Tap Dance for Beginners: The Basics

Tap dance is gaining more and more fans—its rhythmic foot strikes not only grab attention but literally make your body want to move. On GoDance, you'll find lessons ranging from basic steps to advanced combinations.

For those who want to learn to make music with their feet, this article reveals one of the most amazing facts about this dance form.

There are no limits to starting tap dance—age, gender, or prior training don't matter. Just grab your gear and head to your first lesson.

We'll talk about the right attire later—for now, get ready for a new passion in your life.

First, prepare for endurance.

Tap dance is technically demanding. A beginner will have to work hard. The main goal is to show the audience incredible speed of taps and footwork, combined with jumps and body movements. It takes a lot of effort at first, but the results will soon surprise you.

Second, find an experienced instructor.

You can find one through social media ads or popular websites. Private lessons will speed up the process, while group classes help you make new friends—a nice bonus.

Third, don't waste time—start learning basic steps now.

There are four basic steps. The "brush" step: hit with the heel, then the toe. The "flap": hit with the heel of one foot, then the toe of the other, alternating. Movements should be light and not forceful. Remember, the sound effect comes from special shoes with metal taps. The "ball-change": step with the ball of the right foot, then the toe of the left, alternating. The "shuffle": similar to the flap, but with a slight forward lean. Practice these moves at home, and you'll find lessons with a master much easier. Then move on to more complex elements.

Fourth, learn tap dance on a hard floor surface. Oak parquet or a sheet of plywood works well.

Fifth, keep improving. There are many online videos featuring both simple moves and complex dance routines.

To master tap steps, practice for half an hour every day. It's also a good idea to learn another dance style simultaneously for extra physical conditioning.