Tap dance, a rhythmic marvel that has captivated audiences for generations, is more than just a dance form—it's a living, breathing art. For those who have mastered the basics and are ready to take their skills to the next level, the journey from intermediate to advanced tap dance is an exhilarating evolution. Let's explore the key steps and techniques that will elevate your tap game and help you become a true virtuoso.
1. Mastering Complex Rhythms
At the intermediate level, you've likely mastered the foundational steps like shuffles, flaps, and cramp rolls. Now, it's time to dive into more complex rhythms. Focus on syncopation—playing with the off-beats and creating unexpected sounds. Practice combinations that incorporate multiple rhythms within a single sequence. This will not only enhance your technical skills but also add a new layer of musicality to your performance.
2. Exploring Advanced Combinations
Advanced tap dancers are known for their ability to seamlessly blend different steps into intricate combinations. Start by breaking down classic routines from legendary tap dancers like Gregory Hines and Savion Glover. Analyze their movements and try to replicate the flow and precision. Gradually, incorporate your own flair, experimenting with variations and transitions that showcase your unique style.
3. Enhancing Musicality
Tap dance is inherently musical, and advanced dancers understand how to use their feet as instruments. Listen to a variety of music genres—from jazz and blues to hip-hop and classical. Pay attention to the nuances of each style and practice improvising to different tempos and rhythms. The goal is to become so attuned to the music that your taps become an integral part of the composition.
4. Building Endurance and Strength
Advanced tap requires not just technical skill but also physical stamina. Incorporate strength training into your routine, focusing on leg and core muscles. Pilates and yoga can also be beneficial, helping to improve balance and flexibility. Additionally, practice longer routines to build endurance, ensuring you can maintain precision and energy throughout your performance.
5. Embracing Improvisation
Improvisation is a hallmark of advanced tap dance. It allows you to express your creativity and respond spontaneously to the music. Start by practicing short improvisational exercises, gradually increasing the complexity and duration. Attend jam sessions or tap circles where you can dance alongside others, fostering a sense of community and pushing your improvisational boundaries.
6. Studying the Masters
No journey to advanced tap dance is complete without studying the greats. Watch performances by masters like Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Gene Kelly, and contemporary dancers like Ayodele Casel. Analyze their technique, style, and stage presence. Attend workshops and masterclasses whenever possible, learning directly from the experts. This exposure will not only refine your skills but also inspire you to reach new heights.
7. Performance and Presentation
As you progress, focus on the performance aspect of tap dance. Advanced dancers don't just execute steps—they tell stories and evoke emotions. Work on your stage presence, facial expressions, and storytelling through movement. Consider choreographing your own pieces, infusing them with personal narratives and artistic vision.
The path from intermediate to advanced tap dance is a thrilling journey of growth and discovery. By mastering complex rhythms, exploring advanced combinations, enhancing musicality, building physical stamina, embracing improvisation, studying the masters, and focusing on performance, you'll evolve into a tap dancer who not only performs but also inspires. So, lace up those tap shoes, let your feet fly, and embark on this exhilarating next step in your tap dance evolution.
