Discover a comprehensive guide to “F” tap steps, a fundamental element of tap dancing. Learn about the Flat-Tap, Flap, Flama-Tap, and Flick, mastering their unique techniques and variations.
Find clear definitions, detailed instructions, common mistakes to avoid, and exciting variations to enhance your tap dancing skills.
| Tap Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Flat Shuffle | A basic tap step, a tap dancer slides one foot forward and one foot back while simultaneously tapping the toe of the front foot and the heel of the back foot. |
| Flat Four | A series of tap steps consisting of four steps performed on the flat of the foot. |
| Flap | A tap step involving a twisting motion, a tap dancer steps forward and taps the toe and heel of the left foot together, then pulls the left foot back and taps the toe and heel of the right foot together. |
| Flair | A tap step in which the dancer kicks the front foot up and steps it down to the rear while simultaneously tapping the heel of the front foot. |
| Float | A tap step involving a double-time motion, a tap dancer does two heel drops into two toe taps. |
Tap steps that start with f
Flap:
Flama-Tap:
Flick:
Flo-Hop:
Forward Roll:
Fouetté:
Flat-Tap
Definition: Pressing foot flat to floor and then flicking to the side
Flat-Tap: A fundamental tap step characterized by placing the foot flat on the floor and swiftly flicking it to the side, producing a distinct sound.
This step forms the basis for various tap dance routines and is commonly used to create rhythmic patterns and accents.
Preparation: Raise the foot slightly forward then bring it down flat with toes pointing out slightly
Preparation: Lift foot slightly forward, then lower it flat with toes angled outward.
Execution: Quickly turn the foot out, keeping heel off the floor, while flicking toe to the side
Execute the Flat-Tap by swiftly turning the foot outward, maintaining the heel elevated, and simultaneously flicking the toe to the side.
Common Mistakes: Forgetting to keep the heel off the floor or not flicking the toe enough
Two common mistakes in executing the flat-tap are keeping the heel on the floor or not flicking the toe enough. Both errors affect the clarity and rhythm of the step.
Correct technique involves lifting the heel and flicking the toe sharply to create a distinct sound.
Variations: Single, double, and triple flat-tap
Single flat-tap: A basic tap step where the weight shifts from one foot to the other while the other foot taps the floor.
Double flat-tap: Similar to the single flat-tap, but with two taps of the non-weight-bearing foot.
Triple flat-tap: An extension of the double flat-tap with three taps of the non-weight-bearing foot.
Flap
Definition: Splitting a flap from front to back, rapping the heel, and then tapping the ball change
Flap is a tap step that involves splitting the flap from front to back, rapping the heel, and then tapping the ball change. It is an essential step in many tap dance routines and is often used to create a syncopated rhythm.
Preparation: Bring the foot up and turn it out
Preparation: Bring the foot up and turn it out.
This is the starting position for several tap steps, including the flap, the shuffle, and the pull-back.
The foot should be raised slightly off the ground and turned out so that the toes are pointing to the side.
Execution: While keeping foot turned out, tap the toe in front of the other foot, and then slide foot back while rapping ball of foot and heel
Flap: While keeping the foot turned out, tap the toe in front of the other foot. Then, slide the foot back while rapping the ball of the foot and the heel.
Common Mistakes: Not turning the foot out far enough or not sliding foot back far enough
Common mistake in flap: not turning the foot out far enough or not sliding foot back far enough.
This can result in a lack of power and control, making the move less effective.
Ensure your foot is turned out sufficiently and slide it back to the starting position for a successful flap.
Variations: Flap step, flap-jack step, and flap-hop step
The flap step is a tap step that involves a quick upward and downward movement of the foot, often accompanied by a slight hop.
Variations of the flap step include the flap-jack step, which involves a more exaggerated hop, and the flap-hop step, which involves a hop on the opposite foot after the flap.
Flama-Tap
Definition: Combining a flap and a flat-tap, finishing on ball of foot
Flama-tap: A dance move that blends a flap and a flat-tap, concluding on the ball of the foot.
It’s a dynamic step that adds rhythm and energy to tap routines.
Preparation: Start with the foot turned out, toe slightly pointed forward and heel slightly raised
Start with your foot turned outward, toes slightly pointed forward, and heel slightly raised.
This position allows for proper weight distribution and facilitates smooth transitions into the following tap steps.
Execution: Tap toe in front of other foot, slide foot back while rapping ball of foot and heel, then turn foot out and flick toe to the side
- Tap your toe in front of your other foot.
- Slide your foot back while striking the ball of your foot and heel.
- Turn your foot outward and flick your toe to the side.
Common Mistakes: Rushing through the steps or not keeping the heel off the floor while flicking toe
Common Mistakes:
- Rushing through the steps can lead to sloppy execution and decreased precision.
- Failing to keep the heel off the floor during the toe flick can result in a less dynamic and impactful movement.
Variations: Single, double, and triple flama-tap
Single flama-tap: A basic tap step where the dancer taps their toe, heel, and then toe again. Double flama-tap: A variation on the single flama-tap, where the dancer taps their toe, heel, toe, and then repeats the sequence.
Triple flama-tap: A more complex variation, where the dancer taps their toe, heel, toe, toe, heel, and then toe again.
Flick
Definition: Quickly flicking foot from side to side or front to back
Flick is a dance move characterized by a rapid, short movement of the foot, either from side to side or front to back, while maintaining contact with the floor.
It is often used to add flair and rhythm to dance routines, particularly tap dancing.
Preparation: Keep foot turned out with toes pointed forward and slightly elevated
Keep your foot turned outward, with toes pointed forward and slightly elevated. This prepares your foot for the flick, allowing for a controlled and precise movement during the tap step.
Execution: Flick foot forward or side-to-side while keeping heel off the floor
Flick: Execute by propelling the foot forward or side-to-side, maintaining the heel off the floor.
This lively tap step adds a playful rhythm to dance routines.
Common Mistakes: Not flicking foot quickly enough or not keeping heel off the floor
Common Mistakes:
- Not flicking the foot quickly enough, resulting in a lack of sharpness and precision in the tap step.
- Not keeping the heel off the floor, causing a heavy and clumsy appearance.
Variations: Single, double, and triple flicks, flick-step, and flick-ball-change
Variations:
- Single, double, and triple flicks: Kicks with increasing speed and difficulty.
- Flick-step: A step executed immediately following a flick, adding fluidity to the routine.
- Flick-ball-change: A variation that includes a ball change during the flick step.
Final Verdict
In the rhythmic world of tap dancing, footwork reigns supreme, and steps with an “F” initial are captivating gems. From the swift flicks to the intricate flap-taps and the flamboyant flama-taps, these steps add a dynamic flair to any performance.
Whether you’re a seasoned tapper or just starting to explore the art, mastering these fundamental steps will enhance your repertoire and keep audiences enthralled.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so put on your tap shoes and let your feet do the talking!
