Learn tap: The basics!

Sometimes tap dancing can seem complicated with its many rhythms and intricate steps, but every step is composed of a many smaller simple steps.

Unlike ballet, the trick to a good tap sound is keep your knees a little bent and loosening up your ankles and feet. It is also helpful to know where your weight is as it is constantly shifting from one foot to another.

Put these simple steps together and form your own tap dance to your favorite song! You'll be a regular Fred Astaire in no time!

1. Tap- Take your toe and
just tap it on the floor in front
of you with the front tap.
This can also be done to the
side and back.

 2.Dig - Hit the back

edge of the heel tap

 against the floor.

 



 3. Knock/toe-tip 
Hit the back edge of the heel 
tap against the floor. This can 
be done to the back, or 
crossing the leg in front.

  4.Brush - Swing foot forward 

hitting only the ball tap (front toe tap) 

on the floor. You can also swing from 

the front to the back too.

Put these steps together and try out this routine:

Tap with the RIGHT, step together

Tap with the LEFT, step together

Double tap with the RIGHT, step together

Double tap with the LEFT, step together

Dig with the RIGHT, step together

Dig with the LEFT, step together

Double dig with the RIGHT, step together

Double dig with the LEFT, step together

Brush to the FRONT, then BACK, then knock in back with RIGHT foot, step together
Brush to the FRONT, then BACK, then knock in back with LEFT foot, step together
Brush to the FRONT, then BACK, then knock in back with RIGHT foot, step together

Brush to the FRONT, then BACK, then knock in back with LEFT foot, step together

Take a bow!- Step to the RIGHT, knock LEFT foot behind

                                           Step to the LEFT, knock RIGHT foot behind

Happy tap dancing!

 

 

Miss Tess

tessc@balletpetite.com