How to Perform a Second Variation of the Standard Toe Tap Time Step in Tap Dancing

Devising the second variation of the standard toe tap time step is a matter of executing the heel drop before doing the toe tap. It’s the exact opposite of the first variation, in which the heel drop comes after the toe tap. The toe tap appears in both the standard and buck versions of the time step. Remember that the standard version of the time step begins with a shuffle or a hop, whereas the buck version begins with a stomp. To learn how to do the second variation of the standard toe tap time step, follow the instructions below.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tap shoes

1. Shuffle forward on your right foot to the count of "8 and."

2. Hop on your left foot on the count of "1."

3. Drop your left heel on the count of "and."

4. Toe tap your right toe to the back on the count of “a.”

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

6. Flap your left foot forward on the count of "and 3."

7. Step in place on your right foot on the count of "and."

8. Learn the steps in order: Shuffle hop heel drop toe tap step flap step.

9. Memorize the count: 8 and 1 and a 2 and 3 and.

Tips & Warnings

• The toe tap time step, whether it’s the basic version or the first or second variation (in which toe taps and heel drops are added), appears in both the buck (when the step begins with a stomp) and the standard version. However, the toe tap adaptation is only done in the singular form of the step.
• Follow the link in the Resource section and watch a version of the time step being executed by Connie Hale. The version she performs goes as follows: Hop shuffle step flap step stomp. Watching and listening to a dance step being done is always helpful.

Resources

• Expert Village Time Step Video