From Basic to Brilliant: Intermediate Tap Dance Moves to Try
Are you ready to take your tap dancing skills to the next level? As an intermediate tap dancer, you've likely mastered the basics and are looking for new challenges to keep your feet moving and your creativity flowing. In this post, we'll explore some advanced tap dance moves that will help you elevate your technique and add some wow factor to your performances.
The Shimmies
Shimmies are a staple of tap dance, and as an intermediate dancer, you're likely familiar with the basic shimmery shuffle-ball-change. But to take your shimmies to the next level, try adding some extra flair with these advanced variations:
- Shimmy-tap-shuffle-ball-change: Start with a shimmy, then add a tap on the ball of your foot, followed by a shuffle-ball-change. Repeat on the other side.
- Shimmy-flap-shuffle-ball-change: Add a flap step to your shimmy, by lifting your heel off the ground and tapping your toe. Then, shuffle-ball-change as usual.
- Shimmy-tap-step-ball-change: Start with a shimmy, then tap your toe on the ground, followed by a step-ball-change. Repeat on the other side.
The Flaps
Flaps are another essential part of tap dance, and as an intermediate dancer, you're likely comfortable with the basic flap step. But to take your flaps to the next level, try adding some extra flair with these advanced variations:
- Flap-shuffle-flap: Start with a flap, then shuffle to the side, and finally flap again. Repeat on the other side.
- Flap-tap-flap: Add a tap to your flap, by lifting your heel off the ground and tapping your toe. Then, flap again.
- Flap-step-flap: Start with a flap, then step to the side, and finally flap again. Repeat on the other side.
The Heel-Toe Taps
Heel-toe taps are a great way to add some extra rhythm and flair to your tap dance. As an intermediate dancer, you're likely familiar with the basic heel-toe tap, but to take it to the next level, try these advanced variations:
- Heel-toe-tap-shuffle: Start with a heel-toe tap, then shuffle to the side. Repeat on the other side.
- Heel-toe-tap-flap: Add a flap to your heel-toe tap, by lifting your heel off the ground and tapping your toe. Then, flap again.
- Heel-toe-tap-step: Start with a heel-toe tap, then step to the side. Repeat on the other side.
The Brush Steps
Brush steps are a great way to add some extra rhythm and flair to your tap dance. As an intermediate dancer, you're likely familiar with the basic brush step, but to take it to the next level, try these advanced variations:
- Brush-step-shuffle: Start with a brush step, then shuffle to the side. Repeat on the other side.
- Brush-step-flap: Add a flap to your brush step, by lifting your heel off the ground and tapping your toe. Then, flap again.
- Brush-step-step: Start with a brush step, then step to the side. Repeat on the other side.
Remember to always practice with proper technique and to listen to your body. As you try out these new moves, be sure to warm up before dancing and to stretch afterwards to prevent injury.
With these advanced tap dance moves, you'll be well on your way to becoming a brilliant tap dancer. Remember to always challenge yourself and to keep practicing to improve your skills. Happy tapping!
