How to Do the Flap and Slap in Tap Dance

The flap and the slap are two steps that are used a lot in tap dancing. Both are traveling steps: steps that the tap dancer uses to move from place to place. They are also similar steps, but as with most steps in tap, they have specific sounds.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Flap

1. Brush or scuff the toe of your foot forward.

2. Place your toe squarely on the ground with a responding noise as you put your weight on it. Make sure you keep you heel off the ground. The effect will sound like its name: "fa-LAP."

3. Repeat with the other foot.

4. Use the flap in tap dancing for traveling from one place to another. Even though it's a traveling step, you can also do flaps in place. Just make sure you don't let your heels strike the ground also.

5. Keep your body slightly forward if you use the flap in tap dancing to move from one place to the other. This will help you keep your balance as you stay up on your toes.

Slap

6. Begin the slap in tap dancing as you would a flap: brush or scuff the toe of your foot forward.

7. Place your weight on your toe, but do it with more noise than a flap. Think of squishing a bug as you strike the ground with your toe. It sounds like this: "sa-LAP."

8. Use the slap in tap dancing to travel across the floor, or to remain in place.

9. Remember to lean forward slightly when doing the slap in tap dancing so you can keep your balance.

Resources

• Connie Hale demonstrates the flap and slap in tap dance.