How to Do a Toe Stand in Tap

En point is not just for ballerinas. In tap, standing on your toes for less than a second is called a toe stand. It is usually cautioned to stand on your tip-toes (if you've seen the movie "Titanic," in which the girl is in tights only and lifts herself up on her toes--don't do that!). However, with the right shoes and proper teaching, this move looks brilliant and graceful in tap as well as ballet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Tap shoes with a heavy box-toe (this means the toe is thicker than it is on regular tap oxfords)
• Wood or Marley floor

1. This is best done quickly: step on either the right or left tiptoe.
2. Hit the floor with the other toe.
3. Quickly set the heel of the first toe down, then the second.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're feeling adventurous, you can slide on one or both toes with a running start. This is a great addition to anything improvisational, but only recommended for toe-stand masters.
• If you're required to do a toe-stand in a dance, but don't feel comfortable, fake it! Step quickly onto the balls of your feet, then down.