How To Tap Dance

Warm up by doing 20 ankle rolls with each foot. Stand on one foot and slowly roll the ankle of the other foot so your foot goes around in a circle. Repeat with your other foot.

Start with the basic step. Alternate pointing and tapping one toe at a time. Do this to music or without music. To build strength, tap faster.

Learn the shuffle step. Brush the ball of one foot forward, making a dragging sound. Then drag your foot back, doing it in reverse. Repeat on each side to get used to it.

Practice the ball change. Step forward onto the ball of one foot, and then back down with the other foot behind you. When you bring the back foot down, lift your front foot, preparing for the next ball change. Repeat, alternating the lead foot.

Try a cramp roll. Tap the ball of your right foot, then the ball of your left foot. Step down with your right heel, then with your left heel, so there are four sounds total.

Put together a few of the steps you’ve learned for your own routine. Add arm movements and a smile, and you too can look like a professional – or at least like you’re having fun!