Q & A (QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS)

1. From:    Ian Howe, age 12, Seattle, WA, USA
   "I would like to teach, got any suggestions?"
   Ian, it's great to see someone your age who is already interested in teaching. Teaching is not easy. It requires a lot of training, the ability to work under pressures of all kinds (of course, you may not notice this since most teachers are pretty good at hiding those pressures) and, most importantly, a deep love for sharing with other people. But teaching is also incredibly rewarding. We think It's one of the best things we human beings can do. Becoming a teacher is a calling, it's a little bit like becoming a priest or a doctor, there is a little voice somewhere in us that keeps saying "this is what I want to do, I have to do this" and that little voice gets louder, and louder, until we finally JUST DO IT!
   But how do you get into it? Our suggestion would be to first observe the teachers you are learning from right now (all your teachers, not just in dance) and see how they go about teaching something, anything. After a while you might even be able to figure out what they will teach next (that's a fun game.) After class, you may also want to ask them any question you have about teaching. Many teachers are really tickled to find young people interested in what they do and they might even give you a few tips! Then, try to grab any opportunity to teach things you know in tap or in any other field to people around you - siblings, buddies, maybe even your grandma! Don't "show off." Instead, show them what you know and try to do it in a sharing way. If they can replicate what you demonstrated, even in a small way, then you've taught them something! Next, ask your dance teachers if and when you can start becoming an assistant teacher, which is one of the best ways of learning about this wonderful profession.
   
    
2. From:  Pat Cloutier, Dublin, NH, USA
   "Is there a standard shim sham break?"
   Inasmuch as there is a "standard" Shim Sham Shimmy, the answer is yes. However, keep in mind that while the Shim Sham started in the 1920's with Willie Bryant and Leonard Reed (at least "officially") there have been many versions of this great Classic (the "tapper's anthem") since. Of course we have never stopped performing this great dance but it's rewarding for us to see so many dancers being interested in it again. For example, the "Shim Sham Craze" repertoire course that is taught at our annual National Tap Seminar or at the ATDI Conference is often full. That course teaches 4 to 5 versions of the Shim Sham. At last count we have 14 versions of it in the company's repertoire.
   
   
3. From: Nicole De Leon, Fountain Valley, CA, USA
   "Can you suggest tap companies that offer scholarships?"
   Your question is a bit vague, Nicole. There are zillions of kinds of scholarships out there and you don't say what you are really looking for. It's hard to know what other companies offer but we can tell you that each year many participants in our National Tap Seminar enter a writing/drawing contest and a few win a scholarship for the following year. It's one of the ways the national company likes to encourage the development of the "whole tap dancer." You see, we tappers KNOW that we're as smart as any other profession but the old "tappers have happy feet and empty brains" cliché is still alive and well and we're determined to knock it down! Each year NTE gives over $1,000 in scholarships for that one contest alone. We also occasionally offer scholarships for special programs, when funding permits.
   
   
4. From: RJL, age 16, Salinas, CA, USA
   "I'm a really an advanced tapper but I have trouble with my pickups. Do you have any suggestions on a good way to improve?"
   Mmmh! No offense RJ (notice that we did not print your whole last name, since the point here is to try to help people, not to embarrass them...) but, in our book, pickups are skills that must be mastered by level 3 or 4 (we often start our students on these skills at level 2), which is far below an "advanced" level. That being said, it's quite possible that your teacher(s) did not teach them to you properly, since their own teachers did not teach them properly, since... you follow? Don't feel bad, and don't blame your teachers. This is unfortunately a VERY common story. We're working on training and certifying a new crop of teachers who among many other things will know how to handle this type of challenge, but it's going to take a while. In the meantime, we hope to have the pleasure to help you in person one of these days. And, just in case anyone asks, no, we cannot teach you - or anyone else, for that matter - how to do pickups or improve your skills "on the Internet" or by email. Even a 3-page description of how to do a pickup would be completely useless without the teacher being present to explain and correct you...
   
    
5. From: Jen Lopes, age 19,  N. Dighton, MA, USA
   "What is the difference between a slam and a stomp?"
   There is none! (cool, we love these easy questions...) It all depends on what terminology your teacher uses. The most important thing for you is to be able to identify the sound/motion/step and to perform it correctly. The names may vary but there aren't that many to know, so it's actually no big deal.
   
    
6. From: L. Jamesson, age 19, Tremont, IL, USA
   "Can you recommend any sites that include various tap combinations and exercises to teach in classes?"
   Sorry, Lindsay, but we don't think that getting your material from a web site (or from a book) is a very good idea... That could easily be counterproductive, or even worse. We've been in this business a long time so we know better. There are SO MANY exercises and combinations that you can and should learn from more experienced teachers (you will always find good teachers, if you're willing to put some effort into it) and there are SO MANY MORE that you can come up with yourself. C'mon, you CAN do it!
   
    
7. From: Mariana Barreiros, age 21, Sao Paulo, Brazil
   "I started to tap two years ago at the age of 19 and I really love it. I'm a good student and I want to be a professional. Do you think it's too late?"
   Definitely not, Mariana! Aside from raw talent, it all depends on how much love, HARD work and personal dedication you are willing/able to put into it. We would suggest that you take as many classes as you can, practice all the time and, most importantly, study from master teachers (example here) if at all possible. Good luck!
   
