A common style of tap dancing is called “classical tap.” Classical “tappers” use their arms and upper bodies to blend movements of ballet or jazz into their tap routines. “Hoofers” try to use every part of their shoes to make their feet sound like drums.

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.

Tap dancing is a fun style of dance that anyone can learn, regardless of previous dance experience. Tap dancing is beneficial in many ways. Benefits of tap dance include increasing cardiovascular conditioning, strength, flexibility and coordination. Tap builds strength in the legs and feet in addition to increasing flexibility in the hips, knees and ankles. Cognitive abilities are also enhanced, as tap dancers must develop both mental and muscle memory to become proficient at tapping.

Tap dancing also develops a great sense of rhythm and timing. Tap instructors help students focus on music awareness while incorporating tap steps and combinations. Best of all, tap dance is a solo dance style… you don’t need a partner to do it, although that’s fun, too.