Tap

Class Description

These classes with multiple ability levels will focus on tap fundamentals including basic tap steps, cramp rolls, center and across the floor work. Students will be paired up with students of the same skill level and will progress according to their own prior training and ability. Tap dancers make frequent use of syncopation. Choreography typically starts on the eighth or first beat count. Another aspect of tap dancing is improvisation. This can either be done with music and follow the beats provided or without musical accompaniment, otherwise known as a capella dance.

Tap Dance started during the 19th century and is a uniquely American dance form. Tap flourished in the U.S. form 1900 to 1955, when it was the main dance style performed on Vaudeville and Broadway. Vaudeville was inexpensive entertainment before television and it employed droves of skilled tap dancers. The name “Tap Dance” comes from the tapping sounds made when the metal plates on the dancer’s shoes touch the hard floor. This lively, rhythmic tapping makes the performer not just a dancer, but also a percussive musician. Some of the greatest hoofers include Fred Astaire, Donald O’Connor, Anne Miller, Eleanor Powell, Gene Kelly, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, and Gregory Hines. There’s something undeniably energizing and liberating about this great Americana style of dance.

Placement:

Age and experience are both factors in placement. Placement in Advanced III and IV Tap is by invitation only. Skill level, focus, and regular attendance are considered for placement.

BEGINNING & INTERMEDIATE LEVELS ARE FOR THE DANCER AGES 9 AND UP. THESE CLASSES ARE FOR DANCERS WILL LITTLE TO 3 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN A STRUCTURED 45 MINUTE Tap CLASS.

INTERMEDIATE II-ADV I AND II ARE FOR DANCERS AGES 10 AND UP.  THESE CLASSES ARE THE NEXT STEP IN OUR Tap CLASSES AND REQUIRE A STRONG KNOWLEDGE OF TERMINOLOGY AND BODY PLACEMENT.  2-4 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN A STRUCTURED 45 minute Tap Class.

ADV. III-ADV. IV-ARE FOR DANCERS AGES 12 AND UP.  THESE CLASSES ARE THE LAST STEP IN OUR Tap CLASSES AND REQUIRE AN ABOVE AVERAGE KNOWLEDGE OF TERMINOLOGY AND BODY PLACEMENT.  3-5 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN A STRUCTURED 45-60 Minute Tap Class.

When a dancer takes multiple classes the tuition is prorated by hour with a discount.

Dress Code for Tap:

GIRLS Beginning-Advanced
Tight fitted active wear in Pink, Black, Grey, Burgundy or White
Leotards are not required
Black Tap Shoes

BOYS Beginning-Advanced
White, Grey, Black, or Burgundy T-shirt, Black sweat pants or shorts
Black Tap Shoes

Hair securely off face. No large jewelry.

PLEASE PLACE THE DANCERS NAME IN ALL DANCE SHOES