Chug, Kill the Bug

more from mark Knowles' Tap Dance Dictionary. These are some of the steps and terms learned in Annette's Tap 1 class so far. After a day at work writing techno-babble like "integrated solution with zero-day protection and intelligent layered security," I always dig the simple, colorful names assigned to tap steps.

Chug: A movement in which the heel of the foot is forced to the floor with emphasis, while simultaneously sliding on the foot with a hopping motion causing it to move forward approximately three inches. The name is derived from the "chug-chug" sound of a train. Also called a Buck, Heel Thump, Scoot, Skid, or Flea Hop.

Flash: Acrobatic and exciting dance movements. These were often used to finish a dance number.

Paddle Turn: A turn which involves pivoting around on one foot while pushing with the other foot. The body leans towards the pivoting foot and the effect is almost as if one is limping. This turn is often used in Soft Shoe dancing. Also called a Buzz Step. The turn can be embellished by using Flaps instead of Steps. Also called a Tea for Two.

Stamp: Transfer the weight onto the whole foot, usually done with emphasis, as compared to just stepping. Also called a Down, Flat, Flat Step, Step, or Stomp. See Stomp.

Stomp: Strike the floor with the whole foot without transferring the weight. ... The whole foot strikes the floor and is then rebounded back up into the air with a quick jerk, as if stepping onto something hot. Also called Hot Stove or Kill the Bug. ##