โThese Boots Are Made for Walkingโ is an absolutely iconic song, originally sung by Nancy Sinatra in 1966.
Itโs so popular that itโs been covered more than 50 times since 1966!
It had a major revival again in the early 2000โs when Jessica Simpson covered the song, accompanied by a racy music video that included scenes of her washing a car in a bikini.
Iโm not saying the car is what made it so popular butโฆ Iโm 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 canโt 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 โ but fun fact โ 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 donโt know how they do it! Itโs difficult when thereโs a group because itโs so important that all the dancers stay exactly in sync or it becomes especially obvious when someone isnโt.
But for solo dancers all eyes are on them, so itโs 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.
Whatโs more, is that sheโs dancing in front of a mirror so thereโs really no way to hide anything!
But she doesnโt need to hide, she is insanely talented and executed the dance flawlessly. She makes it look like itโs nothing โ like second nature and like she tap dances on her way to school. Maybe she does, I donโt 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 โDance Momsโ, which explains why sheโs such an incredibly talented tap dancer! I donโt know if youโve 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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