I’m excited to be starting my new tap program at ATOMIC Ballroom. We have some 35 people now signed up for the class, held 5pm on Sundays as part of my super popular swing dance series. Each week I’ll post the class notes here so that you can practice.
Part 1. Improv Phrasing
Chug Chug Chug Chug x3
R L R L
a 8 a 1
Tap and hold for 4th
R
1
Part 2. Technique
Shuffles (2 sounds, no weight change)
Shu-ffle Shu-fle Shu-fle Shu-fle Shu-fle Shu-fle Shu-fle Step(Weight Change)
R R R R R R R R
a 1 a 2 a 3 a 4 a 5 a 6 a 7 8
then switch and do it all on the left
Part 3. Time Steps
Zero Time Step
Hop Step Step Ball Stomp(no weight)
L R L R L
1 2 3 a 4
Part 4. Technique
Paddle and Roll
Dig Brush Step(weight Change) Heel
R R R R
1 and 2 and
repeat on left side
repeat on right side
Step Heel Step Heel
L L R R
1 and 2 and
repeat part 4 starting with the left!
Part 5. The Shim Sham
Stomp Offs
Stomp Brush Step Stomp Brush Step Stomp Brush Step Step Stomp Brush Step
R R R L L L R R R L R R R
8 a 1 2 a 3 4 a 5 a 6 a 7
repeat on left
repeat on right (but fake the last weight change and keep your right foot free for the break)
Break
Step tap step hop step hop step step step
R L L L R R L R L
8 1 2 a and a 5 6 7
Part 6. Technique
Flaps
Brush Step Brush Step Brush Step Brush Step Brush Step Brush Step
R R L L R R L L R R L L etc….
a 1 a 2 a 3 a 4 a 5 a 6 …
If you’re looking for your own personal square of tap floor like the ones you use in class, they can be purchased from Jubilee at: http://www.jubileedancefloor.com
Or you can make your own to practice at home by buying a piece of plywood and cutting it down to a more manageable size.