Final answer:
The flash act style of tap dancing originated from the traditional gumboot dancing of South African miners and later influenced the development of Steppin'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The flash act style of tap dancing originated from the traditional gumboot dancing of South African miners. Gumboot dancing was performed by the miners using available open spaces and showcased their rhythmic footwork using rubber boots. This dance style evolved and eventually influenced the development of Steppin', a popular form of African American dance. Steppin' originated from the Black African American Greek fraternities and sororities in the 1920s, with significant influences from traditional African dance, tap dance, military behaviors, and gumboot dancing.