Tap
dancing is an exciting form of dance in which dancers wear special
shoes equipped with metal taps. Tap dancers use their feet like
drums to create rhythmic patterns and timely beats. The term "tap
dancing" is derived from the tapping sound produced when the
small metal plates on the dancer's shoes touch a hard floor or surface.
The most common style of tap
dancing is called "classical tap." Classical tap dancers,
known as "tappers", use their arms and upper bodies to
blend movements of ballet or jazz into their tap routines. On the
other hand, "hoofers" are tap dancers that focus on their
footwork, using very little upper body or arm movements. Hoofers
try to use every part of their shoes to make their feet sound like
drums. A popular performance of this style of tap dancing is
Riverdance.
Typical tap classes last about
an hour, beginning with a warm-up to stretch the muscles of the
legs and feet. Dancers practice a series of basic steps, adding
more difficult combinations as they become more proficient. Tap
dancing is a vigorous form of dance, requiring a great deal of physical
fitness. Many kids as well as adults tap dance for fun and exercise.
It builds aerobic fitness as well as muscle control
Basic
Steps:
Tap dancing is mastered through lots and lots of practice. Beginning
tap dance classes focus on learning single tap steps, then incorporating
the steps into series of combinations. A few of the basic tap steps
include the brush, shuffle, and ball change. Tap dancers strive
to produce clean tap sounds with each step. Tap teachers will roam
the studio during classes, listening for extra taps.
Technique:
The goal in tap dancing is to produce clear, clean sounds, with
various levels of tone. Body weight should be held slightly forward,
allowing most of the dancing to be done on the balls of the feet.
The knees and ankles should be relaxed at all times. Beginning tap
dancers are sometimes told to dance as if they were dancing on a
glass floor.
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