Tap dance is a dynamic and expressive dance form that has been a popular part of American culture for over 100 years. It involves the use of specialized shoes with metal plates on the heel and toe, which create rhythmic sounds when the dancer strikes the floor. In this blog post, we will explore some advanced tap techniques that can help you take your dance performance to the next level.
1. Heel-toe tap
The heel-toe tap is a basic tap step that involves striking the floor with the heel and then the toe of the same foot. This step can be used to create a syncopated rhythm and add variety to your dance routine. To perform a heel-toe tap, start with your weight on the ball of your foot and then lower your heel to the ground. Next, quickly raise your heel and tap the floor with the toe of the same foot. Practice this step slowly at first, and then gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the movement.
2. Brushing
Brushing is a technique that involves sliding the tap shoe across the floor while keeping the toe and heel close together. This can create a smooth, gliding motion that adds a new dimension to your tap dancing. To perform a brushing step, start with your feet together and then slide one foot forward, keeping the toe and heel close together. As you slide your foot, use your ankle to create a slight bend in your knee. Practice this step slowly at first, and then gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the movement.
3. Flaps
Flaps are a fast and energetic tap step that involves quickly alternating between the heel and toe taps. This step can be used to create a rapid, staccato rhythm that adds excitement to your dance routine. To perform a flap, start with your weight on the ball of your foot and then quickly lower your heel to the ground. Next, quickly raise your heel and tap the floor with the toe of the same foot. Continue to alternate between the heel and toe taps as quickly as possible. Practice this step slowly at first, and then gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the movement.
4. Shim Sham Shimmy
The Shim Sham Shimmy is a classic tap dance routine that is often performed to the song "Fats Waller's Hittin' the Bottle." This routine involves a series of steps and turns that are performed to the music. Learning the Shim Sham Shimmy can be a fun way to improve your tap technique and add a new element to your dance routine. To learn the Shim Sham Shimmy, you can find instructional videos online or take a tap dance class with a qualified instructor.
5. Improvisation
Improvisation is a key aspect of tap dance that allows you to express your creativity and individuality. By incorporating improvisation into your dance routine, you can create a unique and dynamic performance that is tailored to your personal style. To improve your improvisation skills, try experimenting with different rhythms, steps, and movements. You can also practice improvising to different types of music, or with other dancers, to gain new inspiration and ideas.
Overall, tap dance is a versatile and expressive dance form that offers many opportunities for growth and development. By incorporating advanced techniques such as heel-toe taps, brushing, flaps, the Shim Sham Shimmy, and improvisation, you can create a dynamic and engaging dance performance that showcases your skills and creativity.
