tap

What is Tap?

Tap dance is a uniquely American art form, with roots in African, Irish, and English dance forms. Before it was known as “Tap” dancing, earlier varieties of percussive dancing using wooden-soled or soft shoes began appearing on stages in the 1800’s, featuring prominently in minstrel shows, before gradually coalescing into the metal-soled style that exploded in popularity on vaudeville stages and, later, the big screen. Today, the art form has evolved in technique, style, and variety to become a versatile and sophisticated form of percussion and dance. Whether your inspiration is Fred Astaire or Gregory Hines, Eleanor Powell or Chloe Arnold, our Tap program will get you started on the right (or left) foot!

Listed below are the Tap classes we offer. We don’t always offer every class, so make sure to check the Class Schedule to see what is offered each session.

Class Instructors: 
Lucie

Classes we offer

None

Tap 1a and 1b can be taken in either order.

For the novice tap dancer or anyone who wants to improve their understanding of basic technique and fundamentals. Curriculum includes shuffles, flaps, ball-changes, cramp rolls, 4-note and 5-note riffs,  paddle and rolls, and rhythmic pattern practice.

Tap 1a AND 1b

Tap 2a, 2b and 2c can be taken in either order.

For beginning/intermediate tap dancers. Class builds on fundamentals taught in level 1 and introduces basic time steps, buffaloes, 6-note and 7-note riffs, drawbacks, and rhythm turns.  The tap dancer’s Shim Sham will be taught on a semi-regular basis in this class

Solid, consistent execution of material in Tap 2a, 2b and 2b

For intermediate tap dancers. Curriculum focuses on building speed and complexity of combinations, and introduces turning techniques, more advanced time steps, call and response, and basic improvisation exercises.

Solid, consistent execution of material in Tap 3

For intermediate/advanced tap dancers. Curriculum includes complex combinations/choreography using the full technical vocabulary, improv exercises, and introduction to advanced techniques and concepts.