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Online Tap Teacher Terrence Taps

"I help adults of all ages live happier, healthier, more fulfilling life through tap dance!"

-Terrence Taps
eTapDance.com Instructor

Learn the Shuffle Ball Change — Free Tap Lesson Below!

Watch this quick lesson then unlock more lessons - perfect for beginners and beyond.

Follow along as Terrence Taps breaks down the shuffle ball change step-by-step in just minutes as part of the 6-Minute Taps course.

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What Students Are Saying:

What is the Shuffle Ball Change in Tap?

The shuffle ball change is a fundamental tap step every dancer should know. It combines a light, rhythmic double brush (the shuffle) with a smooth weight transfer (the ball change). This simple yet versatile move forms the backbone of countless tap routines, helping dancers develop timing, balance, and musicality.

Many beginners struggle with keeping their shuffle sounds crisp and their transitions smooth—but with the right technique and practice, the shuffle ball change becomes second nature. Mastering this step opens the door to more complex combinations and gives your tap dancing a polished, professional feel.

Want to perfect more essential steps like this? The e-Tap Training Program is designed to guide you through every move with ease.

How long does it take to learn the shuffle ball change?

Most beginners can grasp the shuffle ball change within a few minutes, especially with guided instruction like the lesson above.

Can I really learn tap dancing online?

Absolutely! With structured lessons and on-demand access, many of our members improve faster than they expected—all from home.

What happens after the free tap lessons?

You’ll have the option to continue your membership and keep accessing hundreds of lessons, routines, and live Q&A sessions. No surprises, no auto-renewal traps.

Inside This Free Shuffle Ball Change Lesson:

Let’s break down what we cover in this Shuffle Ball Change lesson:

I start by explaining the foundation of a proper ball change—it’s not just a side-to-side step.

A true ball change places one foot behind the other with control and balance. I highlight why it's important to avoid putting too much weight on that back foot, which is a common beginner mistake.

From there, we jump into practicing shuffle ball changes at a comfortable 90 beats per minute, focusing on keeping things clean and steady.

As you get more comfortable, I guide you through picking up the pace—eventually working up to 150 beats per minute—all while keeping your technique sharp.

One key point I emphasize throughout is staying on the balls of your feet—no heel drops allowed here! I also show you how to control intensity and remind you that only your front foot should be placed flat during these variations.

By the end of this quick session, you'll have a solid grasp of both the movement and the musicality behind the shuffle ball change.

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