Learn Together

By exploring, creating, and replicating movement, children better understand dance as a universal language and a legacy of expression in every culture. Observing and practicing movement helps children develop gross motor skills and coordination.

Materials

  • Computer, tablet, or phone to watch the video
  • Shoes
  • Clear packing tape
  • Bottle caps
  • Buttons
  • Pennies
  • Metal washers 
  • String

Move Together

Tap your toes and move your feet to this performance of CMOM partner Lincoln Center’s #ConcertsForKids with Music From The Sole.

Music From The Sole is a NYC-based tap dance company and live music ensemble. Music From The Sole is led by Brazilian choreographer Leonardo Sandoval, and American composer Gregory Richardson. Their performances incorporate samba, Afro-Cuban dance, hip hop, jazz, and house music, highlighting connections between Afro-diasporic urban dance in Brazil and the United States.

Create your own tap shoes to tap along with Leonardo’s moves! 

There are a couple of ways to transform your sneakers into tap shoes.

Version 1:

  1. Get a pair of shoes or sneakers to transform.
  2. Find some bottle caps, large clothes buttons, or pennies.
  3. You’ll need five bottle caps or large clothes buttons for each shoe. If you’re using pennies, you’ll need 9 to 10 pennies for each shoe.
  4. Hold up the bottom of your shoe so it’s facing you.
  5. Place two bottle caps or large clothes buttons on the heel. If you’re using pennies use four to five pennies on the heel.
  6. With some help from a family member carefully get a long piece of clear packing tape. Using the center of the long piece of tape, go over your taps (caps, buttons, or pennies). Make sure they’re all covered by the tape. 
  7. The two ends of the tape can now be used to wrap all the way around. This secures the taps to your shoes.
  8. Place three bottle caps or large clothes buttons by the toes of your shoe. If you’re using pennies use five pennies by the toes of your shoe in the shape of a triangle.
  9. Carefully get a long piece of clear packing tape to go over your taps. Once again, you’ll use the two ends of the tape to wrap all the way around to secure the taps to your shoes.
  10. Repeat this process on the other shoe, making sure the taps on the heel and the toe line up. 

Version 2:

  1. Find two large metal washers. 
  2. With four pieces of long yarn or string, run the ends through the middle of the washer and tie a knot to secure the string to the washer.
  3. Each washer should have two strings tied to them.
  4. Hold up the bottom of your shoe facing you.
  5. Place your first washer on the toe of your shoe and tie the ends of the yarn or string over the top of your shoe. Make sure it’s good and tight.
  6. Do this same step for your heel.

Now you’re ready to tap along with Leonardo’s and Music From The Sole.