How to Teach Kids Balance in Tap Dance

Tap dance is taught to children as young as 3 years old. The one problem that children this young face is that they lack the balance needed to complete many of the steps. The children can perform exercises to improve their balance during tap lessons.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Request that the kids stand on one foot. As a warm up, you can check the balance of the children by having them balance on one foot, then switching.

2. Jump using one leg. To practice working on their balance and warm up even more, ask the kids to jump with one foot held up. Switch legs half way through the exercise.

3. Perform some of the more basic tap steps. One of the first steps taught in tap class is a hit hit step. During this step, they use their toe to hit behind their feet. Repeating this step regularly helps them concentrate on staying balanced.

4. Make a circle shape with their feet. Another exercise is to have children write a circle in the area using their feet. If they are able to complete this move, they are well balanced enough to move on to more advanced balance builders.

Tips & Warnings

• Some 3 year olds may lack the balance and coordination needed for tap dance lessons. You may want to wait until they are 4 or 5 years old.
• You should practice most of the balance moves on a soft padded surface. This prevents injuries.