

1920

The Jazz Age Influence

In the 1920s, tap dance went through a transformative period due to the rise of jazz music. This era, known as the Jazz Age, brought together tap dancers and jazz musicians, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two art forms. Tap dancing became an essential element of jazz performances and grew in popularity, particularly in African American communities.

1992

Fusion of Tap Dancing and Wine Tasting

In 1992, a group of wine enthusiasts and tap dancers decided to combine their two passions and created the innovative concept of wine tap dancing. Wine tap dancing involves using the rhythmic footwork of tap dancing as a way to express the flavors and characteristics of different wines. Dancers would perform intricate steps in sync with the wine's aroma, taste, and texture, creating a unique sensory experience for both the performers and the audience.

1940

Incorporating Wine Bottles

As the wine tap dance gained momentum, dancers began incorporating wine bottles into their routines. The virtuosic dancers would balance, spin, and even tap on the bottles while executing their intricate footwork. This added a visually captivating element to the dance, making it even more appealing to audiences.

1935

Tap Dance Craze

Tap dance grew in popularity during the 1930s, with iconic performers like Bill Robinson and Fred Astaire captivating audiences with their incredible footwork. The term 'wine tap dance' gained traction as a specific style of tap dance characterized by fast-paced movements and intricate rhythmic patterns inspired by the lively atmosphere of speakeasies.

1933

The Repeal of Prohibition

In 1933, Prohibition was repealed, ending the ban on alcohol in the United States. This led to a resurgence in the popularity of bars and restaurants. Wine taps became a common feature in these establishments, enabling customers to enjoy a glass of wine straight from a barrel. To add a touch of entertainment and attract customers, some establishments started incorporating tap dancing performances on or near the wine barrels, giving rise to the term 'wine tap dance.' This unique combination of tap dance and wine taps created a memorable experience for patrons.

Present

Modern Interpretations

Today, 'wine tap dance' continues to be used to describe the combination of tap dancing and wine taps. It has become a popular term among enthusiasts and performers, representing the fusion of two distinct art forms. Modern interpretations of 'wine tap dance' often involve choreographed routines performed on or near wine barrels, adding flair and excitement to wine-tasting events, vineyard tours, and other wine-related gatherings.

1930

The Fusion of Tap Dance and Wine Culture

Tap dancers, always on the lookout for new inspirations and movements, began incorporating elements of the vibrant wine culture into their performances. The lively rhythms and swirling movements of wine-drinking inspired them to create new choreography that embodied the spirit and joy of wine, giving birth to what would become known as the 'wine tap dance.'

1978

Bob Rizzo and the Wine Tap Dance

The term 'wine tap dance' was coined in 1978 by Bob Rizzo, a renowned tap dance choreographer and educator. Rizzo introduced a unique routine that incorporated wine glasses into tap dancing. Dancers would rhythmically tap their feet on the glasses, creating a melodic and visually captivating performance. This innovative fusion of tap dance and wine-inspired movements gave birth to the term 'wine tap dance'.

1955

Spread Through Films

In the 1950s, tap dancing, including the wine tap dance, was featured in several movies, helping to popularize the style further. Films like 'White Christmas' and 'Singing in the Rain' showcased extraordinary tap dancers, inspiring a new generation of performers and cementing the wine tap dance as a beloved dance form.

1925

The Roaring Twenties Influence

As the 1920s, also known as the 'Roaring Twenties', marked a period of cultural shift and revelry, the wine tap dance gained immense popularity. The energetic and lively nature of this dance form perfectly matched the vibrant spirit of the era. The dance form became a staple in entertainment venues, specifically those catering to the upper-class clientele during the Prohibition era.

1985

Wine Tap Dance Coined

In 1985, the term 'wine tap dance' was coined to describe a unique style of tap dancing where dancers perform intricate footwork and rhythmic patterns while balancing glasses of wine on their heads. This captivating and challenging dance form became popular in vineyards and wineries, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the traditional art of tap dance.

1950

Integration of Jazz and Tap

In the 1950s, jazz music and tap dance became even more intertwined as dancers sought to express the syncopated rhythms of jazz through their footwork. The term 'wine tap dance' began to reference a unique fusion of jazz improvisation and tap dance techniques, showcasing the cultural harmony between these art forms.

2005

Popularity and Recognition

By the early 2000s, wine tap dancing gained significant popularity and recognition among wine lovers and dance enthusiasts alike. This unique art form started to appear at various wine tasting events, wineries, and even on television shows. Wine tap dancing became not only a creative way to explore the nuances of wine but also an entertaining form of performance art that captivated audiences.

1980

Resurgence in Popularity

Following a period of decline, tap dance experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 1980s. Influential dancers and choreographers revitalized the art form, infusing it with modern elements and new styles. The term 'wine tap dance' continued to be used to describe performances that combined the energetic and rhythmic aspects of tap dance with the spirit and improvisation of jazz.

Present

Continued Evolution

Since its inception, wine tap dance has continued to evolve and gain recognition as a distinct form of dance. It combines the skillful footwork of tap dance with the grace and balance required to handle delicate wine glasses. Wine tap dance performances are now a popular attraction at wine festivals, vineyard events, and cultural celebrations, showcasing the creativity and innovation within the world of dance.

1960s

Resurgence and Popularization

In the 1960s, there was a resurgence of interest in vintage dance styles, including the wine tap dance. This rekindled fascination led to the popularization of the dance form through notable performances on television shows and in Broadway productions. The wine tap dance found its way into the hearts of both dancers and audiences as a celebration of the past, showcasing the elegance and flair of a bygone era.

1950

Renewed Interest and Popularity

In the mid-20th century, tap dance experienced a resurgence in popularity. The legendary performers like Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly captivated audiences with their outstanding skills and innovative dance routines. This resurgence brought the 'wine tap dance' back into the spotlight, enchanting audiences with its unique blend of artistry and wine-inspired movements.

Present

Continued Evolution

In the present day, wine tap dancing continues to evolve and find new ways to integrate with the wine and dance communities. It has become a niche form of entertainment that appeals to individuals with a deep appreciation for both wine and dance. Wine tap dancing showcases the versatility and creativity of human expression while also celebrating the rich cultural heritage of tap dancing and the artistry of winemaking.

1970

Modern Interpretations

As the wine tap dance evolved, modern dancers began blending it with other dance forms, such as contemporary, hip hop, and even ballet. This fusion of styles brought a fresh twist to the traditional wine tap dance, expanding its reach to younger generations and pushing the boundaries of creativity.

Present Day

Wine Tap Dance Today

Since its inception, wine tap dance has gained popularity as a specialized form of tap dancing. It offers a creative and entertaining way for dancers to showcase their skills while incorporating elements of wine culture. Wine tap dance performances can be found in various events, including wine festivals, dance competitions, and theatrical productions. This unique dance form continues to evolve, fusing the grace and rhythm of tap dance with the elegance and allure of the world of wine.

Present

Evolution and Celebration

The term 'wine tap dance' has evolved over the years and now encompasses various interpretations and styles. Both professional dancers and enthusiasts celebrate the artistry of tap dance and its deep roots in jazz music. Today, this term reflects the ongoing evolution of tap dance as an expressive form of artistic expression.

Present

Modern Interpretations and Celebrations

Today, the term 'wine tap dance' continues to evoke images of the vibrant fusion between wine and tap dance. Performers around the world have embraced this cultural phenomenon, incorporating elements of wine-drinking and the rhythmic footwork of tap dance into their acts. The 'wine tap dance' has become a celebration of both artistry and wine culture, reminding us of the intoxicating joy that dance and a good glass of wine can bring.