How Long Does it Take to Learn Tap?

Some say tap dance is the most challenging dance style to learn. If you’ve never tapped before, it can take a few weeks to become comfortable with your shoes and the fast weight shifting associated with tap. Learning and beginning to master tap might take a bit longer, from six months to two years. Of course, this depends on several factors. Keep reading to learn how you can learn tap and some resources to help speed the process along.

What is Tap?

Tap is a dance style in which a dancer wearing shoes fitted with heel and toe taps creates a signature tapping sound when striking the floor or any other hard surface. There are many different forms of tap, including classical tap, rhythm tap, and funk tap, to name a few.

Tap originated in the United States through the fusion of several ethnic percussive dances, primarily West African sacred and secular step dances, and Irish, English, and Scottish clog dances. Until the last few decades of the 20th century, it was widely believed that tap was born from enslaved Africans and Irish indentured servants observing each other’s dance styles on Southern plantations. However, researchers have recently suggested that tap was nurtured in urban environments such as the Five Points District in New York City. This district was home to various ethnic groups that lived side by side and were in constant contact with the distinctly urban rhythms and syncopations of the machine age. 

Since its introduction into American culture, tap has continued to evolve and change. In fact, tap dance as it is known today did not emerge until the 1920s when taps nailed or screwed into shoe soles at the toes and heels became popular. Although more popular in some decades than others, tap remains to this day a dynamic art form and beloved dance style. 

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Benefits of Learning Tap?

There are many physical benefits to tap dancing as well. Learning even a few basic patterns will give you a great workout, but that’s just the start. Tap dancing is a great form of cardiovascular exercise that improves your overall cardiovascular health. It’s also an awesome way to build strength not only in your muscles and joints in your legs, but also in your feet and ankles, giving you a solid physical foundation. An hour of tap dancing is thought to burn anywhere between 200 and 600 calories, depending on your pace, the sequence of the steps, and the effort used in an hour. You can use tap as casual exercise or really ramp up the effort for a more intense workout.

Learning tap is also a great way to expand your social circle. In-person and online tap classes are a great way to meet people. Most studio classes will have at least ten people, and you can join classes based on your skill level to help avoid any first-day anxiety. If you’re a beginner, join a beginner’s tap class such as Tap (Beginner)! This online course is for beginners ages 18 and older. The average class size is around 12, so you’ll have a good chance of meeting someone new without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll learn and refine the fundamentals of tap while mastering tap vocabulary and technique. On the other hand, if you’re becoming more of an expert, join a class where your instructor and classmates will challenge you. 

Everyone can benefit from having a creative outlet, and tap is an excellent one. In fact, tap wouldn’t even exist without creative people and groups evolving what it looks like today. Tap is a unique art form that provides endless opportunities for self-expression. It allows you to showcase your personal style and creativity through movement, one of the reasons why improvisation is so important to the dance style. Tap (Open Level) is the perfect class for those looking to embrace their creative side through dance. You’ll need to have learned the basic tap foundations so you can focus on the class’s blend of styles, but other than that, all levels are welcome. You’ll learn everything from classic tap to rhythm tap, so finding your preferred style to express yourself should be an easy task! 

Average Time It Takes to Learn Tap

How long it takes to learn tap depends on a few factors. However, you shouldn’t expect to get the hang of it overnight. Learning tap is a real-time commitment, so it isn’t recommended for those looking to pick up a new skill in a week or two. With tap, you won’t be able to skip over the basics or fundamentals. In fact, you’ll get nowhere without them. How quickly or slowly you get the basics down will play a part in the amount of time it takes you to be proficient, but keep in mind that it isn’t a race.

Other Factors

Some factors that influence how long it takes to learn tap are your preferred learning pace, instructor, class structure, prior experience, and motivations. Some people prefer to and try to learn things as quickly as they can, taking in as much information and putting in as much effort as possible. Others prefer a slow and steady pace, making sure they absorb and retain information while taking their time to practice. Tap can be learned through either learning style, but the speed at which you progress will depend on you. 

Your instructor can also affect how long it takes you to learn tap. Some instructors gloss over the fundamentals, expecting you to hone those skills on your own time so you can focus on routines during class. Although this route may get you practicing a routine faster, overall, you will find it more challenging and possibly frustrating. You won’t have to worry about that with CourseHorse instructors. They understand the importance of getting the basics down before rushing you into routines. This may be a slower route, but you will feel more prepared and confident with your movement if you select a fundamentally focused instructor. 

Deciding how to learn tap is just as important as deciding your preferred learning pace. Self-guided learning is the more convenient option, as it allows for the most schedule flexibility, but in reality, it will likely take you the longest. With a set class structure, keeping up with the basics might prove to be easier. The best and quickest way to become a proficient tap dancer is to join classes with a set structure and instructor. You’ll find there is still a fair amount of flexibility in guided classes if that’s what you need! 

One of the biggest factors that is going to determine how long it takes to learn tap is your prior experience. If you have experience with other forms of dance or experience with music and rhythm patterns, tap might be easier for you. If you don’t have any prior experience, it just might take a bit longer. However, if you want to get a leg up before your first day of beginner’s class, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to familiarize yourself with tap vocabulary. 

Motivation plays the biggest part when determining how long it will take you to learn tap. What is motivating you? Is it for fun? Is it your dream? Different motivators are going to have different effects on your timeline. Only you can decide what your motivation is and how that will drive your learning experience. If you’re looking to have some fun while getting in a great exercise, it might take you longer, but that’s okay! There is no right or wrong amount of time to learn tap. 

What to Know Before Learning Tap 

You should be aware of a few things before enrolling in a tap class. First, some classes or going to be either in-person or online only. Sometimes they are offered with both options, but you’ll want to make sure you’re reading the fine print. 

Second, some tap classes require prerequisites, meaning you’ll need to be at a certain level with your skill to enroll in certain classes. Don’t worry, though! There are many options to learn and master the basics. 

Lastly, tap isn’t a casual hobby. It requires a fair amount of dedication and time, so make sure you understand what you’re trying to accomplish with tap before taking a class. 

Can I Learn Tap for Free / on My Own?

Yes! You can learn tap for free and on your own. You can find a good selection of videos through a simple online search demonstrating how to tap dance. However, this will be the hardest and most time-consuming way to learn. Paid classes offer benefits that well outweigh the cost. Tap is about learning about your body through movement and precision. Understanding how your body needs to move and respond to rhythm will be easier with an instructor guiding you. Plus, the structure that an in-person or online class provides is invaluable. The structure will ensure you stick with it, meet deadlines or requirements, and give you a sense of community where you can ask questions and receive useful feedback. 

Key Takeaways

• Tap dance is an excellent form of exercise
• Learning tap can help you meet new people and expand your social circle
• How long it takes to learn tap depends on your preferred learning pace, instructor, class structure, prior experience, and motivations
• Make sure you understand where a class takes place, if it has any prerequisites, and any other details before you enroll in a class
• CourseHorse offers in-person, online, and private group tap classes for you to choose from