If you like tap dance, this post is for you! I got the chance to interview Rod Howell of UnitedTaps.com (pic at left), a tap dance teacher, choreographer, and performer, about how he got started tap dancing, plus how you too can learn how to tap dance!

Thank you Rod for sharing your knowledge with us. First things first…how did you get started in tap dancing and learn how to tap dance?

I saw Corky Pigeon tap dance on the show Silver Spoons and told my mom I wanted to do that. She had tap danced when she was younger and was only too happy to sign me up.

What journey has tap dancing taken you on? What have you done with tap dancing?

Tap dance has generally lead me everywhere in my life, though often reluctantly. I actually had a love/hate relationship with tap as I grew up. I didn’t like performing…I did like choreographing though. I started teaching at age 14 and still do today. I did competitions and conventions and all that, but my real love was choreography and teaching talented tappers. I eventually moved to California to teach for a convention. I didn’t like it, which is just as well because the company folded shortly after moved to California. I ended up getting married and continue to teach and choreograph at 3 studios in California.

How would you suggest someone new to tap dancing get started and learn how to tap dance??

I would recommend finding some local dance studios and watching a tap class. Also try to find a tap teacher with a good reputation. Tap teachers vary widely as does their style. After watching a few teach you should have a better idea of which one is right for you. I recommend finding teachers that teach terminology. Although terminology varies greatly in the tap world, it is helpful to know the names of as many steps as possible.

What are the basics of tap dance? What does one have to learn to tap dance?

The very basics are steps, stamps, heels, toes, etc. Basically you need to learn where to put your weight and when. Then you need to master the shuffle step and the flap. Those two are essentials in my opinion. Many other steps are built from them or include them.

How does tap dance compare to other styles of dance?

Aside from hip hop, I find tap to be one of the least standardized forms of dance. Not only do the names of steps vary from teacher to teacher, but the technique for their execution varies as well. This can make for a confusing experience for those learning tap for the first time. One of the best ways to deal with that is getting exposure to as many different teachers as possible. The more names of steps you know and the more techniques you know for executing them, the better you are prepared to learn any choreography from and tap teacher.

Apart from not being standardized, though, tap is the most musical dance form in my opinion. You are creating an additional “track” or “melody” on top of the music that’s already there, while trying to make the performance visually interesting as well.

OK, great. Any last words of wisdom before someone goes out to find a teacher to learn how to tap dance?

No, just try to check out more than one teacher. After a couple you’ll get a sense of what you like.

I know you run the United Taps website. Tell us about the website and what other resources you offer for tap dancers.

unitedtaps.com is the most complete free online video dictionary of tap steps in the world. There are hundreds of steps with video clips and descriptions so that anyone can learn them. I also have a series of combinations I am offering on youtube that you can subscribe to. Just go to youtube and search for Rod Howell Tap Dance or visit my YouTube videos page.

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