TAP
CLASSES RANGE FROM BEGINNING TO ADVANCED
A style of American theatrical dance using precise rhythmical patterns of foot movement and audible foot tapping. It is derived from the traditional clog dance of northern England, the jigs and reels of Ireland and Scotland, and the rhythmic foot stamping of African dances. Popular in 19th-century minstrel shows, versions such as “buck-and-wing” (danced vigorously in wooden-soled shoes) and “soft-shoe” (danced smoothly in soft-soled shoes) developed as separate techniques; by 1925 they had merged, and metal taps were attached to shoe heels and toes to produce a more pronounced sound. The dance was also popular in variety shows and early musicals.
Class Descriptions
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Tap: Beginning
Ages 6-9yrs
Tap dancers have the unique opportunity to be musicians and dancers at the same time. Tap class will begin with a set warm up focused on technique, clarity of sound, musicality, and strengthening the mind and body. Students will gain experience in traditional tap vocabulary through learning and practicing a variety of tap steps, short phrases, tap turns, and choreography using different rhythms supported by a wide range of music. Developing confidence in tap improvisation will also support a student’s ability to discover her or his own tap voice and style.
This class will perform in the spring recital.
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Tap: Intermediate/Advanced*
*This class requires Director Approval to attend
10yrs of age and up
Tap dancers have the unique opportunity to be musicians and dancers at the same time. Tap class will begin with a set warm up focused on technique, clarity of sound, musicality, and strengthening the mind and body. Students will gain experience in traditional tap vocabulary through learning and practicing a variety of tap steps, short phrases, tap turns, and choreography using different rhythms supported by a wide range of music. Developing confidence in tap improvisation will also support a student’s ability to discover her or his own tap voice and style.
This class will perform in the spring recital.