As an intermediate tap dancer, you've likely mastered the basics and are looking to take your skills to the next level. But where do you go from here? With so many techniques and styles to explore, it can be overwhelming to know where to focus your attention. That's why we've put together three expert tips to help you boost your intermediate tap dance skills.
Tip #1: Focus on Your Timing
Timing is everything in tap dance, and as an intermediate dancer, you know how crucial it is to get your rhythm just right. To improve your timing, try practicing with a metronome. Set the metronome to the tempo of the music you're dancing to, and focus on tapping your feet in time with the beat. Start with slower tempos and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
You can also try practicing with a partner or in a group. Tap dancing with others can help you develop your sense of timing and coordination, as you need to work together to create a cohesive rhythm. Just be sure to communicate with your fellow dancers and work together to find a tempo that feels comfortable for everyone.
Tip #2: Experiment with Different Rhythms and Styles
As an intermediate tap dancer, you've likely developed a solid foundation in the basics of tap dance, such as the shuffle-ball-change and the time step. But to really take your skills to the next level, you need to experiment with different rhythms and styles. Try incorporating some swing, jazz, or even hip-hop rhythms into your dancing to add some variety and keep your practice sessions interesting.
You can also try exploring different styles of tap dance, such as Savion Glover's "Luther" style or Gregory Hines' more classical approach. Watching videos of professional tap dancers and studying their techniques can help you develop your own unique style and add some new tricks to your repertoire.
Tip #3: Practice with Music and Visualize Your PerformanceTip #3: Practice with Music and Visualize Your Performance
Finally, to really boost your intermediate tap dance skills, you need to practice with music and visualize your performance. This will help you develop your sense of rhythm and timing, as well as your overall stage presence and confidence.
Start by practicing with music that you enjoy and that has a tempo that feels comfortable for you. As you dance, focus on the rhythm and try to tap your feet in time with the beat. Don't worry too much about mistakes – just focus on having fun and letting the music guide your movements.
To take your practice to the next level, try visualizing your performance. Imagine yourself dancing on stage, in front of an audience, and really feel the energy and excitement of the performance. Visualize yourself executing each step perfectly, with confidence and precision. This will help you develop your stage presence and confidence, and will also help you to improve your technique.
By following these three expert tips, you'll be well on your way to boosting your intermediate tap dance skills and taking your dancing to the next level. Remember to focus on your timing, experiment with different rhythms and styles, and practice with music and visualize your performance. With dedication and practice, you'll be tapping your way to success in no time!