    
8. From: Katie Heinemann, age 15, Hopkins, MN, USA
   "What type of tap is better or more beneficial: stomp style tap or Broadway style tap?"
   As a repertory company, NTE performs at least half a dozen distinct styles (including these two) and we think that one is not necessarily "better" than the other. In this case, there simply is more emphasis on the visual aspects in the Broadway style and more emphasis on the aural aspects in what you call "stomp style."  In terms of learning how to tap, we would recommend that you try to learn many different styles and more, importantly, the associated repertoire, if you ever decide to be really serious about it (i.e. to become a professional). 
   
    
9. From: Joy Lockhart, age 16, New Castle, IN, USA
   "Why are all the girls in the scrapbook pic. wearing low-heeled taps?"
   Now that tappers have rediscovered that tap is MUSIC (it actually started as a music tradition, way before it became known as tap dance) EVERYONE wears these kind of shoes, since they give a far greater tonal range than high-heeled ones. And by the way, BOTH men and women look great in oxford-type shoes (low heels). Thank goodness, society is finally moving away from that old and sexist "high heels = lady" cliché. We think it's about time!
   
    
10. From: Tara Williams, age 21, Whitesboro, NY, USA
    "I just recently opened my own studios in upstate N.Y. Any pointers on running a successful studio?"
    You're awfully young but you must be awfully brave, too. Anyway, congratulations! We could write about 20 pages of advice and pointers for you, but it all boils down to this: if this is your dream, your calling, FOLLOW IT and you WILL find the strength to make everything work (you'll need it, too...) Go, girl!
    
    
11. From: Jesse Flint, age 16, Denver, CO, USA
    "I need help deciding how to get started tap dancing. Do you know of any places I can find books or movies/tapes regarding tap dancing basics?"
    Books or movies are ABOUT tap (i.e. they may inspire you to tap dance) but they can NOT teach you HOW TO tap (see question 4). Tap is the continuation of ancient, oral African traditions that emphasize DIRECT, INTERACTIVE AND MULTI-DIMENSIONAL "TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION" from teacher to student. There is so much going on in the teaching/learning process (which has to do with far more than just steps) that taking away the teacher would be like trying to drive a car without its engine! If you were in some remote country where you are the only tapper, then books or videos would be a meager, yet valuable resource, but we happen to know that there are quite a few good teachers around your area. You should have no trouble finding one you like.
    
     
12. From: Rue Keeli, age 13, Chesterton, Indiana, USA
    "Which shoe do you suggest for int.-adv. dancers?"
    From: Jennifer Craig, age 19, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
    "I have recently switched from heels to flat oxfords, and they make my feet ache. What would you recommend I do?"
    These are just two of the many questions we are getting about tap shoes. So here is a quick primer for Rue, Jennifer and all of ya' tap nuts out there.
    1) Regardless of your level, get some good quality, oxford-type shoes (low and wide heel, also simply called "men's shoes", see question #9) that are entirely made of leather. Stay away from cheap shoes made of plastic or composites, they cost less but do not last long. Avoid shoes with heels made out of one plastic bloc (be careful, these are usually designed to look exactly like leather heels and the imitation is sometimes so good that it's hard to tell the difference) since the screws used to hold your taps will quickly come loose (if you use longer screws, which is a good idea for heel taps, things will get even worse as these plastic heels are actually hollow inside, so the screws have nothing to hold on to).
    2) Put on some taps that have NO hard or sharp edges, such as Teletones and the like. Make sure that the taps fit the outside edges of your shoes (both front and back), which will allow you to use both the outside edge (for wings, scrapes, etc.) and the inside edge (for knocks, flams, etc.)  Remember that using taps with sharp edges can easily cause irreparable damage to floors and is potentially very dangerous to yourself and other dancers around. Throw away the so-called "sound boards" that come with some brands of taps. Some manufacturers want you to believe that these cheap cardboard-type plates will make you sound better, which is just a joke. These black plates have another downside, they take up some of the space the screws' thread need to attach the taps properly (particularly with Capezio, which has gotten into the bad habit of selling taps with screws that are too short for several years now) and as a result the screws come loose far too quickly. This is made even worse by dancers who like to "tune" their taps by loosening them (tip: loosening your taps will make you a louder tapper, not necessarily a better one...)
    Do you need to go to a shoe shop to have the taps affixed? That's a tough one, since most shoe repair shops are untrained and have no idea how to do the job right. And when they rely on the scarce "directions" included in the box, it's often even worse. Although putting the taps on yourself might be a bit intimidating at first, we tend to think that it's such an easy, common-sense kind of job that anyone can do it. All you need is a small size awl (to poke a starting hole about two millimeters or 1/16 of one inch into the sole) and a #0 or #1 size Phillips screwdriver. Again, just remember to make sure that the taps fit the outside edges of your soles, which is the most important thing.
    3) WEAR your shoes to break them in. It always amazes us how many people complain that their shoes are not broken in after just a few hours, sometimes a few minutes of wearing them. You've got to wear your shoes and FEEL SOME PAIN, babe! Even in these high-tech times, there is no way around that. Think of your shoes as someone you get to know a little bit more every day. At first things might be a bit rough, particularly with well-made leather shoes, and your feet will ache a little. The trick here is to wear the shoes every day - preferably before you put the taps on - just until they start being too uncomfortable. Do not try to wear them for 2 or 5 hours the first day or you might get blisters right away, listen to your body! Eventually your shoes will be like old friends and they will feel like slippers. How long will this take? Anywhere from 20 to 100 hours, depending on a variety of factors (it's not unusual for us to really start liking a new pair of shoes after 40 to 50 shows). One more thing: most people don't realize that feet can go up or down by one full size within half a day and sometimes just a few hours, so the next time your have a hard time getting into your shoes, don't curse them, just get on the floor and put your feet up for ten minutes, that will take at least some of the swelling away... 
    Do you have to buy brand new and expensive leather shoes? Not necessarily. With patience and a bit of luck you might find excellent shoes that fit you just right and cost a few dollars at a thrift shop or consignment store. These shoes are often already "broken in" and even if they are a bit worn out, chances are that they are far better built than the vast majority of leather shoes sold on the market today and will last quite a long time. You might even spend a few more bucks and get them re-soled just like you want them! 
    Finally, remember that the tap shoe is only half of your "instrument." The floor is the other half and we're sorry to say that there is NO way even the best tap shoe can sound good on one of these awful Marley/Harlequin/linoleum-type floors. These are not only the most efficient sound-killing floors, they are also among the most dangerous ones for tappers' joints and muscles.
    
