"Ultimate Playlist for Tap Dancers: Rhythm and Groove"

Find Your Rhythm, Feel the Groove

Whether you're practicing in your studio, performing on stage, or just feeling the rhythm in your soul, this curated collection of tap-worthy tunes will keep your feet moving and your spirit soaring. From classic jazz standards to modern beats with perfect tempo, we've got the rhythm you need.

Classic Jazz Standards

1
Take The "A" Train
Duke Ellington
2
Sing, Sing, Sing
Benny Goodman
3
It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
Duke Ellington
4
Jumpin' at the Woodside
Count Basie
5
Fascinating Rhythm
Ella Fitzgerald

Modern Grooves

1
Uptown Funk
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
2
Happy
Pharrell Williams
3
Can't Stop the Feeling!
Justin Timberlake
4
24K Magic
Bruno Mars
5
Shake It Off
Taylor Swift

Broadway Tap Classics

1
I Got Rhythm
Gene Kelly
2
Moses Supposes
Singin' in the Rain
3
Too Darn Hot
Kiss Me, Kate
4
Footloose
Footloose
5
We're in the Money
Gold Diggers of 1933

Unexpected Tap Gems

1
Seven Nation Army
The White Stripes
2
Billie Jean
Michael Jackson
3
Superstition
Stevie Wonder
4
Bad Guy
Billie Eilish
5
Feel It Still
Portugal. The Man

Why These Songs Work for Tap

Tap dancing is all about rhythm, timing, and musicality. The best tap songs have:

  • Clear rhythm sections: Songs with pronounced beats help dancers find and play with the rhythm.
  • Moderate to upbeat tempo: While tap can be performed to slow songs, most practice and performance pieces benefit from energy.
  • Dynamic changes: Songs that build in intensity allow dancers to showcase their technical skills and artistry.
  • Space for improvisation: Great tap songs have moments where the melody steps back, giving room for rhythmic creativity.

Whether you're working on your shuffle ball change or perfecting your wings, these songs provide the perfect backdrop for your tap journey.

Pro Tip: Create Your Own Rhythm

Remember that as a tap dancer, you're not just moving to the music—you're becoming part of the music. Don't be afraid to play with syncopation, counter-rhythms, and even moments of silence. The best tap dancers listen to the music and then add their own layer of percussion to create something entirely new.

Try practicing to songs without strong percussion lines to develop your ability to create the rhythm yourself. Then return to these playlist favorites and see how your skills have improved!

Keep dancing, keep creating, and most importantly—keep making noise!

What songs would you add to this list? Share your favorite tap rhythms in the comments!

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