Tap Dance Help?

Question

Okay, so I can't do a backwards flap. Or a buffalo. Any way to help clear up some sloppy scuffing and help technique over a computer?

Answer 1

Generally, the challenge is between your head, balance and learning the step...so, a really helpful way to learn some basic steps & more challenging steps (like pickups & wings) is to try doing them sitting down. Use a stiff back chair and seat your tushi about 1/2 way back. Sit up straight and then start with your flaps. Brush back & then ball of the foot down. Alternate feet. Lift your foot using your ankle & not your whole leg. For a buffalo you can do the same thing. Again use your ankle & not your whole leg. (Remember buffalos have a shuffle, rather than a flap.) So put the ball of one foot down - then use the other foot to brush forward and then back using your ankle for flex. - and then put the ball of that foot back down. Repeat this exercise for both steps for a week or so. Maybe do it 10x and then try it standing up. The idea is that you are creating some muscle memory; while not worrying about balance, etc. Good luck :)

Answer 2

Wow ummmmmm.... no way to do it over the computer, really, but just pick up your feet, maybe get some help from a local tap teacher... remember: one sound for a flap, three for a buffalo, one for scuff... that's the best that I can do... hope it helps!

Answer 3

Practice, Practice, Practice.... Learn proper terminolgy...
Brush back step right, brush back left... Hop shuffle step (shuffle off to Buffalo... Shuffling needs practice for clarity... Good luck..