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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 a Tap Dance Time Step with This Free Lesson

Master the single time step and explore tap time step variations with easy-to-follow instructions designed for beginners and beyond.

Follow along as Terrence Taps breaks down the tap time step, teaching you how to build rhythm, confidence, and style with one of the most iconic moves in tap dancing.

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What Students Are Saying:

What Is a Tap Dance Time Step?

The tap dance time step is one of the most recognized and essential moves in tap dancing. It’s a rhythmic pattern that dancers use to set the tempo and showcase timing. 

The single time step is often the first variation learned, providing a strong foundation for more advanced patterns.

A time step typically combines simple tap movements—like steps, hops, and flaps—into a repeating sequence that feels musical and dynamic. Learning the tap time step helps improve coordination, rhythm, and performance confidence.

There are many tap time step variations, but once you understand the structure of the single time step, you’ll be ready to explore more complex versions with ease.

If you're looking for clear tap dance time step instructions, this free lesson will guide you through every part of the movement so you can practice with confidence.

What is a single time step in tap dance?
A single time step is the basic form of the tap time step. It’s a simple, repeating rhythm pattern that helps dancers develop timing and control.

How do I learn tap time step variations?
Once you're comfortable with the single time step, you can add elements like extra sounds or rhythm changes. This lesson introduces the basics and shows how to build into variations.

Do I need tap shoes to practice a time step?
Tap shoes help create clear sounds, but you can start learning the movements on any hard surface. Focus on mastering the rhythm and technique first.

Inside This Free Tap Time Step Lesson:

In this online tap lesson, I focus on time steps—one of the most important and sometimes most challenging elements in tap dancing.

Time steps can be tricky for new and returning dancers because they combine rhythm, weight changes, and variations all at once.

I break down the basic time step, also called the basic buck time step, in a way that makes it easier to learn. Instead of jumping straight into complicated variations like many classes do, I start with the fundamentals, making sure you have a strong base before moving forward.

We begin by learning the core parts of the step: starting with a stomp (not a stamp), followed by a hop, step, step, and a ball movement. I walk you through it slowly, practice it together at 120 beats per minute and 150 beats per minute, and then bring in music to make it more fun. 

I also share a little tap history about time steps—how tap dancers used them to set the tempo and communicate with musicians. Before we wrap up, I encourage you to practice this pattern every day for the next week, even while seated, to really lock in the rhythm and feel.


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