Originally published December 31, 2013; updated September 2026.
Tap dancing has produced some of the most memorable sequences in Broadway and movie-musical history. From precision ensemble work to performers who make rhythm feel effortless, these 12 selections showcase the energy, musicality and personality that make tap such an enduring part of musical theatre and film.
This is Tom Williams’ original selection of favorite tap numbers, updated with additional context and cleaner video links.
What Makes a Great Tap Number?
Great tap dancing is more than speed. The best numbers combine rhythm, musicality, choreography, character and personality. Some use a large ensemble to create a wall of sound; others rely on the individuality of a single dancer. Broadway and Hollywood have used both approaches to turn tap into memorable storytelling.
1. Anything Goes
Cole Porter’s Anything Goes has long been associated with big, exuberant musical-comedy dancing. The title number is an ideal example of how tap can build from song into a full-scale ensemble showstopper, combining intricate footwork with the momentum of a classic Broadway finale.
2. I Got Rhythm & I Can’t Be Bothered Now
George and Ira Gershwin’s music has inspired generations of dancers. These performances show how familiar Gershwin songs can become vehicles for rhythmic invention, athleticism and the effortless-looking style associated with classic movie-musical tap.
3. Step in Time — Mary Poppins
“Step in Time” from Mary Poppins turns the London rooftops into a playground for an extended dance sequence. The number’s chimney sweeps, escalating choreography and infectious rhythm make it one of the film’s most memorable dance set pieces.
4. 42nd Street
Few musicals are more closely identified with tap than 42nd Street. Its large ensemble numbers celebrate the precision and spectacle of Broadway dance, with rows of performers turning synchronized footwork into part of the score itself.
5. Chasin’ the Clouds Away
“Chasin’ the Clouds Away” represents the lighter, buoyant side of classic tap. Rather than depending only on spectacle, the dancing works with the melody and rhythm to create the easy sense of motion that became a hallmark of Hollywood musical choreography.
6. Jumpin’ Jive
“Jumpin’ Jive” demonstrates how closely tap can interact with jazz. The number is driven by rhythm and physical virtuosity, with the dancers responding to the music almost like additional percussionists rather than simply dancing over an accompaniment.
7. Jimmy Slyde — On a Clear Day
Jimmy Slyde was celebrated for a smooth, rhythmically sophisticated style that made difficult steps appear relaxed. This selection stands apart from the large Broadway ensemble numbers on the list and highlights the individuality and improvisational feeling that a master tap dancer can bring to a performance.
8. Good Morning — Singin’ in the Rain
Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor turn “Good Morning” from Singin’ in the Rain into a joyful three-person dance sequence. The appeal is not simply the steps but the chemistry among the performers as the choreography moves around the room and uses the set as part of the dance.
9. Swing Time
Swing Time is inseparable from Fred Astaire’s place in the history of movie-musical dance. His style emphasized musical phrasing, clarity and apparent ease, helping establish a cinematic approach in which audiences could appreciate the dancer’s full movement rather than a rapid series of edits.
10. Jelly’s Last Jam
Jelly’s Last Jam, the Broadway musical inspired by jazz pioneer Jelly Roll Morton, used tap as an important part of its theatrical vocabulary. Its presence here broadens the list beyond Hollywood classics and demonstrates how later Broadway productions continued to use tap as both entertainment and storytelling.
11. Tap Your Troubles Away
“Tap Your Troubles Away” captures one of tap’s most enduring theatrical qualities: the ability to turn pure rhythm into exuberant musical-comedy entertainment. It belongs in a collection like this because the dancing itself becomes the number’s emotional release.
12. James Cagney and Bob Hope Dance Routine
James Cagney is often remembered first for his dramatic film roles, but he began as a song-and-dance performer and remained an accomplished dancer. His work alongside Bob Hope provides a fitting finish to a list that celebrates not only choreography but the personality performers bring to tap.
The Enduring Appeal of Tap
Tap has moved between vaudeville, Broadway, jazz and Hollywood for generations, continually changing while retaining its distinctive combination of dance and percussion. These selections are not intended as a definitive ranking; they are a personal collection of memorable performances that demonstrate just how varied tap can be.