Tap Dance Accessories

Tap dancing is a popular form of dancing that originated and was developed in the United States. Many people in the US and around the world enjoy this type of dance as a form of entertainment and also to maintain fitness levels. A tap dance involves intense footwork, where a characteristic tapping sound is produced as a dancer moves his/her feet across the floor. The rhythmic sound that is produced is what makes tap dancing unique and enjoyable.

If you are interested in taking up some classes to learn tap dance, the most important thing that you would first need to get are the appropriate tap dance accessories. While the number and variety of accessories would be more for professional dancers, amateurs and beginners would need to be mindful of two major dance accessories: shoes and clothing.

Choosing Tap Dance Accessories: Shoes

Tap dancers wear specially made shoes for the art form. They are commonly known as just tap shoes. Generally made of leather or something similar, these tap dance accessories come with metal plates that are fitted to the sole of the shoe just beneath the heel and the ball of the foot. When dancing, the metal taps against the floor making the characteristic “tap” sounds.

Some tap shoes are fitted with lace, while others are strapped. Sometimes for stage shows, it is possible that women's high heeled shoes are fitted with metal plates for the purpose of costume. However, for beginners it is important to pay attention to comfort over style. Make sure you try out several shoes before you purchase the ones comfortable for you. Many tap dance classes will provide shoes which you can try out for a few classes, before you purchase your own set.

Choosing Tap Dance Accessories: Clothes

As with any other form of dance or sport, wearing the right kind of comfortable clothing is very important, not just to enjoy the activity but also from a safety standpoint. Most tap dancers prefer to wear shorts due to the comfort they provide. Other common attire that are used by tap dancers include leotards and tights or yoga pants. It is best to avoid uncomfortable clothing for tap dancing such as jeans or tight skirts. This would restrict the freedom of movement.

Other Tap Dance Accessories

The surface on which tap dancing is practiced is very important as well. To get the percussive sounds associated with tap dance right, the surface of dance should preferably be wood or linoleum. Most dance studios are designed to have wooden flooring surfaces, hence that should not be a problem. However, if you intend to show-off your newly acquired dancing talent to friends and family, one of the tap dance accessories you must have is the portable platform.

Made mostly of wood, the portable platform can be carried anywhere on which a performance can be done. It is immensely helpful to avoid dancing on surfaces such as cement or concrete since they are harmful not just to the shoes but also to the ankles and knees of dancers.

There are many websites on the internet where plenty of tap dance accessories can be purchased. Consult your tap dance instructor for more tips, and then you can go on a shopping spree on any of these websites.