Tap dancing is all about rhythm, precision, and flow—and the right music can make all the difference. Whether you're practicing in your living room, performing on stage, or just jamming out, the perfect playlist can elevate your tapping to the next level. Here’s a curated list of must-have songs that every tap dancer should have in their rotation.
Classic Jazz & Swing
Tap and jazz go hand in hand. These timeless tracks provide the perfect syncopated rhythms for intricate footwork.
- "Sing, Sing, Sing" – Benny Goodman
- "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" – Duke Ellington
- "Jumpin' at the Woodside" – Count Basie
- "Take the 'A' Train" – Duke Ellington
- "Sweet Georgia Brown" – Brother Bones & His Shadows
Upbeat & Modern Grooves
For a fresh twist, these contemporary tracks blend tap-friendly beats with modern energy.
- "Uptown Funk" – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- "Happy" – Pharrell Williams
- "Can't Stop the Feeling!" – Justin Timberlake
- "24K Magic" – Bruno Mars
- "Don’t Start Now" – Dua Lipa
Blues & Soulful Rhythms
Slow it down with these soulful tracks that let your taps tell a story.
- "I Put a Spell on You" – Nina Simone
- "Feeling Good" – Nina Simone
- "At Last" – Etta James
- "Stormy Monday" – T-Bone Walker
- "The Thrill Is Gone" – B.B. King
Broadway & Show Tunes
Channel the spirit of tap legends with these iconic musical numbers.
- "42nd Street" – From 42nd Street
- "I Got Rhythm" – From Crazy for You
- "Anything Goes" – From Anything Goes
- "Puttin' on the Ritz" – From Young Frankenstein
- "Me and My Shadow" – From Tap (1989)
Instrumental & Percussion-Driven
For those who love pure rhythm, these tracks let your feet be the melody.
- "The Chicken" – Jaco Pastorius
- "Spain" – Chick Corea
- "Take Five" – Dave Brubeck
- "Watermelon Man" – Herbie Hancock
- "Caravan" – Duke Ellington
Whether you're warming up, improvising, or choreographing a routine, these songs will keep your feet moving and your creativity flowing. Mix and match from different genres to keep your practice sessions fresh and exciting. Now, lace up those tap shoes and let the rhythm take over!