     
13. From: Claus Henseler, age 33, Nuernberg, Germany
    "I need information about Steven Condo. Are there any notes about his training methods?"
    His name was actually Steve Condos. He was an incredible master tapper and an even greater human being. We are not aware of any "notes," but several people teach his "rudiments" or material derived from them among our cast, most notably Cassandra Baker. Sam Webber from the Jazz Tap Ensemble is another excellent example. Steve made a videotape of some of his rudiments, which used to be sold by his widow. However, we were told by several people who were trying to acquire that tape that they were unsuccessful in locating Ms. Condos. If someone does find her, we will make sure to let you know, Claus.
    
     
14. From: Alissa McBride, age 17, Evergreen, CO, USA
    "I'm advanced, but have difficulty transferring the rhythm from my teacher to my own feet. Any ideas on how to pick up on the rhythm better?"
    Mmmmh... Are you hearing your teacher's rhythms clearly in the first place? You may want to start listening to all kinds of different music and just tap to them. That should help you find the groove and feel the rhythms better. Also, make sure you use our TDLS (levels table) and try to see what your level really is, particularly in the musicianship area.
    
     
15. From: Junior Laniyan, age 16, London, England
    "I'm a credited jazz tapper. Due to the lack of tappers visiting this country I feel that in order to improve my craft I need to visit the STATES. Any advice?"
    First, it sounds like you have the right idea. Most of us in the national tap company's cast learned our craft from the legends of tap themselves, and we know that such experiences are just irreplaceable. Nowadays it seems that many people want to learn their craft the easy and quick way by using videos (not much different from those "learn how to tap in 10 lessons" books that started popping up in the 1920's) or even by posting messages on the Internet (!!!) and we command you for knowing better! Now, where to go? It depends on many things, but generally, we'd recommend concentrating attending intensive workshops or seminars versus staying for weeks or months in a big city like Los Angeles or New York, where life is distracting, very expensive, sometimes dangerous, and the quality of teaching is rarely at top level. Make sure that whatever workshop you attend gives students time (and studio space) to practice everyday. Learning without practicing is like trying to breathe without oxygen, you would just be wasting time. Oh, and Junior, just out of curiosity, what is a "credited" jazz tapper? Please let us know!
    
     
16. From: Maryse Eckert, age 32, Iselin, NJ, USA
    "What is the best way to teach single and double pull backs?"
    See question #4. The answer given is even more true when it comes to teaching teachers! Incidentally, there are several ways of going about teaching pickups and our Teacher Training Program covers this subject in-depth, among many others. Sorry, Maryse, but this type of question simply cannot be answered properly without demonstrating the stuff!
    
     
17. From:  Johanne Goulet, age 38, Quebec, CANADA
    "I just want to know what a BOMBERSHAY is and why it was named like that ?"
    This step goes sideways and is often confused with variations on the Suzy Q. It can be performed with a swing/triplet feel and looks quite good when done by a chorus line. This is a very old step that most likely started way before dancers started putting taps on their shoes. You might find different explanations, spellings and "definitions" in various tap dictionaries (including some really wacky ones), but the plain truth is this: We know what the step is, but the word "bombershay" itself means absolutely nothing. It was probably made up by a hoofer who was doo-wopping or scatting his/her steps, as was often the case in the early days of tap.
    
     
18. From: Sami Kress, age 9, Apex, NC, USA
    "How long does it usually take to get to professional?"
    There is no straight-cut answer to that question, Sami. What we can tell you is that you want to become a serious, full-time professional, you have to acquire a good general education (just like a doctor, a teacher or any other educated professional) AND be willing to learn for many years and practice for thousands and thousands of hours.
    
     
19. From: Kristen Yelton, age 16, Saint Louis, MO, USA
    "I have a passion for tapping and I feel that I possess a great talent. How do I start to open up my exposure and a possible career?"
    See questions 7,15 and 18.
    
     
20. From: Karli Sbarra, age 16, Vestal, NY, USA 
    "How can I find college programs in tap?
    From: Lindsay Hathaway, age 17, Glenwood, IA, USA
    I would like to attend a college that offers rigorous tap training in addition to ballet, jazz, and modern. What schools do you recommend?"
    Unfortunately, at this time there is no single source of information about this. Our office gets this question at least once or twice a week and they are working on finding a way of making all this information easily available. It's a huge job, though, so it may take a while. Stay tuned, and make sure you are subscribed to the Tap Dance Bulletin, where they give all the latest news and important info.
    
     
21. From: Dominique Kelley, age 16, Bridgeport, CT, USA
    "Where can I find tap footage on Buster Brown, Jimmy Slyde, and Lon Chaney? I am in Noise/Funk and I can't seem to find anything on them."
    First, we'd like to congratulate you on seeking to learn from our elders, Dominique (assuming that it's the reason why you are looking for footage, of course.) Over the past few years we have been hearing one horror story after another about young performers who made it into a Noise or Dogs cast and started thinking and acting as if they knew it all, so it's refreshing to see someone who's not getting ahead of himself/herself. To answer your question, there are relatively few good documentaries out there (check out Paul Corr's listings at http://www.tapdance.org/tap/tapvids.htm). But the best thing you can do is to learn from these guys while they're still around. You will learn far more in person, sometimes by just hangin' out!
    
