Tap dance thrives on rhythm, energy, and a beat that demands movement. Whether you're practicing in the studio or performing on stage, the right playlist can elevate your steps from technical to transcendent. Here’s a curated list of songs that’ll make your feet fly—blending classic grooves, modern bangers, and unexpected gems.
Classic Swing & Jazz
The foundation of tap. These tracks have fueled generations of dancers:
- "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
- "Mr. Pinstripe Suit" – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (neo-swing revival)
Pro Tip: Use these for practicing clean, articulate rhythms—they’re tempo-forgiving but rhythmically precise.
Modern Grooves
When you want to bridge old-school technique with contemporary vibes:
- "Uptown Funk" – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- "Sax" – Fleur East (that sax riff is pure tap fuel)
- "Don’t Start Now" – Dua Lipa (disco beats meet percussive potential)
- "Break My Soul" – Beyoncé (house meets hoofing)
Unexpected Tap-Worthy Tracks
Songs that surprise with their rhythmic potential:
- "Bad Guy" – Billie Eilish (that bassline is a syncopation playground)
- "Redbone" – Childish Gambino (slow, sultry, and perfect for isolations)
- "Industry Baby" – Lil Nas X (brass + beats = explosive combos)
Instrumental & Percussion
For when vocals distract from your footwork:
- "The Chicken" – Jaco Pastorius
- "Spain" – Chick Corea
- "A Go Go" – John Scofield (Medeski Martin & Wood remix)
Remember: Great tap playlists balance predictability (for nailing technique) and surprise (to push creativity). Rotate these tracks based on your mood—sometimes you need Ella Fitzgerald’s swing, other times you’ll crave the electronic pulse of a Kaytranada remix. Now go make some noise!
