Old #1 Beginner Tap Dance Class by Rod Howell at unitedtaps.com

[escapetherace]

thanks a lot fore the video, keep i up not many classes in denmark ;-)

[musictaps]

@escapetherace Thanks, I'm glad you like the class.

Rod

[monsterhigh694]

This is great! Thank you i just tought my little 7 year old sister. She loves it! She said that she is going to watch every video of your everyday :) Thank you!

[musictaps]

@monsterhigh694 That's great. How exciting you are teaching your little sister to tap dance.

Rod

[Littlemonsterr12]

You have taught me and my 2 year old brother how to do the basics and usally my brother gets bored but becuase you made funny voices you kept him engaged thank you so much :)

[musictaps]

@Littlemonsterr12 Thanks for sharing. I'm glad you and your brother are having fun learning tap:)

Rod

[LoquaciousByNature]

My 3-year old daughter's tap shoes came in the mail today:) She clearly undertands your lessons, and I think I may buy myself a pair of tap shoes and learn with her:)

[musictaps]

@LoquaciousByNature Wonderful! If you need any help just let me know:)

Rod

[wendyblue7]

you are great at this --- -very animated, clear... great!!!! :)

[musictaps]

@wendyblue7 Thank you very much. you should watch my new videos at tapdancelessons(dot)com.

Rod

[Darscabins]

Great training video!!

How do I put them on my Ipod?

Thanks

[musictaps]

@Darscabins This is an old lesson which is not available for purchase and to put on an iPod, but my newer, better, beginner lessons are available for purchase at unitedtaps(dot)com (got to the "menu" in the navigation bar and then down to "store"). Once downloaded you can transfer them to your ipod. They may need to be converted to M4V in iTunes but that shouldn't be a problem. You can download samples to test it out. Le me know if you need assistance.

Rod

[Darscabins]

@musictaps

Thank you so much for getting back to me. Yes I need assistance in downloading a sample I have been trying for hours. I have watched your newer one, I seem to like your older ones better.

Thanks again. :)

[musictaps]

@Darscabins What happens when you click on a sample link?

Rod

[runningbreezes]

Great! You are charming and fun with your easy to learn style.

[runningbreezes]

Rod Howell you are charming and fun. Your joy of tap comes through. I am a total beginner and I found this easy to follow and encouraging. I have not gone to your newer version just because this one is so good. I want to just focus on your feet, and I like how you slide into the camera view for your ads. I do plan to visit yoru website. Thank you for your excellent teaching. My performance in the upcoming Panto should be great thanks to you.

[musictaps]

@runningbreezes Well thank you so much for taking time to comment and answering my question. Best of luck with Panto!

Rod

[musictaps]

QUESTION FROM ROD:

Thank you for watching my video. Is there a better way for me to get people to watch the newer version of this video that I link to at the beginning of the video? Is it a convenience thing? I would love some feedback on that. Thank you very much.

Rod

[catnai2008]

Hey! This is a great video thanks for puttin it up! I have a question, can you use clogging shoes to tap dance? The have jingle buck taps on them.

[musictaps]

@catnai2008 Yes you could. I personally prefer regular tap shoes so I can keep the sounds "tighter" but if that's all you have, it's better than nothing. Some tappers do like their taps looser though so they get "more sound" out of them.

[muylee]

thanks for uploading, great instructions and easy to follow - yay! :D

[musictaps]

@muylee Thank you so much, I appreciate that. Best of luck with your tapping and let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Rod

[muylee]

thanks for posting, great instructions and easy to follow - yay! :D

[muylee]

great instructions and easy to follow - yay! thanks for posting :D

[muylee]

great instructions, easy to follow - yay! thanks for uploading :D

[tracegnet]

really good easy instruction MLT (me likey this)

[musictaps]

@tracegnet Thank you I really appreciate it. you can find all my free lessons laid out in order at tapdancelessons(dot)com. And I will be coming out with new HD downloadable lessons soon!

Rod

[ikkinnikk]

Yay I feel like I graduated lol. That was cool. Felt like some exercise.

[tracegnet]

very cool!!

[musictaps]

@tracegnet Thanks so much. Keep an eye out for my new HD lessons coming soon. Also you can get all my lessons organized in one place at tapdancelessons(dot)com

Rod

[LandLvideos]

first: your videos are awesome!!!!! XD

and second: your legs are sexii lol

[musictaps]

@LandLvideos Thanks.

Rod

[chgeorgia]

Great fun! Looking forward to doing lesson 1 again tomorrow! Thank you :)

[musictaps]

Great! Enjoy!

ROd

[msjjblue]

You are the most wonderful wonderful person! At 60 I have just started a "beginner's" tap class - but the teacher is young and, while well-meaning, has simply launched into routines! therefore I have been totally lost for the 2 weeks I have been going - I have just found your video and I am in love - I now feel hopeful and happy! I have wanted to tap since I was 6 (they made me take ballet - think potato with legs :-)) I LOVE the tappytap sound SO MUCH! anyway, thank you thank you thank you!

