Schedule: Sundays 10:15-11:15 am

Session A Dates: 8/25-10/20

Holidays: Thanksgiving Break November 24 - 30

Description:Tap dance is simultaneously music and movement. This class draws on a diversity of approaches to integrating the basic fundamentals of these two elements. The emphasis will be on establishing a strong technical foundation of vocabulary, execution, clarity, and time.

Through warm-up exercises, improvisation, and choreography, students will learn how to shift weight, execute motions efficiently, recognize styles of music, and express rhythm through sound and movement.

Tap originated in the early 19th century from African-American and Irish dance forms. As enslaved peoples had traditional African percussion instruments taken from them, they created rhythmic dances with percussive sounds to maintain their traditions. This style merged with wooden clog dancing brought to America by Irish immigrants, and thus the art of Tap dancing was born. 20th century Tap was pivotal in American culture, ranging from Vaudeville acts and the Harlem Renaissance, all the way to Hollywood and Broadway. Tap dancing is characterized by shoes with metal on the toes and heel that create the percussive sounds highlighted by the rhythmic motions of the feet. 

DRESS CODE

Comfortable clothing required and tap shoes.