Any seasoned hoofer will tell you: tap dance is a conversation. It's a dialogue between dancer and floor, a percussive debate of rhythm and style. But every great conversation needs a catalyst, a spark. That spark is the music. The right song doesn't just accompany your steps; it inspires them, challenges them, and elevates them into a full-bodied performance.
Building the perfect tap playlist is an art form in itself. It requires an understanding of tempo, rhythm, feeling, and how different genres can accentuate different aspects of your technique. Whether you're practicing in the studio, choreographing a new routine, or just tapping for the pure joy of it, here is your essential guide to the must-have songs that will match your every move.
The Classics: Swing & Big Band
You can't talk about tap without paying homage to its golden age. The driving rhythms and soaring horns of big band and swing music are the foundational heartbeat of tap. This genre is perfect for working on clarity, speed, and classic time steps.
"Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)" by
Benny Goodman
The quintessential tap anthem. That iconic Gene Krupa drum intro is a call to arms for tappers. It’s a marathon of a song that builds and builds, perfect for building endurance and trading fours with the drummer.
"It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" by
Duke Ellington
The title says it all. This track is a masterclass in swing feel. Its medium tempo is ideal for focusing on phrasing and making your rhythms swing with effortless cool.
"Jumpin' at the Woodside" by
Count Basie
Fast, clean, and incredibly energetic. This song will push your speed and precision to the limit. It’s pure, unadulterated joy and a fantastic challenge for any advanced tapper.
Cool & Jazz: For Rhythmic Complexity
When you want to move beyond straight rhythm and play with syncopation and complex phrasing, cool jazz and bebop are your best friends. These tracks have unusual time signatures and intricate melodies that will make you a more musical dancer.
"Take Five" by
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
The legendary 5/4 time signature. Dancing to this is a fantastic exercise in breaking out of 4/4 thinking. It forces creativity and will completely rewire your rhythmic approach.
"So What" by
Miles Davis
The epitome of cool. The minimalist, modal structure of this jazz standard gives you immense space to play. It’s less about frantic steps and more about thoughtful, deliberate, and cool rhythmic choices.
Modern Grooves: Funk, Soul & Beyond
Tap didn't end with the jazz age. It evolved, finding a home in the deep, gritty grooves of funk and the smooth sounds of soul. This music is all about the pocket—finding that deep groove and sitting in it.
"Superstition" by
Stevie Wonder
That clavinet riff is one of the funkiest grooves ever laid down. It’s impossible to stand still to. Perfect for practicing your groove and making your taps sound like an integral part of the band.
"Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" by
Sly & The Family Stone
Built on one of the most iconic bass lines in history, this song is a masterclass in pocket. Your job as a tapper is to complement that bass, not fight it. Great for working on heel drops and lower-body grooves.
"Uptown Funk" by
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
A modern throwback that’s pure energy. Its crisp, clean production and powerful horns make it perfect for sharp, precise choreography that packs a punch.
Unexpected Gems: Expanding Your Sonic Palette
Sometimes the best tap songs are the ones you wouldn't expect. Don't be afraid to look beyond traditional genres.
"Seven Nation Army" by
The White Stripes
That relentless, minimalist guitar riff is a drum rhythm in disguise. It’s powerful, steady, and opens itself up to heavy, stomping rhythms and dramatic, floor-shaking steps.
"Come Away With Me" by
Norah Jones
A slow, sultry ballad? Absolutely. Dancing to slow music is one of the hardest skills to master. It requires incredible control, dynamics, and the ability to make every single note count.
Pro Tip: Don't just listen to the melody. As a tap dancer, you are a percussionist. Train your ear to lock into the drum kit and the bass line. These are your rhythmic partners. Play with them, answer them, and complement them.
The perfect playlist is deeply personal. It should reflect your style, your current skills, and what you want to achieve. Use these songs as a launching pad. Explore them, break them down, and make them your own. Put on your shoes, press play, and let the conversation begin.
What's on your must-have tap playlist? Share your favorites and keep the rhythm going!
