Intermediate Tap Dance: Techniques to Take You to the Next Level
So, you've mastered the basics of tap dance and are ready to take your skills to the next level. Congratulations! Intermediate tap dance is where the real fun begins. It's a stage where you start to blend technique with creativity, and where your rhythm and timing become more refined. In this blog, we'll explore some key techniques that will help you elevate your tap dance game.
1. Mastering the Flap
The flap is a fundamental step in tap dance that often marks the transition from beginner to intermediate. It's a sliding step where you brush your toe against the floor and then pull it back quickly, creating a distinctive sound. To master the flap:
- Foot Placement: Start with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lift your front foot slightly off the ground and brush the toe against the floor.
- Timing: The key is to brush and pull back quickly, almost like a flick of the wrist. Practice this in slow motion at first, then gradually increase the speed.
- Coordination: Once you've got the flap down, try incorporating it into combinations with other steps like shuffles and scuffs.
2. The Cramp Roll: A Challenging Yet Rewarding Step
The cramp roll is a complex step that involves a series of toe taps followed by a heel click. It's a great way to challenge your coordination and rhythm. Here's how to approach it:
- Sequence: Start with a toe tap, followed by another toe tap, and then a heel click. The sequence should be quick and precise.
- Footwork: Focus on keeping your weight centered and your movements fluid. Practice the sequence slowly at first, then gradually increase the speed.
- Variations: Once you've mastered the basic cramp roll, try adding variations like double toe taps or incorporating it into a shuffle sequence.
3. Syncopation: Adding Complexity to Your Rhythm
Syncopation is the art of shifting the emphasis of a rhythm to the normally weak beats. In tap dance, this can add a layer of complexity and sophistication to your routines. Here's how to get started with syncopation:
- Basic Rhythm: Start with a simple 4-beat rhythm (1-2-3-4). Now, shift the emphasis to the "ands" (1-and-2-and-3-and-4-and).
- Combination: Try incorporating syncopation into your tap combinations. For example, start with a shuffle on the strong beats and add a flap on the "ands."
- Listening: Pay attention to syncopated rhythms in music. This will help you understand how to apply syncopation in your tap routines.
4. Floor Patterns: Moving Beyond the Basics
As an intermediate tap dancer, you'll want to start exploring different floor patterns to add variety to your routines. Here are a few ideas:
- Diagonal Lines: Practice moving diagonally across the floor, incorporating steps like the flap and shuffle.
- Circles: Try creating circular patterns, using pivot turns and heel clicks to navigate the circle.
- Box Steps: Create a box pattern on the floor, using a combination of shuffles, flaps, and cramp rolls to fill in the box.
5. Musicality: Connecting with the Music
Musicality is the key to taking your tap dance to the next level. It's about understanding the music and using your tap steps to complement it. Here are some tips:
- Listen: Spend time listening to different types of music and identifying the rhythms. This will help you understand how to match your steps to the music.
- Phrasing: Pay attention to the phrasing of the music. Try to match your tap combinations to the phrases, creating a seamless connection between your steps and the music.
- Expression: Use your body language and facial expressions to convey the emotion of the music. This will make your tap dance more engaging and dynamic.
Intermediate tap dance is a journey of discovery and growth. By mastering these techniques and focusing on musicality, you'll be well on your way to becoming a more advanced tap dancer. Remember, practice is key, so keep dancing and enjoy the process!
