How to Do a Maxie Ford Break in Tap Dancing

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By Cindi Pearce
eHow Contributing Writer

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Max Ford was a renowned buck-and-wing dancer in vaudeville; the Maxie Ford step is credited to him. Another acclaimed tap dancer, Al Gilbert, later incorporated this step into his own teachings and his dance manuals, with a break following the execution of several Maxie Ford steps. The Maxie Ford follow the following pattern: shuffle leap (or jump and land) toe tap or leap shuffle leap toe tap.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Tap shoes

Step 1

Leap to the right on your right foot on the count of “1.”
Step 2

Shuffle on your left foot to the count of “and 2.”
Step 3

Leap onto your left foot and toe tap your right foot behind your left foot on the count of “and 3.”
Step 4

Leap to the right on your right foot on the count of “4.”
Step 5

Shuffle leap on your left foot on the count of “and 5 and.”
Step 6

Toe tap your right foot behind your left foot on the count of “6.”
Step 7

Leap to the right on your right foot on the count of “7.”
Step 8

Remember the steps: Leap shuffle leap toe leap shuffle leap toe leap (or step down).

Tips & Warnings

Watching a video of a dancer executing dance steps makes it much easier to learn them. Taking a dance class is even better. If a particular dance step is giving you trouble, don’t despair. Get the steps and the count in order, burn the information into your head, and your feet will eventually begin to cooperate. Your brain has to understand what's going on before your feet can.

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