Why tap? Why now? Tap dancing as arts participation

Participatory arts have been identified as having health and well-being benefits. While there are many forms of arts participation being studied, the purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore what it is like for older women to tap dance.

A purposive, convenience sample of 14 dancers aged 48-79 years participated in the study. Data were collected from individual interviews, class observations, and a focus group.

Physical, cognitive, and social-emotional benefits, meaning and purpose, as well as opportunities for self-expression and creativity were noteworthy benefits of tap dancing for these women. The safe, relatable environment created by their "older" teacher was significant for this cohort as well.

This study adds to existing knowledge of the value of arts engagement for older adults as it explicates the intrinsic value of tap dancing as well how the environment created at the studio where the study took place positively influenced participants' experiences. As arts engagement gains traction and healthcare professionals proactively refer clients to community-based programs and services that promote creative, expressive art forms, tap dancing, with its multidimensional sensory-motor and social benefits, has the potential to uniquely and positively influence well-being.