Ballet training produces results, and Tristan thinks it’s time that tap dancers learn a little something from ballet class, consistently encouraging the 4 basics of tap technique, covered in detail within the article.
Tap Classics: In-The-Trenches and Over-The-Tops
January 23, 2012 By 2 Comments
These popular flash steps were the innovations and contributions of Toots Davis. Learn more about Davis and the history behind classic tap steps, in-the-trenches and over-the-tops.
Tap Classics: Paddle and Roll Heroes, Lon Chaney & Bunny Briggs
December 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Many contenders could claim to be “the king” of paddle and roll (also called paradiddles) but no other dancer is identified more with the tap step than tap icon, Lon Chaney. Bunny Briggs has also made his mark with the step, as have others. Learn more about paddle and roll and its origins.
Tap Classics: Frank Condos and 5-Count Wings
November 17, 2011 By 2 Comments
In the 1920s, wings were all the rage, and many variations existed. The Pump, the Pendulum, the Saw, the Double Back… like time steps, most dancers had a signature wing variation. But there was one variation in particular that caught the public’s attention, and it was the 5-count wing, created by Frank Condos.
Tap Classic: Jimmy Slyde and his Signature Sliding
November 6, 2011 By 1 Comment
Sliding has long been a popular tap step. The novelty of the slide comes from the illusion that the floor has somehow developed a slick surface, giving the impression that the dancer is off balance and could fall at any minute. Discover how it’s done, view classic footage, and learn about the men who made the step famous.
Tap Shoe Review: The Capezio K360 (Brazilian)
October 4, 2011 By 5 Comments
The first in a series of tap shoe reviews, Tristan begins with the “Cadillac” of tap shoes, Capezio’s Brazilian K360. He covers their construction, features, and compares them to the American-made Kays. Don’t miss his consumer video for the opinions of tappers of all ages.
Brand Spotlight: Capezio and their Tap Shoes
October 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Which is the right tap shoe for you? TAPography columnist, Tristan Bruns wants to help you decide. With this brief history of the Capezio brand and its tap shoes, he launches a series of posts which will include his personal, non-sponsored tap shoe reviews from major shoemakers.
Customizing Your Tap Shoes: The Taps
July 5, 2011 By 47 Comments
Without the taps, a tap shoe is just a shoe. In this Great Tap Shoeganza installment, Tristan thoroughly covers the most interesting part of the tap shoe, sharing a bit of history, some tips for fixing loose screws, a look at the variety of metal taps available, and more. Fellow dedicated “tap geeks” and casual enthusiasts alike will walk away with deeper understanding of a critical part of the tap shoe – something rarely offered on websites or elsewhere.
Customizing Your Tap Shoes: Fashion and Functionality
June 23, 2011 By 3 Comments
Tristan, our TAPography columnist covers the many ways tap dancers can make their shoes unique and individual. From brogueing and stitching, to colors and patterns, to the vegan tap shoe, and even electronics, customizing your shoes is a fun and fashionable way to express yourself!
Customizing Your Tap Shoes: Health and Comfort
June 7, 2011 By 2 Comments
Whether your foot concerns are as serious as suffering sesamoids, or as mundane as bothersome blisters, feet are happiest when they are comfortable and healthy. Continuing his Tap Shoeganza series, Tristan provides you with ways to modify tap shoes to make tap dancing much more enjoyable for those with new and/or congenital foot disorders.
When To Buy New Tap Shoes
May 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Tristan learned the hard way that it was time for a new pair of tap shoes even though he had grown very fond of a certain pair. Know that a new pair of tap shoes are not only important for correcting current problems, but are necessary in preventing a smorgasbord of potentially painful ailments. Here are telltale signs of deterioration, some tips for care and maintenance to prolong the use of your shoes, and a note on refurbishing.
