a dance in which the rhythm or rhythmical variation is audibly tapped out with the toe or heel by a dancer wearing shoes with special hard soles or with taps.
Origin
probably earlier than 1925-30
tap-dance
[tap-dans, -dahns] /ˈtæpˌdæns, -ˌdɑns/
verb (used without object), tap-danced, tap-dancing.
1.
to perform a tap dance.
Origin
1925-30
Related forms
tap-dancer, noun
Examples from the web for tap dance
He knew he had to do some literary tap dance, hence the dialogue.
But, with him, they are little more than the same old tap dance.
Anything less than a talking horse that can tap dance will be a disappointment.
The actor who plays the headwaiter within the movie welcomes the chance to step out of character and do a little tap dance.
They will prance and hop and tap dance and somersault, all for the chance to be devoured alive.
Most readers should be able to see through your fancy tap dance.
British Dictionary definitions for tap dance
tap dance
noun
1.
a step dance in which the performer wears shoes equipped with taps that make a rhythmic sound on the stage as he dances
verb (intransitive)
2.
to perform a tap dance
Derived Forms
tap-dancer, noun tap-dancing, noun
Slang definitions & phrases for tap dance
tap dance
verb phrase
To improvise, tergiversate, etc, in order to hide one's ignorance: I didn't read the poop sheet, so I had to tap dance when the question came(1970s+ Army)