     
22. From: Patricia Goulding, age 61, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
    "Could you please give me a clear definition of a paradiddle?"
    A paradiddle is a drumming pattern that is also often used as an exercise. There are countless paradiddles, but the basic - or single - paradiddle is played on the snare drum (or any other drum) as follows: Right Left Right Right or L R L L (or of course R L R R.) Tappers' own versions of these rhythms are called "Paddle and Rolls." Not coincidentally, both rhythms and names sound almost identical in tap and in drumming.
    
     
23. From: Rashunda Smith, age 19, Austin, TX, USA
    "I am quite a natural tap dancer and I have taken many master classes and performed with many greats...can you suggest any place for me to go to get my big break?"
    It depends on what your goals are. If you are just looking for shows, your career will consists of short hops from audition to show to auditions, etc. so you've got to put everything into learning how to audition first. If you are looking to be in a company, you will find far more stable employment (usually) but it's also far more difficult to get in. At least that's true for the national company... To find more on how we operate, go to http://www.usatap.org/openjobs.htm
    
     
24. From: Carolyn Wahl, age 18, Cleveland, OH, USA
    "Is there a directory of quality teachers anywhere? I'm from Cleveland and am having a hard time finding a good teacher."
    Your situation is unfortunately very common. The hard truth is that there is a serious shortage of qualified tap teachers out there. While there have been serious training programs in ballet for decades, there was none in tap until 1998, at least not by our standards. The good news is that the national company has now started providing adequate training and certification (see http://www.usatap.org/TTP.htm). See this page for a listing of graduates.
    
     
25. From: Robbie Fernandez, age 20, Willimantic, CT, USA
    "I am 20 yrs old and have been tapping for only a few months. Have any pros ever started so late in life? If not what chances do I have?"
    Yes, there are quite a few in the business who started in their late teens or early twenties. So it's not too late, Robbie! (see question 19 for other tips and advice)
    
     
26. From: Robert Williams, age 16, New York, NY, USA
    "What does the word "composography" mean?"
    Composography is a word Chris Baker coined in 1992 after many years of being somewhat frustrated by such words as "choreography" or "steps,"  which only describes a very limited aspect of the creative process involved in tap. Composography actually refers to both the process and the result of creating a percussive dance piece. The terms "composography" (from "composition" and "choreography") and "composographer" actually apply to all kinds of percussive dance traditions and cultures, from the obvious ones - tap or flamenco - to the perhaps less obvious ones, such as certain styles of Indian, African, Gypsy or South-American folk styles. A composographer can be regarded either as a choreographer who uses whole or part of the body as a percussive instrument or as a composer who uses the body to express and translate the music. In essence, a composographer is to tap dance what a choreographer is to ballet or modern dance... In a somewhat simplistic way, composography could be described as: tap choreography.
    
     
27. From: Sarah Echel, age 18, Ayden, NC, USA
    "What type of things would you suggest for me to put in my portfolio that could make my portfolio stand out?"
    We would include a complete resume, a biography, several pictures (including real action pictures, showing you dancing, in addition to the "studio type" posed shots if possible,) and most importantly a video tape showing you performing in as many works as possible. A short letter indicating why you are interested in joining a show or company might also go a long way toward getting the job. About the resume, make sure it's specific. There is nothing worse than those one-page, bulleted lists with shows or movie titles but no dates, locations and reference information. Likewise, make sure you indicate how much or how long you studied with whatever teachers you list in your resume.
    
     
28. From: Sally Hull, age 34, Bozeman, MT, USA
    "I am interested in finding a good book on tap history (i.e. who named that step, where did it come from, famous tap dancers, etc.) What book(s) do you suggest?"
    The best book so far is still Jazz Dance (subtitle: The Story of American Vernacular Dance) written by Marshall and Jean Stearns in the sixties. Although this book contains priceless interviews and information, keep in mind that Marshall Stearns was a scholar, not a dancer or musician, so his understanding of jazz music and tap dancing is sometimes very limited and some of his "interpretations" are way off (very much like those of many dance critics who know nothing about music and write about tap.) Also, Stearns was white and many of the black dancers he interviewed only told him part of their story (some would not talk to him at all.) But there's no doubt that he and his wife had a great passion for our American vernacular traditions. Their book has tremendous value and is still the reference..
    
     
29. From: Audrey Campbell, age 18, Buhl, ID, USA
    "How can I learn more without moving to New York or LA? Can I?"
    You bet! There is a tremendous amount of hype associated with these two cities, both of which are extremely polluted, somewhat dangerous and very expensive to live in. Unfortunately, even in the USA, the birthplace of tap, there is no city that offers one good training center for young dancers to go to and receive some great training, like you can find in ballet or modern dance. The truth is, it doesn't matter where you go, as long as you work with great teachers (and by the way, very few of them live or work in NYC or LA...) So go out there, take as many classes and intensive workshops as you can, and more importantly, practice, practice, practice!
    
     
30. From: Alann Worley, age 37, Parker, CO, USA
    "Is there more than one way to do a "wing time step?"
    Yes, yes, yes! There are many wing time steps, and many ways of doing them. If you ever get a chance, take one of our Time Steps or Specialty Time Steps courses at the National Tap Seminar or intensive NTE workshops. You will not only learn these steps, but also their history, going back over a century.
    
