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How to Put Taps on Tap Shoes

There are several types of tap shoes available to dancers. Oxfords, heels, clogs and jazz shoes are all suitable for tapping. Beginners need not purchase the most expensive shoes, just ones that are comfortable. Generally, tap dancers wear taps on the bottom toes of their shoes as well as on the heels, and there are several types of taps, each of which creates different sound effects. Additionally, dancers of different styles will position the toe taps slightly differently.

Things You'll Need

  • Pen or thin marker
  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Align the toe taps with the outer or inner edge of the toes of the shoe, depending on how you perform. If you perform "wing" moves, align the taps to the outer edge of the toe. The wing move involves scraping both feet out away from the body while whirling both arms in circles. If you only perform "click" moves, position the taps toward the inner edge of the toe. The click move is when you rock back on your heels and click your toes together while dancing.

    • 2

      Make marks on the shoe, with a thin marker or pen, inside the taps' screw holes to indicate where you'll place the screws.

    • 3

      Remove the taps and inspect the markings you made to ensure that is where you want to place the taps. If so, put the taps back onto the shoe. Insert the screws through the holes and screw them in.

    • 4

      Repeat the above process for the heel taps.

Tap Dance

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