There’s something electrifying about the sound of tap shoes striking the floor in perfect rhythm — crisp, rapid-fire, and full of life. Tap dance is more than a series of steps; it’s a percussive art form that transforms dancers into musicians. When done right, tap dance is mesmerizing — a joyful explosion of sound, energy, and precision.
Whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or an experienced dancer looking for inspiration, these five tap dance routines are guaranteed to make your feet fly and your audience cheer. From classic Broadway flair to lightning-fast rhythmic challenges, each of these routines showcases the power, versatility, and musicality of tap dance.
1. “Shim Sham Shimmy” – The Classic of All Classics
If there’s one routine every tap dancer should know, it’s the Shim Sham. Originally performed by African American tap dancers in the 1930s, this timeless choreography has become a universal warm-up, social routine, and finale favorite for tap dancers around the world.
Why it makes your feet fly:
- Built on classic rudiments like the shim sham, pushbacks, and breaks, it develops control and speed.
- It’s often danced at a moderate tempo, but as you master it, speeding up the routine gives your feet an exciting aerobic challenge.
Notable Features:
- Easy to learn but infinitely customizable with personal style and flair.
- Great for group performances, jams, or solo showcases.
- Dancers of all levels use it to build musicality and rhythm awareness.
Whether you’re in a classroom, at a festival, or onstage, pulling out a clean Shim Sham shows you know your tap heritage — and how to move with style.
2. “BS Chorus” – Precision and Speed in Perfect Sync
The “BS Chorus” (short for “B.S.,” a cleaned-up version of a more colorful name) is a traditional rhythm tap routine that tests your stamina, clarity, and memory. It dates back to the vaudeville era and has been passed down through generations of rhythm tap dancers.
Why it makes your feet fly:
- This routine is fast, sharp, and packed with technical rudiments such as wings, pullbacks, scuffles, and paddles.
- It requires spot-on timing and clean foot articulation, which challenges dancers to keep up while staying relaxed and smooth.
Notable Features:
- No fluff — just pure rhythm and technical mastery.
- A favorite of tap jams and dance battles because of its fiery tempo.
- A great benchmark for advanced students to test their rhythmic consistency.
The BS Chorus demands respect, but once you master it, it’s one of the most thrilling pieces to perform — and watch.
3. “Take the ‘A’ Train” – Tap Meets Jazz
Choreographing a tap routine to Duke Ellington’s “Take the ‘A’ Train” is a rite of passage for many dancers. This jazz standard provides a rich musical canvas for improvisation, swing rhythms, and musical storytelling — everything tap dance embodies.
Why it makes your feet fly:
- Encourages dancers to match complex swing phrasing with equally intricate footwork.
- Fuses classic jazz steps with expressive upper-body styling.
- You’re not just tapping — you’re playing with the music like a jazz soloist.
Notable Features:
- Works beautifully as a choreographed routine or improvisation showcase.
- A perfect balance of groove, speed, and style.
- The song’s iconic melody invites creative use of syncopation and rhythm accents.
When tap meets jazz, your feet become instruments. This routine challenges dancers to not just keep up — but to play along.
4. “The Copasetic Chair Dance” – Rhythm, Timing, and Old-School Cool
This inventive routine was made famous by the Copasetics, a legendary group of African American tap dancers who honored the memory of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. Performed entirely while seated in a chair, this number is a showcase of control, musicality, and upper-body expression.
Why it makes your feet fly:
- Forces you to focus on crisp sound, not flashy movement.
- Sharpens timing and foot clarity, especially when you can’t use body momentum.
- Requires excellent coordination of ankle and toe action.
Notable Features:
- A masterclass in clean, relaxed rhythm.
- Great for solo performers or group routines with synchronized footwork.
- It’s also a favorite for storytelling — dancers can add personality, facial expressions, and theatrical elements.
It’s not just about moving fast — it’s about sounding smooth and in sync, even without standing. It’s a reminder that tap dance lives in the feet, the rhythm, and the groove — not just the full-body flash.
5. Fast and Funky Improvisation – Make the Floor Your Drum Kit
While choreographed routines sharpen discipline and memory, freestyle tap improvisation is where many dancers discover their voice. Set to funk, hip hop, house, or even beatboxing, freestyle tap is a raw, rhythmic conversation with music.
Why it makes your feet fly:
- No rules — just your own ideas, phrasing, and speed.
- Encourages experimentation with syncopation, silence, and speed bursts.
- You can layer patterns, call-and-response rhythms, and riffs.
Notable Features:
- Perfect for advanced dancers to explore musical interpretation.
- Ideal for jam circles and battles — freestyle culture is alive and well in tap.
- Pushes your foot stamina, control, and creativity.
Freestyle challenges dancers to stay mentally engaged and physically alert. No two improvisations are ever the same — and that’s the magic. It’s the purest way to let your feet fly free.
Pro Tips to Elevate Your Tap Routines
To truly make your tap routines soar, consider these tips:
- Practice rudiments daily: Work on shuffles, flaps, pullbacks, and time steps to build speed and accuracy.
- Focus on sound clarity: It’s not how fast you go, but how clear each tap sounds.
- Use the entire foot: Heel, toe, ball, and edge — your tap shoes are your instrument.
- Dance with dynamics: Mix light taps with heavy accents for texture and musical interest.
- Film yourself: Watching your routines helps identify timing issues, posture, and flow.
Final Thoughts
Tap dance is about more than flashy steps — it’s about rhythm, personality, and making the floor sing. Whether you’re performing a historical routine like the Shim Sham, challenging your technique with the BS Chorus, or freestyling to a funky beat, each routine is a chance to let your feet fly and your spirit soar.
At DanceMaster.org, we celebrate the rich legacy and evolving future of tap dance. So lace up your tap shoes, pick a routine, and get tapping — because the rhythm lives in you, and the world is your stage.
Now go make some noise.