Tap dancing is a dynamic and rhythmic form of dance that combines precision, speed, and musicality. Whether you're a beginner looking to refine your skills or an intermediate dancer aiming to elevate your technique, mastering intermediate routines and drills is essential for growth. In this blog, we'll explore some effective intermediate tap routines and drills that will help you take your skills to the next level.
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. The routine consists of a series of steps that are repeated in a specific sequence. Here's a breakdown of the basic Shim Sham Shimmy:
- Step 1: Start with a shuffle step (shuffle, shuffle, step).
- Step 2: Perform a double time step (step, step, shuffle, shuffle).
- Step 3: Execute a paddle and roll (tap, tap, tap, tap).
- Step 4: Finish with a shim sham (step, step, tap, tap).
Practice each step individually until you feel comfortable, then combine them in sequence. The Shim Sham Shimmy is a fantastic way to improve your rhythm and timing.
2. The Flap and Brush Combo
The flap and brush combo is a versatile drill that helps dancers develop speed and precision. This combo involves a series of quick, sharp movements that require strong foot control. Here's how to perform the flap and brush combo:
- Step 1: Start with a flap (lift your heel and quickly tap the ball of your foot).
- Step 2: Follow with a brush (brush your foot forward and tap the floor with your toe).
- Step 3: Repeat the flap and brush sequence in rapid succession.
To add complexity, try incorporating turns or variations in rhythm. This drill is excellent for building strength and agility in your feet.
3. The Time Step Routine
The time step is a fundamental tap routine that emphasizes rhythm and musicality. It's a great exercise for intermediate dancers looking to refine their timing and coordination. Here's a basic breakdown of the time step routine:
- Step 1: Start with a shuffle step (shuffle, shuffle, step).
- Step 2: Perform a heel drop (tap your heel on the floor).
- Step 3: Follow with a toe tap (tap the ball of your foot).
- Step 4: Finish with a flap (lift your heel and quickly tap the ball of your foot).
Practice the time step routine in different tempos to challenge your rhythm and timing. This routine is a staple in tap dancing and is essential for building a strong foundation.
4. The Riff Drill
The riff drill is a creative and improvisational exercise that allows dancers to explore their musicality and expressiveness. This drill involves creating a series of quick, rhythmic patterns that mimic the sounds of a musical riff. Here's how to get started with the riff drill:
- Step 1: Choose a simple rhythm or pattern to start with (e.g., tap, tap, tap, tap).
- Step 2: Experiment with variations in rhythm and tempo.
- Step 3: Add accents or syncopations to create a more dynamic pattern.
The riff drill is a great way to develop your improvisational skills and find your unique tap voice. It's also an excellent exercise for improving your musicality and creativity.
5. The Combination Routine
Combining different tap steps and routines into a cohesive sequence is a key aspect of intermediate tap dancing. This combination routine allows you to practice transitions, flow, and overall performance. Here's an example of a combination routine:
- Step 1: Start with a shuffle step (shuffle, shuffle, step).
- Step 2: Follow with a flap and brush combo (flap, brush, flap, brush).
- Step 3: Transition into a time step routine (shuffle, heel drop, toe tap, flap).
- Step 4: Finish with a riff drill (create a series of rhythmic patterns).
Practice this combination routine regularly to improve your ability to connect different steps and routines seamlessly. This will help you develop a more polished and professional performance style.
Conclusion
Elevating your tap skills requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to challenge yourself. By incorporating these intermediate routines and drills into your practice, you'll build strength, speed, and precision. Remember to focus on your rhythm, musicality, and expressiveness, and don't be afraid to experiment with new patterns and combinations. With consistent practice, you'll see significant growth in your tap dancing abilities.
