TAP

TAP DANCE is a unique genre of percussive dance that started in the United States during the early 1800’s. The roots of tap dance come from traditional Irish and African cultures. Dancers rely heavily on rhythm and musicality to bring this style of dance to life.

Ballet/Tap: (Age 4-5) This is a 55 minute class that works on two styles of dance. In the ballet portion, dancers are introduced to basic ballet exercises and concepts. They will work on stretching, center floor exercises and traveling across the floor. In tap they will learn basic tap steps and sequences. Dancers will be introduced to rhythm and dancing to a beat with and without music. Instruction is through creative lessons and themed activities and music. Dancers will also learn proper performance etiquette and gain confidence on stage. These dancers already know how to stand in a straight line, be good listeners and follow directions.

Ballet/Tap/Jazz: (Kindergarten) This class is a 90 minute class that explores 3 styles of dance. In the ballet portion, dancers are introduced to exercises at the ballet barre and will learn about body control and alignment. Dancers explore proper ballet technique at the barre, in center floor and across the floor. In tap dancers continue to learn basic tap steps center floor and across the floor. They will learn various tap sequences and rhythms. During the jazz section dancers focus on flexibility, musicality, body awareness, coordination, and style.

Tap 1 (First Grade and up): Level 1 is a 45 minute class for beginning tap dancers. Students will learn fundamental steps and concepts that they will use through out all tap classes. Students will become familiar with basic tap vocabulary and step execution as well as simple rhythms.

Tap 1/2 (Ages 7-10): Level 1/2 is a 45 minute class for the experienced or older beginner. Dancers will continue to learn foundational skills and concepts that will be built upon in later levels. There will be an emphasis on understanding rhythm and tempo.

Tap 2 (Teacher recommendation): Level 2 is an hour long class for the experienced tapper. This class will move at a quicker pace than the beginner levels and introduce more complex rhythms and patterns.

Tap 2/3 (Teacher recommendation): Level 2/3 is a class created to introduce students to intermediate skills and concepts. Dancers are expected to have mastered the skills and concepts taught in the beginning levels and will use that knowledge to work on more complex rhythms.

Tap 3 (Teacher recommendation): Level 3 is an intermediate level class that builds upon the skills learned in all previous levels. Complex rhythms and phrases and improvisation are included in this level.

Tap 3/4 (Teacher recommendation): Level 3/4 is an upper intermediate level class that moves at quicker pace than the lower levels. Students will be challenged with complex phrases, improvisation, and layering while expanding their tap technique and vocabulary.

Tap 4 (Teacher recommendation): Level 4 is a class designed to introduce dancers to upper intermediate/advanced skills and concepts. Students will work on rhythm tap skills and will continue to use improvisation to improve use of rhythm and dynamics.

Tap 5 (Teacher recommendation): This is an advanced tap class for students who have mastered the skills and concepts taught in Level 4. Students will be proficient in advanced level skills and able to experiment with adding sounds in various formats within complex phrases.