Tap dance is a dynamic and expressive form of dance that has been popular for over a century. While it may seem intimidating to those who are new to the art form, there are a few key techniques that can help you get started and begin to develop your skills as a tap dancer.
1. The Tap Step
The tap step is the foundation of all tap dance. It involves striking the floor with the heel or toe of the tap shoe to create a rhythmic pattern. To execute a tap step, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed. Then, bend your knees slightly and strike the floor with the heel or toe of one foot, followed by the other foot. Practice this step slowly at first, gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable.
2. The Brush Step
The brush step is a smooth and fluid step that involves gliding the tap shoe across the floor. To execute a brush step, start in the same position as the tap step, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed. Then, bend your knees slightly and brush the tap shoe of one foot across the floor, moving it forward or backward as you prefer. As you become more comfortable with the brush step, you can experiment with different rhythms and patterns.
3. The Shim Sham Shimmy
The shim sham shimmy is a classic tap dance routine that is often performed to the song "Shim Sham Shimmy". It involves a series of steps and turns that are performed in a specific order. To learn the shim sham shimmy, it can be helpful to watch videos or take a class with a qualified instructor. With practice, you can master the steps and perform the routine with confidence.
4. The Time Step
The time step is a fast and energetic step that involves quickly tapping the floor with both feet. To execute a time step, start in the same position as the tap step, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed. Then, bend your knees slightly and tap the floor with both feet in quick succession, creating a rapid rhythm. As you become more comfortable with the time step, you can experiment with different speeds and patterns.
5. The Flap Step
The flap step is a challenging step that involves quickly tapping the floor with one foot while simultaneously lifting the other foot off the ground. To execute a flap step, start in the same position as the tap step, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed. Then, bend your knees slightly and tap the floor with one foot, lifting the other foot off the ground as you do so. Practice this step slowly at first, gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable.
These are just a few of the many advanced tap dance techniques that you can learn and incorporate into your own routines. With practice and dedication, you can develop your skills and become a confident and expressive tap dancer.
