Dancing on Air: A Beginner's Guide to Tap Dance Techniques

Are you interested in learning tap dance, but don't know where to start? Look no further! In this blog post, we'll cover the basics of tap dance and introduce you to some fundamental techniques that will help you get started on your journey to becoming a tap dancer.

What is Tap Dance?

Tap dance is a form of dance that involves the use of specially designed shoes with metal plates on the heel and toe. These plates create rhythmic sounds when the dancer strikes the ground or other surfaces with their feet. Tap dance is known for its distinctive sound and its ability to create complex rhythms and patterns.

Getting Started with Tap Dance

If you're new to tap dance, there are a few things you'll need to get started:

• Tap Shoes: Look for shoes that are comfortable and fit well, with a hard sole and metal plates on the heel and toe.
• Dancewear: Wear comfortable, flexible clothing that allows you to move freely.
• A Dance Floor: Tap dance can be hard on your joints, so it's important to practice on a surface that provides some cushioning, such as a wooden floor or a dance mat.

Basic Tap Dance Techniques

Once you have your gear, it's time to start learning some basic tap dance techniques. Here are a few to get you started:

1. The Tap Step

The tap step is a basic step that involves striking the ground with the heel or toe of your tap shoe and making a sound with the metal plate. To do a tap step:

1. Start with your feet together.
2. Step forward with your right foot and tap the ground with the heel of your right tap shoe.
3. Step back with your right foot and tap the ground with the toe of your right tap shoe.
4. Step forward with your left foot and tap the ground with the heel of your left tap shoe.
5. Step back with your left foot and tap the ground with the toe of your left tap shoe.

2. The Brush Step

The brush step is a smooth, gliding step that involves brushing the ground with the side of your foot. To do a brush step:

1. Start with your feet together.
2. Step forward with your right foot and brush the ground with the side of your right foot.
3. Step back with your right foot and brush the ground with the side of your right foot.
4. Step forward with your left foot and brush the ground with the side of your left foot.
5. Step back with your left foot and brush the ground with the side of your left foot.

3. The Shuffle Step

The shuffle step is a quick, light step that involves shuffling your feet on the ground. To do a shuffle step:

1. Start with your feet together.
2. Step forward with your right foot and shuffle your left foot next to your right foot.
3. Step back with your left foot and shuffle your right foot next to your left foot.

Putting it All Together

Now that you've learned a few basic tap dance techniques, it's time to put them all together and create a simple routine. Try combining the tap step, brush step, and shuffle step in different orders to create a unique sequence of steps. Remember to practice regularly and have fun as you learn and improve your tap dance skills!