Q&A for How to Learn to Tap Dance

Tap shoes are best, but for practice any shoes are fine if your don't want to damage the floor. Try to get dance shoes, however, such as character shoes or jazz shoes. Also, try to practice in tap shoes from time to time so that you can to get used to them; they tend to be very slippery.

Yes you are right, you don't put your heel on the floor when you do a shuffle. You are only using the ball of your foot (the front part of your foot) to shuffle, and make sure your feet are loose, not too stiff or tight.

You can find them on multiple sites such as VarageSale, Amazon, or Ebay. You could also go to a dance store. Sometimes dance studios have used pairs of dance shoes that you can borrow or purchase.

No. Flip flops won't stay on your feet properly and they won't create the proper noises. Instead, choose formal shoes with flat soles and no ridges.

Just practice until you can do that dance in your sleep. The better you know the dance, the less you'll be looking around cluelessly at the other dancers. Make sure everything is in order so you can concentrate on the dance. Smile and really throw yourself into this dance. If you do mess up, just keep dancing.

I like the original Capezio tap shoes, but everybody has different opinions so go into a dance store and try on a bunch of different shoes to see what feels most comfortable!

You're supposed to be basically "standing on your tippy toes."

It depends on what your teacher has taught you. Shuffles while standing on your toes require lots of balance. Really, anything on your toes can be considered advanced. Wings are hard to get, but once you get them, they're very easy.

Yes, although you might not want to wear them since they have a high heel and do not have a substantial amount of metal in which to tap. Tap is easier if you have a shorter heel and you can hear the taps clearly.

You should practice on marley floors or wood floors. Make sure not to practice on the wood floors at your house (if you have any), and make sure the floor that you are using isn't sticky, wet, too hard to tap on, or slippery.

It's the same terminology as you are using. Most tap teachers use simple words, but they all have different backgrounds, influences, and such.

Use moves you know to tell a story. Use things such as buffaloes and drawbacks. Even the simplest moves can be amazing when put together.

I would definitely recommend Capezio. They have the best tap shoes.

Most dance studios offer tap classes. Look up dance studios close to you and check out their website to see if they offer tap for your age group.

You should be able to do the basics like shuffles, flaps, simple riff (Shirley temple), buffaloes, buffalo turns, first time step, second time step, and third time step (with bridge).

Tap shoes are recommended for tap dancing because they make the sounds the best. Sandals are not usually used for tap dancing.

You can find heeled boots with tap plates on them but classic lace-up tap shoes are easier to dance in.