How to Do a Military Cramp Roll in Tap

When a cramp roll is executed in tap dancing, the dancer steps onto the balls of her feet, onto her right and then onto her left, and then drops her heels, first her right and then her left, resulting in a drum-like effect. This step is best done to 4/4 time, also known as quadruple time, which means four beats to the bar. The Military Cramp Roll is one version of the cramp roll and is generally done to military music. Think of the song “You’re in the army now, you’re not behind a plow, you’ll never get rich, by digging a ditch, you’re in the army now” and that will give you an idea of the type of music where a tap dancer would use a cramp roll.

Things You'll Need

• Tap shoes

Instructions

1. Leap forward onto your right foot.

2. Step forward onto your left foot.

3. Drop your right heel.

4. Drop your left heel.

5. Remember that the count is “a-and-a-1.”

Tips & Warnings

• When “leaping” forward onto your right foot, it’s more like hopping onto your right foot rather than a leap. You are not required to jump forward. The military cramp roll is done in place.

Resources

• Learn How to Tap