Are you a beginner tap dancer looking to take your skills to the next level? Look no further! In this blog post, we'll explore some intermediate tap dance techniques that will help you improve your rhythm, timing, and overall performance.
1. Heel Drops
Heel drops are a great way to add some flair to your tap dancing. To execute a heel drop, start with your feet together and your weight on your toes. Then, lower your heels to the ground and make a sharp tapping sound as they hit the floor. Practice this technique slowly at first, and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
2. Flaps
Flaps are a combination of a single tap and a step. To execute a flap, start with your weight on one foot and tap the toe of your other foot on the ground. Then, quickly bring that foot up to meet the first foot, creating a "flapping" motion. This technique is a great way to add some speed and complexity to your tap dancing.
a. Forward Flaps
For forward flaps, start with your weight on your right foot and tap the toe of your left foot in front of you. Then, quickly bring your left foot up to meet your right foot, creating a forward flapping motion. Practice this technique slowly at first, and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
b. Backward Flaps
For backward flaps, start with your weight on your right foot and tap the toe of your left foot behind you. Then, quickly bring your left foot up to meet your right foot, creating a backward flapping motion. This technique is a great way to add some variety to your tap dancing and challenge your balance and coordination.
3. Shim Sham Shimmy
The Shim Sham Shimmy is a classic tap dance routine that is often performed at the end of a dance class or show. It's a fun and upbeat routine that incorporates a variety of tap dance steps, including heel drops, flaps, and shuffles. To learn the Shim Sham Shimmy, start by watching videos of other dancers performing the routine. Then, break down the steps and practice them slowly before putting them all together.
Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you practice these intermediate tap dance techniques, the more confident and skilled you'll become. So put on your tap shoes and get ready to tap your way to tap dance greatness!
