Here’s a sample six-minute tap warm-up from Mark Yonally of Chicago Tap Theatre. This warm-up draws on drills from Steve Condos, Stanley Kahn, Sam Weber and his own style. Want to know more about avoiding tap injury? Check out Dance Spirit March 2008.

• Pulse the right foot across the body for two measures, keeping the ankle loose and floppy. Then pulse out for two measures, in for two measures and out for two measures. Repeat on left.

• Wiggle the right foot loosely for two measures. Repeat on left.

• Alternate step-heel drops on each foot on the beat. After two measures, double the speed. After two more measures, double the speed. Take it as fast as you can cleanly.

• Alternate dig-toe drops on each foot on the beat. After two measures, double the speed. After two more measures, double the speed. Take it as fast as you can cleanly.

• Cramp roll, starting on the right. After two measures, double the speed. After two more measures, double the speed. Take it as fast as you can cleanly. Repeat, starting on the left.

• Around the world cramp rolls (right step, left step, left heel, right heel), reversing directions each time. After two measures, double the speed. After two more measures, double the speed. Take it as fast as you can cleanly.

• Paddle and rolls (aka paradiddles) on the beat. After two measures, double the speed. After two more measures, double the speed. Take it as fast as you can cleanly.

• Flaps forward (two measures) and flaps backward (two measures). Flap-heel forward (two measures) and flap-heel backward (two measures). Flap-double-heel forward (two measures) and flap-double-heel backward (two measures) (take this half time if you’re a beginner or intermediate dancer).

• Right foot shuffles, two measures each direction (front, side, back, side). Step on the last beat and repeat on left foot.

• Right foot scuffles (scuff-brush), two measures each direction (front, side, back, side). Step on the last beat and repeat on left foot.

• Right foot riffles (aka open thirds), two measures each direction (front, side, back, side). Step on the last beat and repeat on left foot.

• Right footed shuffle, scuffle, riffle for two measures (five times through the sequence of three). Step on the open beat and repeat on left foot.

• Step right, step left, click toes, toe drop right, toe drop left (pause) clap. After two measures, double the speed. Take it as fast as you can cleanly.

You’re ready to dance!