     
31. From: Teri Hollander, age 31, Los Angeles, CA, USA
    "I taught tap in VA and moved to CA. Are there any trade magazines that advertise for teachers?"
    Yes, most of the main dance publications have such ads (go to the nearest newsstand to find them) but more and more people seem to turn to the Internet for job listings. Try the Cool Links page for more info.
    
     
32. From: Meghan Hanson, age 14, Omaha, NE, USA
    "Can you recommend any good places to get information about "Peg Leg" Bates? I am doing a project and can not seem to find anything written about him?"
    There is a chapter on him in the book Tap! The greatest tap dance stars and their stories. Also, check out the PBS documentary The Dancing Man: Peg Leg Bates.
    
     
33. From: Jonathan Gaby, age 18, Frankfort, KY, USA
    "I would like to know if my newly bough Capezio Teletones are a good buy, and what I could do to improve them. This is from Question #12. Thank you."
    As mentioned in answer #12, Teletones are OK taps. Their sound is not great but at least it's predictable. Their best feature is the rounded edges. There isn't much one can do to "improve" them, since they are made of aluminum alloy (which, oddly enough, breaks easily if you try to "work it" or bend it) in one piece in a high pressure mold.
    
     
34. From: Beth Peele, age 25, Raleigh, NC, USA
    "I am a tap teacher and I'm wondering if you have any syllabus for what steps should be mastered at each level. I would love to purchase one if it is available."
    Yes, we do but although we could make a lot of money selling it, we prefer to share it directly with others as we conduct a variety of educational programs. The best known of these programs is the Teacher Training and Certification Program, where syllabuses are studied and discussed quite a bit. At the start we teach teachers our "fundamentals" syllabus, but we quickly move to show them how to build their OWN syllabus, which every good teacher should be able to do. Perhaps we'll see you there one day. And hey, we come down to your neck of the woods quite a bit, so join the Tap Network if you want to' be in on the fun!
    
     
35. From: Jennie Inch, age 53, Friday Harbor, WA, USA
    "What do you consider a "tap spring"?"
    It's what happens when tap dancers come out after the chilly Winter season and warm up for a nice, hot Summer... Just KIDDING, Jennie! Actually, this term is not used much, except in England (it feels British, doesn't it? Say sprrrring!) This step produces one sound or two sounds (with the front tap) and can be done by jumping on the foot you're on (= "hop") or on the other foot (="leap".)
    
     
36. From: Lee LaCasse, age 43, White Bear Lake , MN, USA
    "I have been teaching dance for 30 years and have been certified with high honors by DEA, am I considered qualified by your organization."
    Be a bit more specific, help us understand your question and we'll be happy to answer it. Here are four quick questions for you, Lee. In what environment have you been teaching and what student population(s) and levels have you been teaching? What exactly are these "high honors" and how does one qualify for them? What do you mean by "qualified"? To do what? Write the staff with the specifics and we'll tackle your question as soon as they get that to us. [note from editor: Ms. LaCasse hasn't written back.]
    
     
37. From:  Emily Stowe, age 20, Dry Fork, VA, USA
    "Is there any way to use a clip-on microphone to hear the taps better when competing?"
    Yes, but it's expensive, not very practical and definitely fragile. A better approach is to put your foot down and REFUSE to give your money to any competition organization that fails to provide tappers with a resonant, resilient, hardwood stage floor. Stay away from such ridiculous and dangerous sound-killing floors as Marley, Harlequin, vinyl of any kind, parquet (the "hotel kind"), plastic, "tap mats" and the like. JUST SAY NO!
    
     
38. From:  Mark Eriksen, age 22, Calgary, Canada
    "Is it possible for NTE to accept Canadians into the company? As a member of the troupe are you paid a salary? If you can say, how much?"
    It's how much experience and talent one has that counts, not where you come from, if you're a man or a woman, what you look like, etc. And OF COURSE we are paid, buddy! How much depends on experience, level of performance in the field, professionalism, among other factors. It's just like in any other (honest) profession, if you want to get to the top of the ladder you gotta' start at the bottom...
    
     
39. From:  Audrey Vesota, age 15, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
    "My dance studio defines its style of tap as "classical". I was wondering if the execution of steps varies between classical and rhythm tap?"
    Your studio could really mean many different things by "classical" so we can't address that directly but we think the operative word here is actually "execution" and that's why we decided to pick your question. It gives us a chance to remind people that indeed, the WAY one executes a step (the way it looks, the way it sounds, if it's "in character" or not, etc.) is key to performing in a particular style. A skilled, versatile performer can and should be able to perform the exact same step in several different styles.
    
     
40. From:  Ian Howe, age 13, Seattle, WA, USA
    "I have been breaking dance tap shoes left and right, is there any tap shoes out there that would provide good support, sounds and stability for me?"
    Some of us use high quality men's shoes (Church's, Bally, etc.) to which we affix taps ourselves. That way the taps are positioned exactly where we want them and they sound the way we want them to sound. More importantly, there is not a single brand or model of "tap" shoes out there that even approaches the quality of these shoes. Heck, some have lasted over five hundred (yep, 500!) shows. These types of shoes may be expensive but you can always resell them to other tappers if your feet grow fast.
    
