Illustrated Tap Dance Steps

Illustration Options

It is possible to learn tap dance from a drawing. For instance, the dance resource site StreetSwing.com includes a reproduction of a 1930s tap dance instruction booklet. The image shows and describes how to perform five basic tap steps. However, one of the best sources for illustrated tap dance steps is video. While a poster or chart can give you a general idea of the movements and rhythm required to perform a step, there's nothing quite like seeing the tap steps in action. Tap students shouldn't underestimate the importance of sound, either. Hearing the taps can help a dancer match the correct rhythm of the steps in a combination.

Illustrated Tap Dance Steps Online

Online videos offer an inexpensive and convenient option for exploring tap dance steps.

United Taps

United Taps is the home of the Tap Dance Visual Dictionary. It's a completely free resource for dance students. The site includes close to 50 steps, with numerous variations on each one. For instance, once you've learned the Buffalo, you can try the Double Buffalo, Click Buffalo and Buffalo Pullback. Each step is presented at slow and medium/fast speeds in separate video clips. Visitors can also choose from three file sizes for each example, depending on their connection speed and the quality of video they want to see. Written descriptions of the steps help you follow along with the videos. If you're interested in combinations more than individual steps, the site's homepage features the owner's latest tap video. He is also one of the creators of Garage Tap, an online tap show. There is a small fee to download episodes of the show.

Youtube

Youtube is a potential source of tap videos. It would be difficult to link to specific videos because the selection is constantly changing. Search for "tap dance", "tap steps" or "tap lessons" to get a taste of what's available. If you're seeking a demonstration of a particular step, you can also search for its name to find clips showcasing just that step. When you come across a video you find helpful, click on the username of the member who uploaded it. You're likely to encounter more recordings that fit your needs in the user's profile.

Instructional Videos

An instructional video offers the advantage of being structured more like a dance class. If you're moving from website to website watching video clips, you can learn a number of new steps, but they will lack cohesiveness. A teaching tape is choreographed to build from one step to the next. DVDs can also be a better option for practicing because it's often easier to view a video playing on a television screen than on a computer monitor when you're on the dance floor.

Tot Tap is a beginning video for kids, teaching the fundamentals of dancing in a fun way. The Land of Sweet Taps is another option for kids, teaching dance moves with the aid of fun song lyrics. Adults who would like to explore the dance form may like Tap Dance Made Easy. It is available in multiple difficulty levels to help you progress in your abilities.

Written Instructions

If you're willing to expand your search for illustrated tap steps beyond the purely visual, you will find hundreds of steps and combinations "illustrated" through words alone. However, these annotations aren't merely paragraphs of step names strung together. They are written in a format that shows which foot you use and the count on which each step occurs. Vince's Fantastic Tap Dance Dictionary is one such resource.