Practice
We all know that in order to get better at anything, we have to practice. Whether it's learning to play an instrument, speak a new language or play a new sport -- both mental and physical practice are essential for improvement. And, so it is with tap. It is important to practice what you learn in class each week if you want to make progress! I always recommend putting your shoes on every day. Every day! Because 10 minutes a day is better than an hour once a week.
But that's in an ideal world. Believe me, I understand that our days easily get eaten up with work, errands, chores, etc. I get it. Sometimes even 10 minutes a day is just not possible. So here is my advice:
1. When you can (and as much as you can) -- PRACTICE!
Set a goal for yourself before you put your shoes on. What is it you want to work on? Is it that tricky step from a routine? or are you working on getting those ankles loose? Pick one thing to work on. Decide how long you will work on it. Then, do the fun stuff. Put on your favorite music and practice your favorite steps. Maybe even come up with your own choreography!
2. When you can't practice ... WATCH! (and research)
You might be sitting at your computer working or writing emails. When it's time for a break, go to YouTube. Watch the tap masters! Watch the young artists of today. We are incredibly lucky to have so much footage available to us on YouTube, so take advantage of it. If you don't know who to watch, ask me! Here are just a few names to get you started (the tiniest tip of the iceberg):
Tap Masters:
Bill Robinson
John Bubbles
The Nicholas Brothers
Gregory Hines
Eddie Brown
Leon Collins
The Condos Brothers
Young Artists Working Today:
Sarah Reich
Melinda Sullivan
Steve Zee
Michelle Dorrance
Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards
Jason Samuels Smith
Savion Glover
3. When you can't watch ... LISTEN (with headphones if you can) and research!
Listen to all kinds of music. Listen to the rhythms, the way the music is structured or unstructured. How does it make you feel? What is it saying to you? And as much as you can, listen to jazz. Listen to the journey that the artists take. Jazz and Tap have many similarities. Can you think of some? Here are a few of my favorite jazz pianists:
Ahmad Jamal
McCoy Tyner
Red Garland
Erroll Garner
Oscar Peterson
Thelonious Monk
Art Tatum
FLOOR
Ideally, you'd want to practice at home on a hardwood floor; however tap shoes can cause some damage so I recommend getting a piece of tempered Masonite to practice on, especially when you are just starting to tap. It is light, easily portable and can be placed over wood, tile or carpet (try not to practice on cement as it is hard on your body). It can be cut to the size you’d like and it is very inexpensive. I believe they have it at Home Depot, Anawalt and probably other hardware stores with a lumber dept. The piece should be no smaller than 4' x 4'. 4' x 8' is better.
A piece of plywood or particle board can also work and is also available at most lumber yards. Both are heavier than Masonite, so more durable and not as slippery, but not as easy to move.
Portable wooden dance floors are also an option, but be sure to research carefully as some are better than others. One that I really like is called FasFoot (https://www.fasfoot.com). This is a light, easy-to-carry floor but it is only 2' x 3' so a little small.
In my home studio I use a vinyl theatrical dance floor from Rosco over my wood floors. These can get pricey but I've used this floor for years and there has been no damage to my floor plus the sound is not muffled at all. You can find more information here:
https://www.rosebrand.com/shop/results.aspx?keywords=dance+floors