Limited Edition Purple Tap Shoes - Jason Samuels Smith Bloch Collection

The Iconic Jason Samuels Smith Tap Shoes

Tap dancing has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks in large part to innovative dancers like Jason Samuels Smith. Known for his flawless technique and charismatic performances, Samuels Smith has brought tap dance into the mainstream and inspired a new generation of dancers.

In collaboration with dancewear company Bloch, Samuels Smith has released a series of signature tap shoes. These limited edition shoes allow fans and dancers to literally follow in the footsteps of this tap legend.

The Evolution of Tap Shoes

Tap shoes have come a long way from their origins in the 1800s. The earliest tap dancers nailed pieces of metal to the heels and toes of their everyday shoes to amplify the sound of their steps. Eventually, dance shoe manufacturers started integrating metal taps into the design of dance shoes.

Today's tap shoes feature advanced shock absorption, flexible materials, and customized tap sounds. Bloch's Jason Samuels Smith shoes represent the pinnacle of contemporary tap shoe design and technology.

Key Features of Jason Samuels Smith Shoes

The JS Tap Smith shoe has a soft leather upper, giving the foot a flexible and comfortable fit. The toe box is engineered for maximum freedom of movement. This allows dancers to articulate their feet and ankles for clear, precise taps.

The shoes contain metal screws rather than traditional tap plates. This creates a customized tap sound that reflects Samuels Smith's personal style. The screws can be adjusted by the dancer, letting them fine-tune the pitch and resonance of the tap.

The shoes have an ultra lightweight outsole optimized for shock absorption. This reduces fatigue and stress on the feet, ankles, and knees during prolonged rehearsals and performances.

Limited Edition Purple Shoes

Bloch released the JS Tap Smith shoes in the signature colors of black and tan. In 2022, they launched a special limited edition run in metallic purple.

The purple shoes pay homage to Samuels Smith's boundary-pushing approach to tap. Their eye-catching color also reflects the creativity and individuality encouraged by Samuels Smith within the dance community.

These special edition purple tap shoes quickly sold out shortly after launching. Their popularity demonstrates the iconic status Samuels Smith holds among tap dancers as an inspirational figure and role model.

Jason Samuels Smith's Impact on Tap

Jason Samuels Smith is hailed as one of the most influential tap dancers of his generation. He is known for bringing tap dance into prestigious venues like Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center which had previously been reserved for more "high brow" dance forms like ballet.

Samuels Smith incorporates influences from jazz, hip hop, and street dance to create a singular style. His choreography seamlessly blends traditional tap vocabulary with edgy sensibilities.

He furthers tap education through programs like Anybody Can Get It and Tap Life. These initiatives aim to make tap accessible and inviting to all who want to learn, regardless of age, background, or skill level.

Teaching a New Generation

As an educator, Jason Samuels Smith emphasizes the importance of passing tap traditions to the next generation. He teaches at dance conventions and workshops around the world.

His charismatic teaching style has made him a favorite among students. Many blossoming tap dancers consider learning from Samuels Smith to be the chance of a lifetime.

By mentoring young dancers, Samuels Smith ensures classic tap skills, history, and knowledge will live on. At the same time, he encourages his students to develop their own personal style.

Bringing Tap into the Future

While celebrating tap's past, Jason Samuels Smith also represents the future of the form. His dynamic performances make tap relevant to contemporary audiences.

He seamlessly fuses tap with current styles like hip hop and house. This modernizes tap and positions it within today's popular culture.

Smith also utilizes multimedia and special effects in his shows. His high-energy routines have made tap exciting for a digitally engaged generation.

As tap continues evolving in the 21st century, dancers and fans can look to Jason Samuels Smith as an innovator leading the way.

The Lasting Influence of a Tap Master

With his customized Bloch shoes, compelling performances, and dedication to education, Jason Samuels Smith has undeniably left his mark on tap dance.

The limited edition purple JS Tap Smith shoes are more than just shoes. They represent the creativity, innovation, and legacy of a tap dance icon.

For dancers, wearing these special shoes allows them to literally follow in the footsteps of a master. The shoes empower dancers to discover their own voice through tap.

Jason Samuels Smith has not only influenced current tap dancers, but shaped the path of tap for future generations. His artistry and teaching will continue inspiring the tap community for years to come.

FAQs

What makes the Jason Samuels Smith tap shoes special?

The JS Tap Smith shoes have a customized tap sound from the screw taps, a flexible fit, and engineered shock absorption. They reflect Samuels Smith's signature tap style.

Where can I buy the purple Jason Samuels Smith shoes?

The limited edition purple shoes were released in 2022 exclusively through Bloch. Since they were a limited run, the purple shoes are currently sold out.

What is Jason Samuels Smith's teaching style?

As a teacher, Jason Samuels Smith is charismatic and accessible. He aims to share his love of tap with all who want to learn, regardless of experience or background.

How did Jason Samuels Smith change tap dance?

Samuels Smith brought tap dance into prestigious venues, blended styles like hip hop, and used multimedia in performances. He made tap exciting and relevant for modern audiences.

Where can I take a class with Jason Samuels Smith?

Samuels Smith teaches at tap festivals and workshops worldwide. He also has training programs like Anybody Can Get It and Tap Life to spread tap education.