Tap dance is all about rhythm, precision, and groove. Whether you're drilling basics or improvising, the right music can elevate your practice from mundane to magical. Here’s a curated list of timeless and contemporary tracks—spanning jazz, funk, pop, and more—to keep your feet moving and your creativity flowing.
Classic Jazz & Swing (Timeless Grooves)
- "Sing Sing Sing" – Benny Goodman
- "It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)" – Duke Ellington
- "C-Jam Blues" – Ella Fitzgerald
Perfect for practicing swing rhythms and syncopation. Try alternating between paddle-and-roll and cramp rolls!
Funk & Soul (For Sassy Footwork)
- "Superstition" – Stevie Wonder
- "Get Up Offa That Thing" – James Brown
- "Uptown Funk" – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Layer your shuffles and stomps over these bass-heavy beats. Ideal for speed drills!
Modern Pop & Hip-Hop (Unexpected Tap Fusion)
- "Savage (Remix)" – Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyoncé
- "Levitating" – Dua Lipa
- "Bad Guy" – Billie Eilish
Experiment with heel drops and toe stands against these minimalist, rhythmic hooks.
Instrumental & Electronic (For Precision Work)
- "Take Five" – Dave Brubeck Quartet
- "Chameleon" – Herbie Hancock
- "Strobe" – Deadmau5 (slowed to 90 BPM)
Use these for clean, isolated drills. The lack of lyrics helps focus on articulation.
Pro Tips for Practice:
- Start slow—master the rhythm at half-speed before accelerating.
- Record yourself tapping to identify sync issues with the music.
- Mix genres! Tap thrives on versatility.
Got a favorite tap track we missed? Drop it in the comments—we’re always hunting for fresh beats!
