How can I become a better tap dancer?

Question

This is my 5th year in tap and I enjoy it but I have trouble with it. I land hard but that is only for my pull backs and when I do the routine, I don't sound right. Either it is the class that I am hearing or myself but I really need to know.

Answer 1

Goodness, five years in tap!! Congratulations, that shows dedication and true love of dance. If you really want to know how you are doing, talk to your teacher, or find a tap dancer(does your hometown have a very good arts/music/dance base?) you admire and have him/her/them look at you dance, listen to you as you move, and give their assessments. You could also make a video and send it to a well-known school of dance(New York, maybe?) and ask their help in suggesting ways to improve.
One thing about yourself and hearing--we really don't 'hear' what we do very well. So, a video of yourself dancing wil lalso give you some ideas of how you can improve.
Ask for a special session with you teachers and peers--brushing up on technique, and such. Tell him/her that you really care about this, and I'm sure they will be very glad to help you. Don't be afraid to ask, because in asking, you learn.
How do I know this? I've been watercoloring for over thirty years--and I STILL ask questions about my techniques. It's not about pleasing others so much as finding a level of satisfaction and certainty that yo uare growing within and above your skill level. Take risks and keep learning. And stay tap-happy!

Answer 2

Tap dancing is something a person gets or doesn't get. The same as any other form of dance. A person will be great at any form of dance as long as they have had a really good instructor who makes sure you know and understand the basics - everything other move is just a variation of the basics.
Work on the basics and stop listening to everyone else. Listening to others can only throw you off and confuse you.
Practice at home and really listen to what you are doing - then you will know if it's you or someone else in class.
I do a variation of tap, clogging. Some people, in my class are really bad I just don't watch or listen to them. I concentrate on what I'm supposed to be doing and ignore the rest. I watch the really good dancers and say to myself 'wow - will I ever be to that point?' I began 4 years ago and I really don't feel like I'm that good (especially with the advanced dancers) until a beginner gives me a compliment or sometimes even one of the advanced dancers. My main goal is to just have fun.

Answer 3

Sorry, the only way to improve is with
practice, practice, practice.
If you don't feel your doing well in the class your attending, try another one, it may be the teacher. Sometimes you have to go through a few before you find the right match.

Answer 4

Practice, and make up your own tap routines. (Just don't wreck any wooden floors!)

And I have a special talent to tap in high-heeled sandals. Try that.

Answer 5

practice at home on a hard floor. Do the steps slowly. Count the sounds. Are there the right amount? Make sure your doing them right and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!!!!!

Answer 6

practice all the time more practice the better..then you will feel more confidant and be able to pick up the steps better good luck

Answer 7

That must be the previous guy interior the "street of London" the youngsters have been searching for. the only with a cane in his palms. a minimum of he nonetheless has a activity. With "A 5th of Beethoven" With "Flashdance" Luke 8.10,17 What do you think of?

Answer 8

Practice more

Answer 9

need tap for dummies

Answer 10

WELL PRACTICE MAKES IT PERFECT!!!
ASK YOUR TEACHER TO GIVE YOU A PRIVATE CLASS AND WORK ON YOUR PROBLEM!!