Tap dancing is a dynamic and expressive art form that combines rhythm, precision, and creativity. Whether you're a beginner looking to refine your skills or an intermediate dancer aiming to take your routines to the next level, mastering intermediate tap routines and drills is essential for growth. In this blog, we'll explore some effective intermediate routines and drills that will help you elevate your tap skills and keep your feet tapping with confidence.
1. The Shim Sham Shimmy
The Shim Sham Shimmy is a classic tap routine that has been a staple in the tap community for decades. It's a great way to practice syncopation, rhythm, and coordination. Here's a breakdown of the steps:
- Step 1: Start with a basic shuffle step (shuffle, shuffle, step).
- Step 2: Transition into a time step (tap, tap, heel, heel).
- Step 3: Perform a double shuffle (shuffle, shuffle, shuffle, shuffle).
- Step 4: Finish with a shimmy (scissor, scissor, step, step).
Practice each section slowly, focusing on clarity and precision. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the routine.
2. The Flap and Brush Combo
The flap and brush combo is a versatile drill that helps improve your speed, control, and fluidity. Here's how to execute it:
- Step 1: Start with a flap (toe, heel, toe, heel).
- Step 2: Transition into a brush (brush, step, brush, step).
- Step 3: Combine the flap and brush (flap, brush, flap, brush).
This drill is excellent for building muscle memory and enhancing your ability to switch between different tap techniques seamlessly.
3. The Riff Routine
The riff routine is a fast-paced, improvisational exercise that challenges your creativity and musicality. Here's a basic structure to get you started:
- Step 1: Start with a basic rhythm (e.g., shuffle, shuffle, step).
- Step 2: Add a syncopated riff (e.g., tap, tap, heel, heel, tap, tap).
- Step 3: Experiment with different rhythms and combinations.
The key to mastering the riff routine is to stay relaxed and let your creativity flow. Don't be afraid to experiment with different sounds and rhythms.
4. The Heel-Toe Drill
The heel-toe drill is a fundamental exercise that helps improve your balance, control, and precision. Here's how to perform it:
- Step 1: Start with a basic heel-toe (heel, toe, heel, toe).
- Step 2: Add a shuffle step (shuffle, shuffle, step).
- Step 3: Combine the heel-toe and shuffle (heel, toe, shuffle, shuffle, step).
This drill is perfect for building a strong foundation and enhancing your overall tap technique.
5. The Time Step Variation
The time step is a classic tap move, but adding variations can take your routine to the next level. Here's a variation to try:
- Step 1: Start with a basic time step (tap, tap, heel, heel).
- Step 2: Add a shuffle step (shuffle, shuffle, step).
- Step 3: Combine the time step and shuffle (tap, tap, heel, heel, shuffle, shuffle, step).
This variation adds complexity and challenges your ability to maintain rhythm and precision.
Conclusion
Elevating your tap skills requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to push beyond your comfort zone. By incorporating these intermediate routines and drills into your practice sessions, you'll develop greater control, speed, and creativity. Remember, the key to growth is consistency and a passion for the art of tap dancing. Keep tapping, keep growing, and most importantly, keep having fun!
