Tap Dance Fundamentals

Tap dance is characterized by the use of tap shoes, the dancer's ability to create rhythmic sounds with their feet, and the incorporation of intricate footwork and body movements.

Tap dance originated in the United States in the 19th century, with roots in African American and Irish dance traditions.

Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson is widely regarded as the 'Father of Tap Dance' due to his immense contributions to the art form and his influence on subsequent generations of tap dancers.

The shuffle is a basic rhythmic pattern in tap dance that involves tapping the toe and heel of the shoe alternately.

Flaps are a series of rapid taps performed with the toes, creating a fluttering sound.

Sliding involves sliding the foot along the floor while tapping, creating a smooth and gliding effect.

The ball change is a fundamental tap dance move where the dancer taps the toe, heel, and toe in quick succession.

The pirouette is a tap dance move where the dancer taps the toe, heel, and toe while simultaneously turning the body.

The traveling step is a tap dance move where the dancer taps the toe, heel, and toe while moving forward or backward.

The crossover is a tap dance move where the dancer taps the toe, heel, and toe while crossing one foot over the other.

The grapevine is a tap dance move where the dancer taps the toe, heel, and toe while moving in a circular pattern.

The chassé is a tap dance move where the dancer taps the toe, heel, and toe while moving side to side.

The hop is a tap dance move where the dancer taps the toe, heel, and toe while jumping.

The pirouette is a tap dance move where the dancer taps the toe, heel, and toe while spinning on one foot.

The zigzag is a tap dance move where the dancer taps the toe, heel, and toe while moving in a zigzag pattern.