Tap Dance

 Tap Dance

Tap Week 1 (24/04/24)

On the first day of our tap lessons we got straight into it and listened to the song we were going to be performing this piece to and then moved on to learn the 6 basic tap steps. Forward Tap, Backwards Tap, Straight Tap, Ball Tap, Toe Tap, Heel Tap. We got shown examples of what all these basic taps were, and then we gave them a go ourselves. Once we finished that we began tapping, we weren't going to use tap shoes just yet as we wanted to get the hang of it first. The first thing we worked on was a sequence called the 'close work sequence'. The close work sequence involves intricate footwork executed in close proximity to the floor. it often includes steps like shuffle, taps, heels and pick ups. These steps require precision and control to create clear and crisp sounds. Practicing slowly and gradually increasing speed can help master the close work sequence. The moves for this close work sequence are tap, step, heel, toe, heel, step, pick up, step, shuffle, step, shuffle, step, step, heel and then repeat. We would work over it time and time again by ourselves and together, it was hard for us to keep in time as we hadn't really spoken about timing with each other and timing with the music yet. It took me a while to pick it up and perfect this and I was sure that this would probably happen every time I get taught a new sequence. 

Tap Week 2 (01/05/24)

On our second week of tap we went through the close work sequence again a couple of times then moved onto another sequence, this one being the 'amalgamation sequence'. The amalgamation sequence combines various steps and rhythms to create a cohesive and dynamic routine. It involves blending the steps like shuffle, heel, ball change and tap into a seamless sequence. This combination showcases the versatility and skill in transitioning between different movements and sounds. Practicing each step individually and then integrating them into the sequence can perfect the performance. The moves for this amalgamation sequence are shuffle, ball change, tap, step, heel, heel, pick up, step, pick up, step, shuffle, hop, step, tap, step, ball change, pick up, spring, step, heel. Not only did we learn the amalgamation sequence this day but we also started learning a little sequence called the 'cramp roll sequence'. The cramp roll sequence involves a series of quick and intricate movements where the dancer shifts their weight between the balls and heels of the feet while creating a rolling sound. It's a challenging step that requires coordination and control. Practicing it slowly at first and gradually increasing speed can help master the cramp roll sequence. The moves for this cramp roll sequence are tap, step, tap, step, heel, heel. Once again we would work over these sequences many times until we got the hang of it. It took me a few weeks to perfect the amalgamation sequence, but I did keep trying and practicing.

Tap Week 3 (08/05/24)

As we moved into the third week of tap we started learning much more, but before that we once again went over all the other sequences we have learnt so far over the weeks. We then got taught a new sequence 'time step sequence'. The time step sequence is a fundamental combination of steps that involves a series of movements like shuffles, springs and steps. It's a versatile step that can be performed at different speeds and rhythms. Practicing each component of the time step slowly and then gradually increasing the tempo can help nail down the sequence. The moves for this time step sequence are shuffle, hop, spring, tap, step, step, shuffle, hop, spring, tap, step, step, shuffle, hop, spring, shuffle, spring, shuffle, spring shuffle, ball change. I seemed to have picked this sequence up very well straight away and was very pleased about it. We learnt another sequence in this lesson, this sequence being the 'paradiddle'. The paradiddle sequence is like a rhythmic drumming pattern translated into tap dance. It involves a combination of steps that mimic the drumming technique. The sequence typically includes alternating tow taps and heel drops that create a rhythmic pattern. Practicing each part of the paradiddle slowly and then gradually increasing the speed can help you get the hang of it. The moves for this paradiddle sequence are heel, toe, toe, heel, heel toe, toe, heel, heel, toe, heel, toe, heel, toe, toe, heel. Once again this was something I picked up quickly but needed to still work on it as it was very fast paced. 

Tap Week 4 (14/05/24 & 15/05/24)

As we didn't have a lot of time left and we still had quite a bit to do, we started having two lessons a week. We had learnt all the steps, it was time to decide what we were actually going to be doing in the tap number. We decided that we would get into two groups and come on separately, I was in the group that would come on second and start doing the tap sequence. I still needed a bit of help with some of the sequences as I was struggling but after getting a lot of help from my teacher in lesson. But the main goal of this lesson was to order all of the steps to make the sequence. When we came on the stage we went straight into the close work sequence which was good as this was one of the sequences I knew very well. We then went into the paradiddle and then the cramp role sequence. The groups then cross each other and go back into the close work sequence with a little break at the end of that. Finally we all did the amalgamation sequence into the time step sequence, this was definitely the hardest part of the tap sequence but a very good way to finish off the number.

Tap Week 5 (21/05/24 & 22/05/24)

This week we finally got our tap shoes and it was just now time to clear the number up. There wasn't anything new we had to add, it was just seeing what it was like doing the number with the tap shoes now. I was finally getting the hang of the number and was enjoying it a lot more. I had never really danced before doing this course and getting put straight into what I think is one of the hardest dance styles was scary to me and was worried what the outcome would be and if I would be able to even do the number in the show. I was very nervous especially this week because it was very close and I wasn't sure if I would be ready.

Tap Week 6 (04/06/24)

It was show week and the pressure was really hitting, the show was the next day and I think my confidence has grown but I'm just worried I will mess up and be out of time. Timing was something we were struggling with a lot up to this day and hoped it would be fine by the next day. A lot of the timing always started with 'and 1'. I have definitely come very far from day one, was despising the thought of doing tap but after getting the hang of it I felt very confident and made sure I practiced at home and at college when I could. I wouldn't mind doing tap again as I now know a few tap sequences and it didn't take long to learn them. So if I was to learn new sequences it shouldn't take too long to learn them and perfect them.