How to Do Flaps With Alternating Feet in Tap Dance

You can learn how to tap dance at any age. All you need is a pair of tap shoes and a hardwood floor or other flat surface. Beginning tap dancers learn flaps, a "brush-ball," as part of their core moves.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Practice flaps before doing any flap combination. Keep your knees slightly relaxed and slightly bent so you aren't too stiff so you can better keep your balance.

2. Brush forward and down with the ball of your right foot, adding weight onto the ball. Using no heel, you should hear two sounds--"brush-ball." Flap first to the front, then to the side and finally to the back. Repeat this sequence with your left foot.

3. Begin practicing combinations using flaps. Flap your right foot forward--"brush-ball"--and add a right heel. Practice this "flap-heel" combination a few times before moving on.

4. Bend your left knee, bringing your left toe behind your right foot. Without brushing your left foot against the ground, tap your toe against the floor. Add the steps together, doing a "flap-heel-toe" combination. If you're doing this correctly you should hear four sounds.

5. Alternate, practicing the flap-heel move with your left foot. Listen to the sounds you make--"fa-lap-heel" and try to move quicker as you master the move.

6. Add the right toe to the combination and practice the left "brush-ball-toe" move. When you feel comfortable with each side, do them simultaneously, moving directly from one side to the other.

7. Continue to practice and do the move faster. Incorporate this move into your regular practice and keep learning tap steps to create your own routine.