How to Perform a One Buck Time Step in Tap

When it comes to tap dance, there are actually only a few steps that make up every routine. Here's how to perform a one buck time step next time you've thrown on a pair of tap shoes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tap shoes (optional)
• Hard, bare floor

1. Place your feet together while standing. Remember to keep your body loose and agile when dancing. Stand with a nimble posture.

2. Raise your right foot and "dig" it (a common tap term) against the floor.

3. Pull your right foot up off the floor. This initial "dig" is the first sound in the tap step.

4. Hop on your opposite foot. In this case, it's your left foot.

5. Step down on your right foot. Do this "roughly" so that the toe and heel hit and create a muffled sound.

6. Use your left foot to "fa-lap." Fa-lap is another tap term that refers to the sound that your foot makes. Accomplish this by swinging your foot forward so that the ball of your foot hits the ground. Then, as the foot quickly comes back to a resting position, the ball of the foot hits the ground again, completing the two-part sound.

7. Step on your right foot one last time to complete the one buck time step in tap dance.

8. Repeat the one buck time step starting with your left foot. Many tap combinations continuously alternate several one buck time steps in a row.

Tips & Warnings

• Tap dance is great exercise. If you are looking for a cardio workout alternative, take up tap. Not only is it fun, you can audition for local musicals as well.