If you are a tap dancer like me, you probably have trouble finding dance gigs specifically for tap.
Let’s face it. If it’s not a big stage show, you’ll probably need to put your tap shoes to the side while you perfect your jazz, ballet and Hip Hop moves. Sometimes, it just becomes a cherished hobby:until now.
There seems to be a new interest in tap dancing. Thanks to “So You Think You Can Dance”recognizing it as an important dance style and health enthusiasts touting it as a great way to lose weight, stay in shape, and stay mentally stimulated.
We tappers are thrilled, but what if you are a new tapper?
Where do you start?
Here are a few tips to get those toes tappin’!
- Find a good instructor.
Before jumping right into a class, call local studios and find a GOOD class. The instructor should have extensive training in tap dance. Plus, you want to find a beginning class with other students around your age. Otherwise, the class may not be the right level for you. And I definitely want you to enjoy the experience without wasting money!
- Get tap shoes.
Before spending a fortune on a good pair of shoes, I would find a less expensive pair online at a store like Discount Dance Supply, www.discountdance.com, or at a local, dance supply store.
Talk to your instructor before you buy your shoes. You may be able to purchase the taps and have a shoe-repair shop put them on a pair of shoes you already own. Other options are to ask if the dance studio has a pair of shoes can borrow or check on eBay, www.ebay.com for a used pair.
Once you have your shoes and see whether or not you like to tap dance, you can order a good pair of tap shoes.
And if you buy the taps separately from the shoes, ask your instructor how they should be applied.
Basically, the cobbler should leave the tap a little loose with a small portion hanging over the edge of the shoe. This will give you a better sound when you are tapping. You also want to make sure you are able to hit the taps with the taps on your other shoe. With time, you’ll know exactly how you like your taps to fit and sound.
And note that you should avoid high-heeled taps when you are just starting out. While you’ll need to where them in most shows, it’s hard to get certain sounds out of the small heels. (On a side note, many dance moms ask me how to clean tap shoes. I clean my taps with nail polish remover.)
- Have fun.
Tap dance is easy to learn at a young age. But once you develop specific dance habits, or learn other, dance styles, tap can be difficult to pick up because it involves moving your feet in a different way.
Please don’t get discouraged. Hang in there, do the best you can and try to enjoy the experience.
With a little practice, you’ll know the basics and be able to advance from there.
Give Tap Dance a Try.
I’ve been tap dancing since I was three, and I’ve had a blast doing so. If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a go. It’s lot of fun.
And if you can’t pick up the style. Don’t worry. Think about all of the calories you’re burning in the process!