     
41. From:  Aaron Wallo, age 16, Sterling, VA, USA
    "Is it normal to have never met another male tapper at my level? Now that you do this full time is it still fun? All the time?"
    Yes, your situation is pretty much "normal." There are probably ten to twenty female tappers for one male on average in dance studios out there, and that's true both here and abroad. More and more guys are studying tap but things won't change right away on a large scale. In the meantime, we'd suggest that you get around, do workshops, master classes, etc. and if you meet some guys who have the same interest, maybe then you could decide to hang out together once a week and practice together?
    As to your other question, most of us have been doing this professionally for a long time (an average of about 30 years between dancers and musicians, over 70 year on the stage for our oldest cast member!) and yes, there are some incredibly rewarding moments that you would probably call "fun." Of course there are also times when things can be difficult or tiring. But as our Music Director likes to say, we keep on "paying' em dues!"
    
     
42. From:  Angela Mains, age 30, Clemmons, NC, USA
    "How do I practice and train to change my 'Broadway' style of tapping to more of a 'hoofing' style?"
    Many tappers have been going through this and for most people what's really needed is a change of mindset. The key is to listen. Listen to your teacher's feet. Listen to music as often as you can and "run steps in your head." Most of all, listen to your own feet and try to make them sound like a musical instrument. The change in "style" will follow naturally.
    
     
43. From:  Dustin DeRolph, age 24, Los Angeles, CA, USA
    "Since there are no good tap surfaces in my home, I would like to buy a surface/platform to practice on. Can you suggest a good material?"
    Any hardwood platform will do (oak, maple, etc.) The shape doesn't really matter (planks, tongue and groove boards, parquet, etc.) but make sure you raise the platform at least 2 inches (about 5 centimeters for all of you in the metric world...) so that you can get a good range of sounds out of it. Also, have a look here.
    
     
44. From:  Michelle Prell, age 17, St.Petersburg, FL, USA
    "Is there any certain exercise that you would recommend to help strengthen my ankles so that I can master single wings?"
    Sorry, Michelle, we can't answer this question without first seeing you in person do these wings. We can tell you however that wings don't require any particular "strength." You may have your whole body weight resting on the wrong part of the foot. Try to practice double wings ("two-footed wings") again with almost all your weight on the ball of the foot and see if that helps!
    
     
45. From:  Adriane Freitas Moreira, age 21, Viamao Rio Grande do Sul, BRAZIL
    "My dreams is to be a tap teacher? Got any suggestion?"
    Please take a little time to read the answers already provided on this web page! Hopefully #1, #6, #11, #34 and #36 will help.
    
     
46. From:  Jermaine Mendez, age 25, Brooklyn, NY, USA
    "What do I do to continue my learning. No one teaches the style ( ex. Mr. Bubba Gaines) that my teacher teaches and she's retiring."
    Losing a beloved teacher is always hard, whatever the reason. We're not sure how/when your teacher learned from Bubba, Jermaine, but we know for sure that over the years he has inspired many, many people, including plenty of teachers. Take a good look around and you might just find another one!
    
     
47. From:  Michelle Gilbert, age 24, Richmond, CA, USA
    "Is contemporary tapping (for lack of a better name) necessarily "wrong" or is it just different? I.E. Tap dogs VS. Sammy Davis Jr."
    It's actually not that different. Most steps are the same, but done to today's music. Both styles *can* be great, depending on how they are presented and who performs... As Duke Ellington used to say when asked if jazz is better or different, "there is good music, and there is bad music." (this is a rough quote, but you get the idea...) The same goes for tap.
    
     
48. From:  Lori Sansing, age 38, Bakersfield, CA, USA
    "My daughter, Michelle (13) loves tap. She would like to teach some day. I take her to different cities & teachers for different styles. Am I on the right track?"
    Couldn't be better. Go, tap mom!
    
     
49. From:  Elizabeth Owen, age 47, Houston, TX, USA
    "Is there a tap group for dancers over 50 years of age?"
    There are plenty! Actually, when we perform or teach master classes on tour we often run into entire "gangs" of tappers well into their sixties and seventies. Most of these folks are in great shape (physically and mentally, that's the magic of tap!) fun, and many can really dance! We just love meeting them and working with them. 
    
     
50. From:  Vickie Diebold, age 40, Charlotte, MI, USA
    "I live near Lansing, Michigan. Do you ever do workshops or seminars in my area?"
    We will if you invite us! Seriously, Vickie, the best suggestion we can give you is to join the Tap Network. Whether you are in a position to "make things happen" in Charlotte when we are scheduled to be in that area or you are simply interested in attending a workshop or classes organized by others, our staff will automatically notify you. It's a really great way for people to stay in touch with the company, and for us to get to know them!
    
     
51. From:  Ronald Pearson, age 60, Livonia, MI, USA
    "Do you have any information on Tommy Sutton who authored "Tap along with Tommy?"
    Unfortunately Mr. Sutton passed away several years ago.
    
     
52. From:  Allison Beeksma, age 12, Ontario, CANADA
    "I have been competing in tap. I am doing a solo this year for the first time. Do you have any songs that you could suggest that would be suitable for my age?"
    Your own taste in music is what matters most here, and since there are thousands of great songs out there, we would just suggest that you pick one that YOU really like so that it shows when you dance to it. Also, make sure your choreography and style reflect your OWN age. Many competitions allow or even encourage "sleazy" moves and styles in jazz and tap for girls your age, which is as ridiculous as it is disturbing.
    
     
53. From:  Joanne Murphy, age 46, Boston, MA, USA
    "What do you think of someone my age trying out for a dance part on Broadway? I have been dancing for 3 years and I think I have talent."
    What do we think? Well, show business can be very tough business but heck, why not? Go for it, Joanne!
    
