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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 Basic Tap Dance Steps — Free Lesson on Steps & Heel Drops

Master the foundation of tap dancing with this quick lesson on steps and heel drops—perfect for beginners learning tap dance moves at home.

Follow along as Terrence Taps teaches you the most essential tap dance steps—simple "steps" and "heel drops" that form the core of countless tap routines.

Build Your Tap Skills Faster — Here’s What You Get:

  • ​​ 300+ tap dance lessons available anytime, anywhere
  • ​Clear guidance from first steps to advanced tap combinations
  • ​Unlimited on-demand classes and tap routines for all levels
  • ​Individual feedback & support from Terrence Taps
  • ​Stay active, creative, and confident while learning tap at home

What Students Are Saying:

What Are Tap Dance Steps and Heel Drops?

Every tap dancer starts with two fundamental movements: the step and the heel drop.

These basic tap dance steps are the building blocks of rhythm, balance, and musicality.

A step simply involves placing the ball of your foot onto the floor to create a clear, crisp sound.

A heel drop adds a second tone by lowering your heel with control. Together, these two simple tap moves can create endless rhythmic possibilities.

Whether you're brand new to tap or revisiting the basics, mastering steps and heel drops is essential. They appear in nearly every tap routine—from beginner exercises to advanced choreography.

Learning these tap dance moves properly sets you up for success as you progress to more complex steps like shuffles, cramp rolls, and time steps.

Want to build your tap foundation the right way? This free lesson will get you started!

What are the most basic tap dance steps?
The most fundamental tap steps are the step and heel drop. These simple moves create the core sounds in tap dancing and are combined to form more advanced tap routines.

Can I learn tap dance moves at home without experience?
Yes! With clear instruction and practice, anyone can learn basic tap dance steps from home. Our free lessons are designed to guide beginners every step of the way.

How do I progress from basic tap steps to full routines?
Once you're comfortable with steps and heel drops, you can start combining them with other moves like shuffles, flaps, and ball changes. The e-Tap Training Program helps you build from basics to full routines with ease.

Inside This Free Tap Steps & Heel Drops Lesson:

I kick things off by introducing my 6-Minute Taps Course, which is all about making tap dancing fun, accessible, and something anyone can start—no fancy equipment or prior experience needed.

In this lesson, I walk you through the basics of tap shoes, pointing out how the metal taps on the toe and heel create different sounds—the toe gives you that higher pitch, while the heel brings in a lower tone.

From there, we dive into one of the most important fundamentals: Steps. I show you exactly how to lift your knee and place your toe tap with control, keeping that heel off the floor for a clean sound.

We start at a comfortable pace—90 beats per minute—and gradually work up to 120 BPM, then 150 BPM to build both confidence and rhythm.

I also include some practical rhythm exercises and, along the way, I remind you to focus on good form and let you know that if your calves start feeling it, that’s a good sign—you’re building strength while learning.

By the end of this session, you’ll have a solid grasp of your first tap dance step and be well on your way to making music with your feet.

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