Learn how to perform a Maxi Ford in tap with qualified tap teacher, Johanna Hadley. Watch our video guide below.
The Maxi Ford tap step is named after a famous vaudeville tap dancer and it is a fantastic step that is made up of 6 sounds.
Maxi Ford with a toe tap
First of all we explain how to do a Maxi Ford with a toe tap. Whilst your arms can be in any position, the way to position them for explaining this step, is to have them held out to the side, palms down. Your knees should be soft and the weight should be over the balls of our feet. You then go onto a flat foot, in a diagonal. Your leg should extend into the back shuffle position. Take a shuffle – forwards, backwards – and then go into a pick up change. Point your foot in your tap shoe, to get a really good toe tap sound.
Maxi Ford with step
If you want to vary the combination, this is a fun step to do. Begin with your knees bend, drop onto your flat foot and take a back shuffle. Then instead of a toe tap, cross your thighs and take a step onto the ball of your foot. This will change your weight so that you can release and go onto a Maxi Ford on the other side.
Mixed Maxi Ford
Combine your Maxi Ford with a toe tap and you Maxi Ford with a step and add in a few little extra springs.
Maxi Ford turning
Keep your arms in this nice relaxed position and because you are turning you need to spot your head. It is like the Maxi Ford with a step, but you will need to add an extra spring at the end so you can release your legs so you can repeat it on the same leg again. Drop onto your foot like in the Maxi Ford with a step and then you take a shuffle, which starts to turn you around. Then do your pick up change, your step and then add an extra spring.