| Tap dancing is a style of dance characterised by a | | | | heeled shoes as they become more advanced. |
| distinctive tapping sound created by metal plates called | | | | The dancer can choose from a variety of toe and |
| taps on the heel and toe of the dancer's shoe. The | | | | heel taps to attach to their tap shoes. The main |
| dancer performs on a hard surface so their tap shoes | | | | distinction between different types of taps for your tap |
| create a percussive sound which synchronises with | | | | shoes is whether they come with a sounding board or |
| the rhythm of the music. | | | | whether they fix straight onto the tap shoe itself. A |
| Tap dancing is a very exciting form of dance which | | | | beginner will usually learn their first tap dancing steps |
| requires specialist dancewear. The most important | | | | with basic taps such as a horseshoe heel tap and |
| element of this is the tap shoes which are available in | | | | basic toe tap. As they become more advanced, they |
| many different styles. The soles of your shoes need | | | | may well choose a pair of taps with a sounding board. |
| to be firm so they offer the stability required by the | | | | Sounding boards allow the tap dancer to adjust the |
| dancer. Tap shoes are available with both a full sole | | | | screws to ensure their tap dancing shoes produce the |
| and a split sole. Beginners usually start with a full sole | | | | right kind of tapping sound required by the dance. |
| and advance to split soles as they gain more | | | | You need only look to some of the tap dancing |
| experience. This is because the split sole allows for | | | | legends such as Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly to see |
| more flexibility for the foot. | | | | that there is no strict uniform for tap dancers. |
| You should try to avoid purchasing rubber sole tap | | | | However, the tap dancer's clothing should be designed |
| shoes as these can cause unwanted grip making it | | | | to allow ample freedom of movement. It is advisable |
| difficult to execute spins and turns during your dance. | | | | for beginners to use a single costume such as a |
| Tap shoes are often flat but may also have a heel | | | | leotard which will help them feel comfortable in the |
| such as a low heel or Cuban heel. Beginners often | | | | performance and keep tap dancing affordable. If you |
| prefer a lower heel or even flat heel when they learn | | | | want a different look, you can choose a leotard in a |
| their first tap dance steps and tend to progress to | | | | different material or maybe use a hint of accessories. |