[joleneunderwood]

Hi Rod,

How do i download your free lessons. I have purchased you dictionary & syllabus and would like to do your free lessons unfortunately my internet connection is so slow I battle to watch them on your website unitedtaps(dot)come

[musictaps]

I messaged you back. Thanks.

Rod

[Godsangel1996]

First I want to say awesome job!!!! But I do have a question for you though! I am 13 ( and a half ;) ) and since I was a little kid I've had a problem with my feet (I always stand on my toes) they tried to fix it but it only helped a bit. So its hard for me to do the toe drop and I have to end up doing them like steps.. Is that a huge problem? I do exercises for my feet but they dont really help. I really want to learn!

Please answer ASAP! Thnx!

[musictaps]

Thank you. I'm sorry to her about your feet. Unfortunately that would prevent you from doing many tap movements "correctly." However if that is a physical limitation you can't change, I say work around it. Come up with your own techniques or steps that work for your condition. If you love to tap, find a way to do it. If you need inspiration, look up Peg Leg Bates. Best of luck.

Rod

[AbsentAbe]

Excellent video on how to start dancing tap. I do a lot of swing dancing (Lindy Hop, Charleston, etc.) and have been wanting to learn tap for a while. I am glad I found your videos! Thank you.

[musictaps]

I'm glad you found them too!  I think you'll find my website unitedtaps(dot)com a welcome resource as well. Good luck with your tapping adventure!

Rod

[xjangxme83]

Thanks! you make learning tap so easy!!

[musictaps]

Your welcome and I can't think of a better compliment to get.

Rod

[torrepat]

no hablo ni papa del inglés y sin embargo te entiendo perfectamente,soy musico,canto y toco percusion y siempre quise aprender tap y desde cuba miro tus clases y creo que se sumaran más para aprender de ti, sigue así desde el caribe muchas gracias eres genial.tita

[musictaps]

Muchas gracias. Buena suerte con tu baile tap.

Rod

[jkeith967]

Hi Rod, To be able to tap dance is something that I have always wanted to do. (I have played the drums for over 50 years). I am well into my 65th year and far too shy to attend dancing lessons and so to try to learn from your videos is perfect for me. Thank you so much. KJ England

[musictaps]

KJ,

My pleasure. I'm also (well I used to be) a drummer. You will likely click with my rhythm patterns very well as you progress. Best of luck and keep me posted as to how it's going. By the way, the lessons are all in order at tapdancelessons(dot)com.

Rod

[taintofsaidin]

one thing i meant to ask. in this video for instance, do i need to be able to do the steps really fast before i move on? or are the beginner videos more about learning the steps than developing speed?

[musictaps]

I wouldn't say you need to have them "really fast" but if you can do them at a medium speed that would be great. I think you would probably be fine to go ahead and do lesson #2.

Rod

[taintofsaidin]

hi Rod. i took your advice and checked out the new beginner video. it's so helpful and fun. in your expert opinion when should i move on to the next video?

[musictaps]

Super! When you can do all the steps you learned in video #1 well, go ahead and take the next class. They all build on each other. If any lesson is too hard, you can always go back and take the one before again (the beauty of internet video). Let me know things progress.

Rod

[musictaps]

You can start in regular shoes (I recommend something with a leather sole so your feet don't "stick" to the floor like with tennis shoes). Good luck with the show

[kimcheelove]

your videos are very helpful thanks! :) i just started out tap dancing as a hobby but taking online lessons since i cant find lessons around where i live. are you a professional dancer?

[musictaps]

Yes I teach and choreograph for a living. Glad you like the videos.

Rod

[phsep]

hey Rod, thanx for the video, its fun !! hope to hear frm u soon .... thanx again

[musictaps]

My pleasure. I have more online tap lessons at tapdancelessons(dot)com. I hope you'll check them out.

Rod

[musictaps]

Not sure what you mean?

Rod

[JessicaJabbar]

Hey Rod, This is Jessica's mum. My daughter J.J is 7 yrs. who started her 1st tap dance lesson at the Opera House in Cairo, Egypt (where we live right now) last Thursday and I suggested her watching your videos for beginners while she's home to achieve the best technique and be more confident. So she was just practicing and repeating what you say loudly ! that's all...Thanks for all the help and the tremendous effort.

[musictaps]

Well thank you for responding. You don;t need to remove her comment, i just wasn't sure what it meant. I'm glad she's using the videos.

Rod

[JessicaJabbar]

Didn't remove it..Jessica did!!

J.J's mum

[crazyhalie]

This is great! Thanks for putting them up! I've had a pair of tap shoes in my closet for 3 years and I think it's time to use them. I'm glad I found your videos!

