A form of dance characterized by a tapping sound that is created from metal plates that are attached to both the ball and heel of the dancer’s shoe. These metal plates, when tapped against a hard surface, create a percussive sound and as such the dancers are considered to be musicians. Tap dancers make frequent use of syncopation. Another aspect of tap dancing is improvisation. This can either be done with music or without which is called a cappella dancing. Common tap steps include the shuffles, flaps, cramp rolls, and maxi fords.