How to TAP DANCE - Learning the 'Time Step'

How to TAP DANCE for Beginners, with Just TAP.

Find out more 👉🏻 TAPTOPIA.NET

In this video, we’re going to learn one of the most useful and universal combinations of steps in the history of tap dance, the traditional 'Time Step'.

--- Note: This video is 100% relevant for 2024, even though it was published in 2018 ---

The ‘Time Step’ has a rich history, dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today, they pop up everywhere: classes, auditions, shows and films.

There are many different types and variations of the Time Step that have appeared throughout the years, and many of these variations are practiced today.

The ’Traditional Time Step’ that I show you in this video is effectively the ‘Base Pattern’. Once you’ve got this pattern down, learning alternate time step variations becomes a relatively simple task.

A COMMON TIME STEP VARIATION:
(Especially for USA based viewers)
One of the most common alternates involves substituting a Stomp (a flat foot, without weight), or a Stomp-Spank (Spank the toe straight after the Stomp) for the Shuffle on count 8.

It is my hope that this video will give you a flying start toward discovering the Single, Double and Triple Time Steps. I hope it helps. If you enjoy it, please like and share this video, and tell me how you went in the comments! I’d love to hear from you!

A COMMON TIME STEP VARIATION (Especially for USA based viewers):
One of the most common alternates involves substituting a Stomp (a flat foot, without weight) for the Shuffle on count 8.

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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:
The creators of this video recommend seeking advice from a registered health professional before undertaking any of the exercises in the following video.

Should you experience any pain, discomfort, dizziness, shortness of breath or any other symptom, discontinue the exercise immediately and consult a health professional.

By watching this video, you agree to relieve and indemnify ‘Taptopia’, its owner and its staff for any injury or damage caused by attempting any movement presented in the video.

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TAP DANCE: - Good for the brain and the body - The most enjoyable thing to do - Easy to learn at any age...it's never too late to start.

What is 'Just TAP'?
A brand new online video course designed to teach beginners the fundamentals of tap dance, giving them all the steps they need to walk into a tap class with confidence.

How does it work?
It makes tap dance easy and fun. It helps you take your first few steps toward a new source of healthy happiness in your life.

[mother-lana]

Love this! I have always learnt it : Shuffle hop spring tap front back (for single)

[danaferre]

I just wanted to say thanks for this. I'm 63 yrs old, never took tap. But I'm determined to learn it and perform with a senior group!

[summersevening]

Thanks so much for breaking this down, super super helpful!

[connie_barker]

I’m gonna spend the rest of this lockdown learning tap

[tarynglover]

I don't know how to do tap an I'm frustrated

[floraf]

I started watching this video as a normal person, but now I can't distinguish between my left and right legs... jk

[bethbartlett]

Tap, tap, tap -

The sound of my toe tapping on the floor - from a setting position.

I think you get the meaning -
"I'm not chair dancing."
🙄

Tap, tap, tap...

Next video - please...


Tap, tap, tap ..
😑

[alexandria]

i can't afford tap classes at the moment, so i'm saving for some shoes and i'm going to try to teach myself a bit, and these videos are a god send! keep it up!

[PhoebeAshmore]

I remember learning this in my tap class when I was about 10 and thinking the words Double Chocolate Chip Muffin in my head to make sure I got the timing right haha

[faytheweber]

you are a terrific teacher. I watched a lot of different beginner lessons, and after watching this, I decided to get your course and I'm really enjoying it.

[lohphat]

What really helps me is to get past the counts and just listen for the raw rhythm to internalize the musicality faster.

BA-da-da, ba-dum-pa-DUM -- BA-da-da, ba-dum-pa-DUM -- it allows your brain to push the movements into the subconscious and focus on the other aspects of your performance.

[christinemills]

I'm a ballet and tap teacher, and I must say this is the most precise instruction video I've ever seen. I sent links to my beginners for their home practice. Thanks!

[fredhasopinions]

I'm going to be honest I did _not_ think I'd come back here, I've never even considered tap dance before, but now I tried the step and practicing it is so much more fun than I thought?! Thanks for making me try to actually learn this in 2021. You're incredible at explaining in a motivating way.

[chickemnugget]

I’ve been tapping for 11 years and this is amazing!! (I’m 14) some of my other friends want to learn how to tap definitely gonna link then these videos!!

[keveveve]

incredible! You are justamazing how you explain. I love when you turn on metronome to show us the timing and the rhythm. We want mooore!!

[joellelebreton]

I'm a dance teacher and I love watching videos like this to get new ideas to help teach my students (young kids). Thanks so much! Hope to see more on your youtube channel!

[uzytkowniksieci]

I am so glad i found your tutorial. You are doing tremendous work Sir! The tap shoes are on the way and while i am waiting for them to arrive I practice in my flip flops in the living room. Honestly that s what I love about our times, as hard as it gets specially recently there always are good people willing to share their knowledge so that we can all learn from each other. Picking up new hobbies has never been easier! Greetings from Poland. Love.

[fluoxetine-chan]

I just start to learn Tap dance, alone at home and you're just perfect for this ! Keep going !

[buisyman]

It's like watching Fred Astaire in slow motion. I always wondered how in the world he did that.

[alexabellman]

I love this! I am a tap dancer myself and I’m very happy how you mentioned that there are other versions of these time steps, for example the single time step I know is: STOMP BRUSH HOP STEP FLAP STEP STOMP. And the double time step I know is: SHUFFLE HOP TOE STEP FLAP STEP SHUFFLE. The triple time step you showed however is the same as the one I know! Again, I love these videos!