[musictaps]

I'm glad you're watching my videos as well! I have lots more cool stuff at my website unitedtaps(dot)com

Rod

[fatninja11]

cheers rod

[fatninja11]

:P im going to tap better than my gf :L :D

[musictaps]

Good luck!

Rod

[octavehergebelle]

I had my first lesson today! I liked it and i don't even fell gay, that's great :) I'll keep watching your channel. Kiss from Paris to all tap dancers.

[drwhotorchwoodfan]

That is a really good video!!!! It's really good how you went over each steph slowly. I'll keep watching more!

[musictaps]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you liked it.

Rod

[raudru83]

I really enjoyed this video. With doing each step slowly and with repetition it was very easy to follow. I'll be watching more.

[musictaps]

Thank you very much.

Rod

[raudru83]

I'm just starting out with tap and your way of slowly teaching with repetition is fantastic. Loved your video, will watch more!

[musictaps]

Thank you so much, I appreciate your kind words.

Rod

[Berrydrops12137]

this looks like a really good video- you can see all angles with the mirror there. I'm 15 and hoping to start tap dancing soon. This'll help so i can keep up with the classes when i do! Thanks x

[musictaps]

Yes!  I have 2 more videos in this series so take those as well. Good Luck!

Rod

[bloodyspiderdust]

You're Awesome! Makes tap look unintimidating. And you're encouraging which is good:-)

[musictaps]

Thanks so much, I'm glad it was helpful to you.

Rod

[Henrikfack]

By the way, sorry for my bad english, im Norwegian..and thank you!

[Henrikfack]

Hello!! Been watching this video. I'v been wanting to try to learn tap-dance for a while. What's inspirering me actualy the dancer 'Jesco White', You know anything about him!? Dose he do flattfoot!? Is that very different from tap_dancing?

Another inspiration is the dokumentary 'talking feet' and the dancer D' RAY WHITE. What i am gonna do is watch this lesson more times, and try to learn your stepps. This kind of dancing looks like good way to get youre anger out. i wanna dance to bluegrassmusi

[musictaps]

I haven't heard of Jesco White, where did you see him? I haven't heard of D' Ray White either but I would love to see some video. I think you are on the right path with this video, and then watch lesson #2. Also at my website, unitedtaps(dot)com is a list of steps by level. Good luck and your english is fine.

Rod

[alishaclayson]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!! I've wanted to take a tap class for several years and NO ONE offers classes for adults ( I've lived in small towns). So THANK YOU so much!! You're a great teacher and funny! BRILLIANT! Loved it! And thanks for access to the music, too!!!

[musictaps]

Well thank you so much and I'm so glad you enjoyed the class! Have seen my free tap dance dictionary at my website unitedtaps(dot)com?

[Kodi0910]

thanx 4 that. my mom wont let me take tap, but i practice all the time from looking at other boys and girls do it.

[musictaps]

Happy to help out!

[hellokitty8688]

lol at the "commercial break"

[musictaps]

I know I know...but I have to make money somehow. Thanks for watching!

Rod

[hellokitty8688]

i understand completely lol thanx for posting these will help me when i take tap class in the fall!

[animeeclipse]

By the way...Is it unusual or bad or both to be tapping on tile? I heard that it's more pressure on the legs and feet if its tile. I only have tile and carpets at home, that's why I asked.

[musictaps]

I recommend against it. The tile is very hard and usually laid over cement and has no give. It can start to hurt your back, knees, and ankles. You may not notice it right away, but it's generally bad for you. What you may want to do is buy a 4 by 4 piece of plywood and set it on your carpet (be careful it moves while tapping). That way you've got cushion underneath it. Best of luck.

[animeeclipse]

I'm 15 and have always wanted to tap since I set my eyes on Fred Astaire awhile ago. My only problem is that finding tap shoes where I live is quite difficult( I live in Brunei ), but I'll keep looking. This really made my day!

[musictaps]

Try amazon (dot) com.

[infcanvas]

Thanks, Rod! Have had 3 tap dance classes so far and love it, but can be hard to remember routines to practice in between and also love getting the breakdown of what the steps are and how to shift weight, etc. Great combination of fun and useful information - love your style and super appreciate your many videos... will be back for many weeks to come!

[musictaps]

Thanks for the kind, words i appreciate it.

[futuregirl102]

wow, you're amazing!!!! thank you sooo much!!!!!

[stefuhhnii]

This is not only informative, but entertaining. Haha! I bet your classes in person have a fabulous energy to them. Love it.

[musictaps]

Thank you. Some days they do ;)

[iertjuh]

where could i find them shoes and how much would they cost..?

i live in holand

[iertjuh]

ty 4 this vid!

[ninjakay]

Awesome, this is so helpful. Thank you!

[musictaps]

Glad to be of assistance.