Coin-Tap Chair Dance

I am currently working on putting together elastic tap bands to be used in some of my senior classes that I teach. Having a dance background myself I am happy to make suggestions as to steps you can do with your residents.

While sitting in a chair or wheelchair place the elastic bands (around front and back part of shoes). Each participant will use two bands on each shoe. That way everyone can make the sound together and be included in the activity.

Step 1. Toe Taps - Extend leg out in front and tap toe in counts of 8’s, bring foot back in and step. Now reverse using the other foot stretched out in front for 8 counts and again bring back to center. (The extra 8 counts of switching feet helps with the transition).

Step 2. Heel steps - again stretching leg to front place heel on the floor and do heels for 8 counts. Bring back together and reverse.

Step 3. Marches - alternating feet march in place with various counts.

Step 4. Kick steps - kick foot out in front and then step, keep alternating.
Kicks can be very small or bigger depending on ability.

Notes:
**incorporate arm movements once everyone has the footwork down.
**patterns are great to use in all of the above dance steps.
Example; March for 8 counts and then extend leg to front for two toe steps right and two toe steps left. Then repeat
**music - after teaching the above steps I play music and we dance together with the music. I love the song New York New York, Give My Regards to Broadway etc.
**props - sometimes I bring top hats and everyone wears a top hat while we do our tap class. I also have sequin bow ties, capes etc. I have these items for my other programs I teach so am able to utilize them with my seniors as well. I understand with budgets, etc. for your Rec departments it is not always feasible to have these items but the dollar store is my go to for extra items especially around various holidays to purchase items that can be used.

I’m happy to answer any questions regarding performing arts programs (Dance, Theater, Improv, Puppetry, Instruments, etc.) there are so many fun activities that can be done with all ages and all abilities!

Enjoy

Hi folks this is a great exercise. and so much fun.

I love this idea, but would you be able to give us a sample like in you tube?

Like the idea with the wide elastic and buttons very quick and easy to attach to shoes....good to try with small group though....

Do you have DVD showing us how to apply the tap dancing in age care, so that the group will move in uniform.

Love to hear feedback from people who have tried this activity!

Tap dancing sounds a fun exercise. Will definitely try this out.

I love this concepts, I so excited to try this with some of our residents at age care facilities.
Thank you for sharing.

What is the best thing to use to get coins to stick to bottom of residents
shoes?

Hi. I would like to teach my residents tap dancing. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to do this? Much appreciated. Karen

I love this idea x

Love it...can't wait to try....

Love this idea, I am going to certainly give it a go with a few residents. Thanks for sharing