How to Learn Basic Tap Dance Steps

By eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

Rate: (73 Ratings)

Tap dancing appears to be fairly complicated. It all starts with a series of basic steps linked together. Add timing, fluidity and creativity, and it looks masterful.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Tap Dancing Shoes
CD Players
CDs
Tap Dancing Videos

Step1

Put on your tap shoes and some cool music.

Step2

Start by tapping your toe to the beat. Do this faster and faster to build strength.

Step3

Brush the ball of one foot forward and then back to shuffle.

Step4

Step back on the ball of your right foot and step on your left (or vice versa) to do the ball change.

Step5

Brush forward with the ball of your foot and step on the ball of it for the flap.

Step6

Do a cramproll by jumping up and landing with your feet. Do this in the following order: Land first on the ball of your right foot, then the ball of your left foot, followed by your right heel and, finally, your left heel.

Step7

Step with your right foot and touch your left toe behind it for the step toe.

Step8

Learn the stomp. It's similar to stepping, but you hit your foot on the ground to stomp and then lift it off (placing no weight on the foot when you stomp).

Step9

Perform the shuffle hop. Do the basic shuffle with your right foot and, leaving your right foot in the air, jump up.

Comments

juliaborsos said

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on 10/20/2007 You've explained the basic shuffle and stomp quite well, well done!
For amazing online tap lessons:
http://tapdancemadeeasy.podbean.com/
I love them, it's very easy to learn and lots of fun!

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 When dancing with others watching, pick a spot just above them or to the side and look at it if you find looking at someone off putting, and smile. Even if you mess up, smile hard and use attitude and it will soften the muck up. But you should use attitude and smiles all the time.

Anonymous said

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on 6/30/2006 When you dance, look like you are having fun and be relaxed. You'll look more confident than having your shoulder tensed and knees locked (which isn't good).

Anonymous said

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on 4/3/2006 When you're dancing, try to keep up to the beat of the song and not of the other dancers. If you keep up to the other dancers and they are off beat, your dance will be ruined.

Anonymous said

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on 3/20/2006 There are 2 types of tap styles; Classic or Broadway Tap, and Rhythm Tap. Don't be fooled, Rhythm Tap is actually the easier of the two. In Classic or Broadway Style Tap you will learn the names of steps and the Classic timing - which in the end will mean that you are either doing it right or wrong. Timing is everything; enroll in a class that teaches Classic Tap and you will be well on your way!

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