Tap dance is a vibrant and dynamic art form that combines rhythm, precision, and creativity. Whether you're a beginner looking to elevate your skills or an intermediate dancer aiming to refine your technique, mastering intermediate tap techniques is crucial for taking your dancing to the next level. In this blog, we'll explore some essential intermediate tap techniques that will help you transition from a novice to a pro.
1. Flaps and Cramp Rolls
Flaps and cramp rolls are fundamental steps that every intermediate tap dancer should master. A flap is a quick, sliding step where the ball of the foot brushes against the floor, creating a smooth, fluid sound. To perform a flap, start with your weight on the ball of your foot, then quickly slide your heel to the floor while keeping the ball of your foot in contact with the ground.
A cramp roll, on the other hand, is a more complex variation of the flap. It involves a series of quick, rolling movements where the ball of the foot taps the floor in rapid succession. To execute a cramp roll, start with a flap, then continue rolling your foot forward and backward, creating a continuous, rhythmic sound.
2. Shuffle and Shuffle Combinations
The shuffle is a classic tap step that involves sliding both feet in a quick, alternating motion. To perform a shuffle, start with your feet shoulder-width apart, then slide your right foot to the side while tapping your left foot in place. Next, slide your left foot back to the center while tapping your right foot in place. This creates a distinctive "sh-sh-sh" sound.
Once you've mastered the basic shuffle, you can start experimenting with shuffle combinations. For example, you can combine a shuffle with a heel drop or a toe tap to create more complex rhythms and patterns. Practice these combinations slowly at first, then gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the movements.
3. Time Steps
Time steps are a staple in tap dance routines and are essential for intermediate dancers. They involve a series of quick, alternating taps that create a rhythmic, syncopated sound. To perform a time step, start with your feet together, then tap your right foot forward, followed by your left foot backward. Next, tap your right foot backward, followed by your left foot forward. This creates a "tap-tap-tap-tap" rhythm that is both challenging and rewarding to master.
As you become more proficient with time steps, you can add variations such as heel drops, toe taps, or even double time steps to create more intricate patterns. Remember to focus on your timing and precision to ensure that each tap is clean and clear.
4. Riffing and Improvisation
One of the most exciting aspects of tap dance is the ability to riff and improvise. Riffing involves creating spontaneous, rhythmic patterns on the spot, while improvisation allows you to express your creativity and personality through your dancing. As an intermediate tap dancer, it's important to develop your ability to riff and improvise, as this will help you become more versatile and expressive.
To start riffing, focus on creating short, rhythmic phrases using basic steps like shuffles, flaps, and cramp rolls. Experiment with different combinations and speeds until you find a pattern that feels comfortable and natural. As you become more confident, you can start incorporating more complex rhythms and syncopations into your riffs.
5. Musicality and Dynamics
Finally, as an intermediate tap dancer, it's essential to develop your musicality and dynamics. Musicality refers to your ability to interpret and respond to the music, while dynamics involve varying the intensity and volume of your taps to create contrast and interest.
To improve your musicality, listen carefully to the rhythm and phrasing of the music you're dancing to. Try to match your taps to the beat and accentuate the musical accents and changes in tempo. To work on your dynamics, experiment with different levels of intensity in your taps. For example, you can perform a series of soft, gentle taps followed by a loud, powerful heel drop to create a dramatic effect.
In conclusion, mastering intermediate tap techniques requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to push your boundaries. By focusing on steps like flaps, shuffles, time steps, riffing, and musicality, you'll be well on your way to becoming a proficient tap dancer. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process, as tap dance is as much about expression and creativity as it is about technique.
