Tap

Fallap. Shuffle.

When you’re first learning, you start with simple steps, steps with one or two beats, steps that anyone can do.

Paddle and Roll. Shuffle off to Buffalo.

Then you move on to intermediate steps, steps with a definite rhythm, steps that sound cool. You learn how to shift your weight to help you get all of the necessary sounds in.

Maxi Four. Wings.

Later come the more difficult steps, steps with an intricate rhythm, steps that look cool. You have to use your entire body; tapping isn’t just in the legs anymore. You learn how the steps fit in with different types of music.

Shim Sham Shimmy. BS Chorus.

Finally you learn entire combinations, steps with varying rhythms, steps that make you a pro. You appreciate music, as most of these combinations are done a capella, forcing you to maintain the rhythm on your own. You have to commit entire routines to memory, to be performed on command. You learn that there is so much to learn you will never stop.