Tap dance is an energetic and rhythmic form of dance that uses your feet to make sounds. If you want to incorporate tap dancing into your lessons, the right songs will help make it successful.
Tap dance is a beloved activity for people of all ages and can be found at dance studios nationwide. Here are some of our top picks for tap dancing:
1. Don’t Stop the Music
Rihanna’s dance-inducing track, Don’t Stop the Music, has been a mainstay in her live performances since 2007. It can be heard on her Good Girl Gone Bad (2007-09), Last Girl on Earth (2010) and Loud Tour (2011) albums.
In the song’s lyrics, the singer begs her partner not to stop dancing. She expresses that she’s so caught up in their meeting and the chemistry they are creating that she wants the dance to go on forever.
On September 7, 2007, Frankie Storm, Michael Jackson, Mikkel Storleer Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen co-wrote “Love Never Dies,” which received generally positive reviews from contemporary music critics.
It was nominated for several awards, including the 2008 NRJ Music Award for Best International Song. Additionally, it became a top ten hit in nine countries and sold over three million copies in America alone.
“Don’t Stop the Music” was one of the earliest songs to bring dance music into mainstream American pop culture, reaching number one on both US Dance Club Songs chart and Billboard Hot 100.
Certified four times platinum, it has sold more than 3.7 million copies in the United States alone. It was also a top five hit in Australia and Germany, earning it nomination for the 2008 RIAA Award for Best Dance Recording.
Anthony Mandler shot the accompanying music video in Prague, Czech Republic. In it, Rihanna and two friends sneak into a back of a candy store where there’s an exclusive club and party with its patrons while singing her iconic hit song.
The song features an interpolation of Michael Jackson’s 1983 single, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” sampled in other songs by Emeli Sande, Nicki Minaj and Akon. Additionally, It can be found on We Will Rock You’s soundtrack as well as featured in 2010 BBC miniseries Blackpool.
2. Let It Go
Let It Go is the title song and dance from the upcoming Disney film Frozen. Sung by Idina Menzel and accompanied by piano and strings, the song has an average length of 3 minutes and 42 seconds with an energetic tempo of 137 BPM.
The best part is that this track is free to download and stream, thanks to Zambiamusicpromos. Whether you’re trying to wow your date or a DJ with some serious bass, this track will get the party started right.
It’s a well-known fact that the best dance moves are those which look cool and are enjoyable to perform. Luckily, there are several songs available to help you with this; the trick is knowing which one to pick. The ideal selections have an entertaining dance move along with high quality audio tracks so as not to get scammed on downloads. Furthermore, try different versions of a particular song until you find one you enjoy most; that way your date night will be both enjoyable and successful!
3. Don’t Stop the Beat
To truly test your tap dancing abilities, it’s best to enlist the assistance of a professional – preferably one with plenty of experience. Although this will likely come at an additional cost, having an experienced partner will only enhance your etiquette and reduce embarrassing errors. Fortunately, there are plenty of quality professionals around who can help you become that golden dancer; just make sure you grab the best available spot! After all, there’s no point in booking someone just for class duration when there are plenty of other contenders vying for your attention as well!
4. I’m Gonna Love You All the Way
When selecting a first dance song for your special occasion, opt for one that speaks to the bond between you and your partner. Whether you prefer an emotional ballad or something upbeat, there’s sure to be a song out there that will make this first dance one to remember.
If you’re searching for a timeless classic that everyone will remember, George Harrison and the Beatles’ I’m Gonna Love You All the Way is unbeatable. This ballad has become one of the greatest love songs ever written and it’s easy to understand why: It celebrates strength and unconditional love even in times of hardship.
The lyrics of this song are deeply poignant: “I’m gonna love you all the way,” they sing, through good times and bad, through thick and thin, through everything life throws at us.”
Bonus: this straightforward song’s video is equally effective: it showcases Harrison dancing and singing outdoors in nature. This type of music video can appeal to a broad audience, especially those who have never had the chance to witness this legendary band perform live before.
If you’re searching for an upbeat, alternative first dance song that isn’t too sappy or slow, Betty Who’s cover of Kylie Minogue’s hit is the perfect choice. She takes its simple melody and puts her own spin on it with a smooth voice over top of a hypnotic synth-infused beat – making this an ideal option for anyone wanting a more laid-back indie pop tune as their first dance choice.
5. Don’t Stop the Music
Rihanna’s 2007 single Don’t Stop the Music quickly went from being a single to an essential feature in her live shows. It has since been certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America for selling more than 3 million copies in America alone.
The song is an ideal way for tap dancers to explore rhythm and musicality. Additionally, it helps them hone their listening skills as they take in the lyrics.
Make sure your students can tap in tune by teaching them how to keep their steps on the beat with a metronome. You could also demonstrate an advanced tap dancer’s stepping technique known as the Ball Change, which involves shifting weight from one foot to another while taking steps.
You can also discuss counterpoint with them, which is when two distinct rhythms sound simultaneously. To create this effect, have some of the dancers start a rhythm and then have other dancers join in later.
Additionally, you can try the technique known as canon, in which one dancer initiates the rhythm and all others repeat it. This works particularly well when dancing in a group or line.
As you can see, tap is a beautiful art form with plenty to offer. When combined with the right songs, it adds an enchanting touch to any dance routine. Make sure your selections are suitable for both your audience and dancers’ ability level as well as the style of choreography you are using.