There’s nothing quite like the syncopated rhythms of jazz and swing to inspire a tap dancer’s feet. Whether you’re practicing in your living room, performing on stage, or just jamming with friends, the right music can elevate your tapping from good to unforgettable. Here’s a curated list of timeless (and a few modern) tracks that’ll make your soles sing.
Classic Big Band Swing
-
"Sing Sing Sing" – Benny Goodman
The holy grail of swing tap numbers, with its driving rhythm and iconic drum breaks perfect for improvisation.
-
"Jumpin’ at the Woodside" – Count Basie
Up-tempo and joyful, this track begs for fast, precise footwork and flashy turns.
-
"Take the ‘A’ Train" – Duke Ellington
A sophisticated groove that works beautifully for both choreography and freestyle tapping.
Vocal Jazz Gems
-
"It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)" – Ella Fitzgerald
Ella’s scatting pairs perfectly with rhythmic tap improvisation—try call-and-response with your feet!
-
"Fever" – Peggy Lee (1958 version)
Sultry and slow, ideal for practicing control and subtlety in your taps.
Modern Neo-Swing Revival
-
"Zoot Suit Riot" – Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
A 90s hit with vintage energy, great for high-energy group routines.
-
"Minnie the Moocher" – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
This cover of the Cab Calloway classic adds a fresh edge while keeping the swing spirit alive.
Instrumental Jazz for Technique
-
"C-Jam Blues" – Dave Brubeck Quartet
Simple, repetitive, and endlessly adaptable for practicing time steps or riffing.
-
"So What" – Miles Davis
Challenge yourself with this cool jazz masterpiece—perfect for playing with syncopation.
Pro Tips for Tapping to Jazz
Listen for the "and"
Swing music lives in the off-beats. Practice hitting those "1-and-2-and" subdivisions to lock into the groove.
Steal from the horns
Mimic trumpet riffs or saxophone lines with your feet—it’s a fun way to develop musicality.
Slow it down
Use apps to reduce tempo without changing pitch when learning complex patterns.
Now that you’ve got the ultimate tap soundtrack, grab your shoes and let the rhythms move you. Remember: as the old tappers say, "It’s not how loud you tap, it’s how you tap loud." Happy shuffling!
