How to Warm Up for Tap Dance

To avoid injuries and prepare to tap dance, you have to warm up just as you would for any sport. Use the following steps to learn how to warm up properly for your tap class or performance so you'll be "heel to toe" ready to "hoof it."

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tap shoes
• Self discipline

1. Do some basic stretches that will warm up and stretch out the muscles and tendons in your legs, calves, ankles and feet. Yes, stretch out your feet. You'll be flexing your foot, arching up on your toes and pulling up your toes to put a stretch on your heel area. Do these warm-up stretches without your tap shoes on.

2. Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front and grab your toes. Gently pull the toes towards you to stretch out your entire leg, ankles and feet. Repeat this several times and then spread your legs wide open to each side and stretch and hold the toes one side at a time. Repeat this several times. Do these stretches without your tap shoes on as well.

3. Prepare your legs, ankles and feet to warm up, just as you would for running. Do runners lunges on each leg. Add more of a stretch by turning and holding your body at the waist to each side while in the lunge. Finish these stretches and it's time to put on your tap shoes.

4. Get back up on your feet. It's time to begin the dance portion of the warm up. Start moving through your basic tap steps such as shuffles, ball-changes, pick-ups and scuffs. Start your steps off slowly and pick up your speed as you get in rhythm of the various steps and combinations. Keep moving through the warm-up paces until it's time for class or performance.

Tips & Warnings

• Many tap instructors will have set warm-up routines that put students through the basic drills and sets the tempo and mood for the class.