Tap Dance Basics: Tap Dance Shoes and Wear

What is Tap Dance and what are the Tap Dance Basics?

Like any other dance that requires effort, dedication, practice and style, the tap dance is also an interesting form of dancing that needs to be mastered with a lot of practice. This is a very exciting form of dance, which requires the dancer to wear special shoes that are equipped with metal taps that gives it the distinct sound to the dance. The tap dance basics involves a lot of transfer of the body weight and the main goal of tap dancing is to produce clear, clean sounds, with various levels of tone. Here, the tap dancers need to keep their knees and ankles relaxed at all times. The tap dancers use their feet like drums in order to creates rhythmic patterns along with timely beats. They need to dance on the ball of their feet, to produce the tapping sound, which is produced when the metal plates on the dancer's shoes touch the hard floor. This is basically how tap dance has derived its name.

Before beginning with the tap dance basics, most classes begin with a very good warm-up in order to stretch the muscles of the legs and feet. This is because, tap dance if a very vigorous form of dance and the tap dancers need to maintain a very good exercise routine with loads of aerobics to build up the stamina. One requires a lot of dedication to master the techniques of tap dance. To begin, one needs to focus on learning the single tap steps. The tap dancers need to be able to produce clear tap sounds as they try each step. The basics of tap dance include the flap, brush, shuffle and the ball change. One also needs to develop the technique needed to shift the body weight, which is done, on the balls of the feet. This is extremely helpful when it comes to developing the steps and the style.

Tap Dance Shoes:

Tap dance shoes form one of the most essential parts of the tap dance wear. These come in different styles and makes and buying the right tap dance shoes will help you perfect the moves on the dance floor. Always remember to avoid rubber soles because they tend to get stuck to the floor. Tap dance shoes are available in different styles. Most tap dancers prefer to wear flat shoes as compared to heels; with the well-fitted tap dance shoes scoring high, over the loose fitted ones. You must always keep one thing in mind when it comes to the selection of the tap dance shoes-The taps, (two on each) should be of the equal width as the heels and the toes.

Also keep in mind to check the sole of the tap dance shoe. These need to be firm and offer the stability for the tap dancers. There are two kinds of soles available, full or split. The split soles are known to offer more flexibility. Next you also need to consider the heel of the shoe. Beginners prefer the flat heeled when they begin their first steps and as one progresses and gains a firm foothold over the steps, one can go in for heeled footwear. The tap dance shoes need to be able to produce the right sound while you are dancing. This depends on the screws that are used for the taps on the shoes. These can be adjusted as per your needs so that you have the right kind of sound while dancing.

Tap Dance Wear:

Tap dance wear needs to be designed in such a manner that it gives ample freedom of movement to the tap dancers. The beginners need to use a single costume, which would help them feel comfortable for the dance performance. It also keeps these tap dance wear affordable for most parents and there is no hassle involved of changing and managing the costumes between the performances. To get a different look for the dance performance, one can use a hint of accessories that can help to alter the single costume to have a different look.

You can begin with a basic leotard and accessorize it with hats, and sequined armbands and fringed skirts. For innovative ideas, you can turn to tap dance based movies that offer you ideas in terms of choreography and tap dance wear styles. You can have a thematic costume designed or try for an oldies look with bell-bottoms and short dresses to add interest to your entire dance performance.

So, put on your dancing shoes and discover the passion and joy that is experienced through tap dancing. Not only does tap dancing give you relief from the stress, it can also prove to be a great workout session!