Here is the "Proper Use of Tap
Shoes" policy for events and programs produced by the National Tap
Ensemble, USA and its Higher-Education Division, the American Tap Dance
Institute.
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WE EXPECT YOU TO COME PREPARED AND WITH YOUR "TOOLS" IN GOOD ORDER. This
means: NO sharp edges (yes, some taps are still sold with very sharp edges,
the good news is that it's easy to soften them with a metal file and/or fine
grit sandpaper), NO jingle taps and ABSOLUTELY NO SCREWS, NAILS OR ANYTHING STICKING
OUT! (To get an idea of what a good tap shoe should be like, see the
extensive info on the subject which can be found throughout the Tapper's
Page.)
No screw should EVER be loose on your tap shoes and it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to make sure they stay
tight, since even one single loose screw can do a lot of damage to a floor in a matter of minutes
AND easily injure you or others. AT THE MINIMUM, YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO CHECK YOUR TAPS AND
TAP SHOES AT THE BEGINNING OF EVERY CLASS, WORKSHOP OR PERFORMANCE.
Instructors or event directors are required to ask anyone who doesn't have his/her tap shoes in
order to stop dancing and sit down (this is not ground for any type of
refund.) Anyone responsible for creating serious floor damage will be held financially
responsible for repairing it (repairing a damaged floor can easily cost hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars, so please, use your
head. All you have to do is make sure your tools are in good shape!)
Tricks of the trade
- Bring a minimum of two pairs of tap shoes in good working order. Switching shoes from class to class
will actually give your "footsies" a nice change, help avoid many blisters as well as "athlete's
foot."
- ALWAYS have a screwdriver and extra screws in your dance bag.
- Bring extra socks (cotton is best) and a small towel to dry your feet if they get
too wet or before massaging them.
- Don't wait until the very last minute to take your tap shoes to the
cobbler if they need some work. The shoe repair shop might be very busy
too...
- A properly affixed tap should follow exactly the contour of the shoe (both
heel and toe.) Don't let the cobbler tell you that a tap should be installed
otherwise, that nails should be used instead of screws, etc. (in the late
19th century nails were all that tappers had but nowadays we use screws -
3/8 inch or 1/2 inch phillips #4 are best - nails should NEVER be used to
affix taps.) Many cobblers don't have a clue about putting taps on
shoes, some have been doing it wrong for decades... It's your money so
YOU tell them how you want it done!
