DAC 211LEC – Tap Dance 2: Learning the Rhythmic Art Form
Tap dance is a unique form of dance that combines the sounds of percussion with dance movements. It is a rhythmic art form that has been popular for centuries, and continues to captivate audiences today. If you are interested in learning tap dance, or are already enrolled in DAC 211LEC – Tap Dance 2, then this article is for you. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about tap dance, including its history, basic techniques, and tips for mastering this rhythmic dance style.
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Tap dance originated in the United States during the 19th century. It was born out of the combination of African and European dance styles, and was initially performed by African-American slaves. As tap dance evolved, it became a popular form of entertainment, especially during the Vaudeville era of the early 20th century. Tap dance was later featured in Hollywood films, which helped to popularize it further.
Tap dance consists of a series of percussive movements created by striking the floor with the balls and heels of the feet. Below are the basic techniques of tap dance that you will learn in DAC 211LEC – Tap Dance 2.
To perform tap dance correctly, it is essential to maintain a proper stance and posture. The body should be aligned with the feet, and the shoulders should be relaxed. The knees should be slightly bent, and the weight should be distributed evenly between the balls and heels of the feet.
The basic rhythms and steps of tap dance include the following:
iii. Shuffle and Ball Change
The shuffle and ball change are two of the most important steps in tap dance. The shuffle is a quick combination of two or more steps, while the ball change involves shifting the weight from one foot to the other.
The flap is a combination of the shuffle and ball change, while the brush involves sweeping the foot across the floor.
The cramp roll is a rhythmic combination of the flap and brush, while the time step involves a combination of the basic steps and rhythms.
The shuffle hop step is a combination of the shuffle, hop, and step, while the maxiford involves a shuffle, ball change, and brush.
Once you have mastered the basic techniques of tap dance, you can move on to more intermediate techniques. These include:
Wings are a series of steps that involve crossing the feet in front of each other while executing various rhythms. Pullbacks are a type of wing that involve quickly pulling the foot back after executing a step.
Riffs are a type of step that involves quickly alternating between the ball and heel of the foot. Paddle and Roll is a combination of the paddle, which is a quick brush of the foot, and the roll, which involves striking the floor with the ball of the foot.
iii. Waltz Clog and Double Buffalo
The Waltz Clog is a slower, more fluid dance that involves sweeping movements of the feet. The Double Buffalo is a more advanced step that involves crossing the feet and quickly switching the weight from one foot to the other.
To become a proficient tap dancer, it is important to follow these tips:
Regular practice is essential to mastering tap dance. Make sure to set aside time each week to practice your steps and routines.
Tap dance is all about rhythm and timing. Make sure to listen to the music and let it guide your movements.
iii. Focus on Clean Sounds
Clean, crisp sounds are essential to tap dance. Make sure to focus on your technique and execution to achieve the best possible sounds.
Proper footwear is important to tap dance. Make sure to invest in a good pair of tap shoes that fit well and provide adequate support.
Watching other dancers perform and attending workshops can help improve your own technique and provide inspiration.
In addition to being a fun and challenging form of dance, tap dance also offers many physical and mental health benefits. These include:
Tap dance is a unique and exciting art form that has been around for centuries. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, there is always something new to learn and explore in the world of tap dance. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can master this rhythmic dance style and enjoy all the physical and mental benefits that come with it.