    
54. From:  Stephanie Jewell, age 14, Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA
    "What should my tap group include in a competition piece. Should we use music or have our feet be the music. Our group is about at the level of 4-5?"
    Good question! Having your feet BE the music might give you an edge, especially since many studios and competitions offer inappropriate dance floors for tap (see question #37) and use very loud music that makes things even worse! If your choreographer can come up with some cool material, you might just win! But will the judges appreciate? It's well known that the vast majority of competition judges out there don't know much about tap, if anything. But that's a whole other question...   
    
     
55. From:  Kristin Bertagnole, age 19, Arlington, VA, USA
    "I want to tap professionally, but I have a long way to go in the learning process. Seminars are not enough, can you lead me to more resources?"
    The most important thing is to practice, practice, practice. Also, get advice from master teachers whenever you can, and grab any opportunity to study with them. If you are really dedicated, some of our cast members might be willing to coach you, especially since you live in the Washington, DC area. Contact our office and they will put you in touch with us.
    
     
56. From:  Colleen Hampton, age 15, McMillan, MI, USA
    "I am doing a report on the history of tap dancing in America, in the pre-1900's era. Where can I find info. on the internet on this topic? Thanks!"
    We would suggest doing a search using a good search engine such as Google.com (cool and very fast!) but frankly that is an iffy proposition because there is so much online information on this subject that is NOT reliable (some sites have info that is actually completely incorrect.) Have you spoken to your school librarian? Also, check the many books referenced on the Resources page.
    
     
57. From:  Maud Guenno, age 20, Brest, FRANCE
    "I think I'm a rather good tapper but I can't improvise. What should I do?"
    You're not alone! Improvising is probably the ultimate in tap. Try to "let your feet go" when you listen to ANY type of music, whether you are wearing tap shoes or anything else. Try to loosen up. The less you involve your head, the better! Also, attend an improvisation course if at all possible. If you get a chance, come and study with us, we'll help you!
    
     
58. From:  Jennifer Benson, age 26, Minneapolis, MN, USA
    "How would you convince a non-tap studio to allow tapper on their wooden floors? I have no place to practice!!!"
    This is unfortunately a fairly common problem, which is in part due to the studio's ignorance and part due to the fact that for generations many tappers have ruined floors by not using their shoes and taps as they should. Properly screwed on taps (tight, NOT "loose" or so-called "tuned" taps) do NOT damage hardwood  floors! Try to educate these people, be patient, but hey, if they don't budge, go spend your money elsewhere! 
    
     
59. From:  Heather Anderson, age 24, Irvine, CA, USA
    "Do any tap dancers put metal taps on the heels of their regular street shoes? I have them on most of my shoes and boots. Love the sound they make!"
    And WE' d love to see the faces of the people around you! This is pretty cool...
    In the (very) old days, some tappers would use the same shoes for street and dance, simply because they were too poor to have two pairs! Other than that we don't know of many tappers who do this, except YOU, of course. Keep it up! 
    
     
60. From:  Leanne McKenzie, age 14, Melbourne, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
    "Any pointers as to how I can tap more down into the ground instead of up on my toes?"
    Yep! Take a few sand bags and attach them around your waist. Think we're kidding? Well, we are, at least in part. Actually, Eleanor Powell, one of the greatest tap dancers ever, had the same problem when she started out and the legendary Willie Covan made her use the sand bags until she was able to "get down" a bit. The rest is history... But back to you, try to bend your knees a little more when you tap (almost like in demi-plie.) In any case, this is a problem that any good teacher should be able to help you with.
    
     
61. From:  Jennie Bennett, age 15, Prescott, AZ, USA
    "I am pretty new at tap dancing. I've dance it on and off and I have found that my problem is getting all the steps mixed up. Do you have any advice for me?"
    Tap looks easy and it IS very easy to get into it, no matter what your age or gender (we've even heard that some DOGS are tap dancing!!! Just kidding...) but it is a very complex form to master, quite possibly the most complex form of dance since one must develop both dance and music skills... Your problem is very common. One way of working on this is to try to remember the steps not as steps but as  words and/or phrases, just like when you were learning how to speak (if you can remember 13 to 14 years back. Yikes!)  You can build from there and you might find that things get less and less mixed up with time. 
    
     
62. From:  Jacquelyn Clark, age 16, Fresno, CA, USA
    "They say I'm not feminine enough but I grew up idolizing MALE hoofers so how do I start looking less like "Savion" and a little more like a "lady" when I hit?"
    They say!!!? 
    Who said that?
    Anyway, the REAL question is: who cares?! Be yourself, girl!
    When people finally start listening to tap BEFORE looking at the tapper, we'll all be a lot better off, won't we?
    
     
63. From:  Lilian Caraus, age 28, Chisinau, MOLDOVA
    "Hello! Which tap show are most interesting? ( like performance, professional level, show idea.) Sorry for bad english. thank you."
    First of all, Lilian, please don't apologize about your English. It sure is a heck of a lot better than our Moldovian... Anyhow, which show is the most interesting is really a matter of personal preferences. Even among our cast there are many different opinions. Over the past ten years or so, there has been a number of good Broadway-type shows, like Black and Blue, Bring in Da' Noise, Tap Dogs or Stomp. These are the ones most people think about simply because they are the ones they hear about. These shows are big commercial machines with enormous advertising budgets but they are not necessarily the best tap shows, although they can be very entertaining. On the other hand, there are some hugely talented, dedicated professional tap dancers working solo or in companies like Jazz Tap Ensemble, Manhattan Tap and of course National Tap Ensemble, who have been putting on some phenomenal shows for years and years with hardly any significant coverage in the main press. Many of these shows feature wonderful ideas and the quality of the works is a high as it gets. We sure hope you'll get a chance to see and hear them some day!
    
