‘These Boots Are Made for Walking’ is an absolutely iconic song, originally sung by Nancy Sinatra in 1966.
It’s so popular that it’s been covered more than 50 times since 1966!
It had a major revival again in the early 2000’s when Jessica Simpson covered the song, accompanied by a racy music video that included scenes of her washing a car in a bikini.
I’m not saying the car is what made it so popular but… I’m also not not saying it.
Anyway, a much more wholesome and unique cover of the song has now been shared on YouTube. Maddie Ziegler is a talented young tap dancer, who performed an acapella version of the song.
She can’t be older than 12 years old, but she dances like an absolute pro! The video has racked up more than 11 million views, which is quite the feat for such a young dancer.
I always thought acapella was specific to singing – but fun fact – it applies to tap dancing too! It makes sense, as tap dancing can carry such an amazing beat.
Usually the actual tapping in tap dancing gets a little lost behind the music, so this acapella version is an amazing way to really hear each and every step!
Tap dancing is one of the most challenging forms of dance. I don’t know how they do it! It’s difficult when there’s a group because it’s so important that all the dancers stay exactly in sync or it becomes especially obvious when someone isn’t.
But for solo dancers all eyes are on them, so it’s just as vital to make sure every step and tap is on point.
For Maddie Ziegler, this acapella version takes the need for precision to a new level!
By covering an existing song, the audience knows more or less what to expect as they follow the sound of the tap shoes to the familiar beat. If Maddie were to step out off beat everyone would notice.
What’s more, is that she’s dancing in front of a mirror so there’s really no way to hide anything!
But she doesn’t need to hide, she is insanely talented and executed the dance flawlessly. She makes it look like it’s nothing – like second nature and like she tap dances on her way to school. Maybe she does, I don’t know.
If you listen to the original song (or any of the many versions of it) before hitting play on this video, it gives you an extra appreciation for how perfectly the tapping covers the music.
She ends it off with an impressive series of spins and twirls across the dance floor and the crowd goes absolute wild.
Maddie was featured on the hit reality show “Dance Moms”, which explains why she’s such an incredibly talented tap dancer! I don’t know if you’ve seen that show but those moms can be pretty intense.
But that intensity and her hard work have really paid off. She has carved an impressive path for herself into the limelight and is quite well known in the dance world.
She has even appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and in Teen Vogue.
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