An investigation into the influences on American tap dancing. Knowles (American Academy of Dramatic Arts) identifies English clog dancing, Irish step dancing, and African dancing as the primary influences on the art form and devotes separate chapters to explaining the dances both as art and as social practice. Further chapters explore similar themes related to theatrical influences and other influences such as Native American and Asian dances. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)