Stomp vs. Stamp

Nothing sounds quite as satisfying as a room full of line dancers hitting the floor together at the same time. 🌩️ That thunder?  Glorious.
But is that rolling thunder being created by a  Stomp or a Stamp?
Both stomps and stamps use one foot on one beat of music, but what happens to your weight makes all the difference!
Stomp
A stomp is a strong step with weight. You step down firmly onto a flat foot and commit your weight to it. The floor knows you’re serious.
Stamp
A stamp is a stomp without a weight change—also known as a stomp up. The foot hits the floor, makes noise, and immediately comes back up. Loud? Yes. Weighted? No.

🚨Now, a friendly public service announcement:
While stomps and stamps do use force, please don’t be a **Stompin’ Steve**. Stompin’ Steve attacks a perfectly good wooden dance floor like it owes him money—and his shins eventually file a formal complaint. Excessive stomping can lead to sore joints, shin splints, and unhappy venue owners.

⚠️ Important note for dancer safety: Dancers over 60, especially those dancing in boots, should avoid stomps and stamps altogether. This may sound dramatic, but dancers with osteoporosis have been known to fracture bones in the foot or shin from repeated impact. If you *must* channel your inner Stompin’ Steve, sneakers offer more cushioning—for both you **and** the floor.

🎯 Bottom line:
Know whether the choreography calls for a stomp or a stamp, use just enough energy to make the sound, and remember—precision beats power every time.
Your joints (and the dance floor) will thank you.

How do you let your students know if a stomp takes weight or not? Leave a comment!