How to Execute the Standard Toe Tap Time Step in Tap Dancing

The time step is one of the basic moves in tap dancing. When you first learn to dance, you’ll learn the basic time step, either the standard or the buck version. And then the fun begins. You start adding to the equation: A tap of the toe here, a flap there and a shuffle over here. Sometimes you’ll be required to travel (move) while doing the time step. Learn how to execute the standard toe tap time step by reading the instructions below.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tap shoes

1. Shuffle to the front on your right foot on the count of “8 and.”

2. Hop on your left foot on the count of “1.”

3. Toe tap your right foot to the back on the count of “and.”

4. Step back on your right foot on the count of “2.”

5. Flap (brush step) on your left foot to the front on the count of “and 3.”

6. Step down in place on your right foot to the count of “and.”

7. Memorize the steps in order: shuffle, hop, toe tap, step, flap, step.

8. Memorize the count: "8 and 1 and 2 and 3 and."

9. Learn that the toe tap can be done in both the standard and buck versions of the time step but only when the dancer is executing a single (not a double or triple.)

10. Recall, if you’re familiar with other tap dance steps, that the buck version of the time step, regardless of whether it’s a single, double, triple, toe tap or traveling, starts with a stomp. The standard starts with a shuffle or, sometimes, a hop.