What's the difference between rhythm and Al Gilbert tap?

Question:I was told that rhythm tap is harder? Why in the world is that? How can you tell? My Al Gilbert tap syllabus is quite hard, I think! Is Al Gilbert tap a good prep for rhythm tap or what?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I was told that rhythm tap is harder? Why in the world is that? How can you tell? My Al Gilbert tap syllabus is quite hard, I think! Is Al Gilbert tap a good prep for rhythm tap or what?

Al Gilbert teaches classical old style Hollywood tap. There are certain moves to learn and one move after another makes a routine. Rhythm tap is the king done by Gregory Hines and Savion Glover. You use the same vocabulary of steps, but the choreography is abstract and rarely repetitive. The styles lends to improvisation, so a "routine" in this style is a "fake" improv. It's harder to memorize. The taps are faster. There are no body movements to distract the audience while your feet get to rest with an easy step. Al Gilbert training is very good and it is hard to learn rhythm tap with a good general tap foundation. The steps, shuffles, flaps, riff walks, pull-backs, nerve taps and wings are the same.