     
64. From:  Shawna Holl, age 16, Hammonton, NJ, USA
    "What exactly is a tap?"
    A tap is a piece of molded metal (or metal alloy) that is attached to the bottom of a shoe with short screws to help the tap dancer produce a variety of sounds when he/she strikes the wooden floor. Each shoe has two taps: one attached to the toe area, and the other one to the heel. The ball of the sole (center area) remains "tapless" to allow for balance and speed.
    
     
65. From:  Noma Villegas, age 16, Deming, NM, USA
    "I am doing a research paper on professional tap dancing. I need to know how much performers get paid. However, I understand if this question is too personal?"
    OK, here's your answer (now picture this: the whole cast - dancers and musicians - is standing straight up and yelling in the most perfect unison you've ever heard): NOT ENOUGH!
    
     
66. From:   Karen Torimaru, age 41, Culver City, CA, USA
    "What should I look for in a tap teacher for my son? He is 6, loves to dance, but is overweight. He wants to try tap but is afraid he won't be able to do it?"
    Look for someone who will not base his/her judgment on your son's looks. A good teacher will build upon the positives (your son's interest for tap and willingness to try) instead of dwelling on anything else. Besides, kids are kids and they grow awfully fast. Who knows, your son might be a 6 foot tall beanstalk in just a few years! More importantly, once you AND your son have found a teacher you trust, let the TEACHER do the work. Be supportive but don't get too "involved" in the tap classes. Instead, schedule a meeting with the teacher every other month or so to discuss your son's progress.
    
     
67. From:  Tonya Lewman, age 33, Alliance, NE, USA
    "Do you know of a source where I could find a tap coloring book for my 6 year old daughter?"
    Unfortunately we haven't been able to find anything but there might be someone out there who knows where to find such a book. Tappers, can we call upon you to let us know? Please email the company staff if you do!
    
     
68. From:  Becca Workman, age 16, Hot Springs, AR, USA
    "I have only taken 1 year of tap in my lifetime and I want to take it again. How do I get started?"
    Although most people in this situation are older than you are, this is a question we get more and more as tap is experiencing a veritable explosion. All over the world, people want to tap, or they want to get back into it. There is no miracle answer here. Do your homework, research local dance studios, talk to other students and, most importantly, talk to the teachers you'd like to try out BEFORE you get in class with them (don't rely on what the front desk person tells you, good or bad, always try to be fair-minded and to make up your own mind). Also, don't judge a studio or a  teacher after only one class. Stick with it for at least one month, or better yet, one semester.
    
     
69. From:  Aaron Sharff, age 15, Cornish, NH, USA
    "Are there any good "teach-yourself" books for tap dancing?"
    We don't believe that a book can teach anyone how to tap. That being said, some books might help as they offer good methods or good ideas for those who have the discipline to practice at home. Recent books by Anita Feldman and Acia Gray are good examples. See the Resources Page for a direct and convenient links to these books at Amazon.com.
    
     
70. From:  Terrie Gottstein, age 49, Anchorage, AK, USA
    "Is Peg Leg Bates still alive? If he is, where does he live? If he is not, when did he die?"
    Peg Leg Bates was one of our great American treasures, a man of immense talent and tremendous willpower. Unfortunately, he passed away on December 6, 1998 at the age of 91. He lived most of his life in the Catskill Mountains (upstate New York) where he owned and managed the Peg Leg Bates Country Club but died in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, where he was actually born. He lived a long and most inspiring life!
    
     
71. From: Sara Nash, age 19, Gainesville, FL, USA
    "I am taking Broadway tap but would like to order an instructional video on the older hoofer-style tap. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks."
    Sorry, Sara, we haven't seen a good one yet!  If anyone has produced one that they think fits the bill, send us a copy and we'll be glad to take a look (company address and all that good stuff can be found on the contact page.)
    
    
72. From: Lisa La Touche, age 18, Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
    "I am very passionate about tap dancing and am aiming to one day join a tap company. What do you suggest being that I'm not from the US? How did you guys get started in a professional setting?"
    Don't let your nationality be a hurdle. Yes, tap is American and yes, our country is "where things happen" in tap, but the world is opening up, people can now travel very easily (think of how things were only 50 years ago!) and communicate even more easily. What truly matters is the fact that you have the PASSION. Follow your dreams!
    As to the second question, each one us, musician or dancer, got started in a different way and in a different setting. Giving you the details would take a book (or two, or three!) but more importantly, we feel that it is what we have in COMMON that counts.
    
     
73. From: Monica Gibson, age 24, Baltimore, MD, USA
    "I studied tap at an early age, but we never learned the different styles of tap. and I don't know the name of the style I am looking to study again. Do these unique styles have names, and if so, what are the more popular ones?"
    Yeah, there are a few "popular" ones, but it's hard to talk about that without opening a big ol' can of worms... Nowadays there are mainly two styles that people talk about:
    - "Broadway" Tap, also called Show Tap, started in the 1920's/1930's and emphasizes the "visual" aspect of the dance, so much so that for decades teachers, students and performers kind of forgot that tap was also supposed to make some sound!   
    - Jazz Tap, an evolution of the early styles of tap that developed during the second half of the 19th century, emphasizes the "sound" aspect of the dance. Just like jazz music, it is a direct product of slavery and therefore comes straight out of Africa (although it obviously evolved here, which is why our country is the "official birthplace" of tap.) In Jazz Tap, the dancer uses his/her tap shoes just like a musician uses any other percussive instrument. Note that some people also call this style "Rhythm Tap," which we think is just about as r