Tap Dancing
A high energy class that lets your feet become the instrument
Students focus on coordination and movement. Learning the basic technique in each genre. We introduce them to the importance of rhythm to Fun energetic music. Ages 3-6yrs.
If you are looking to sign up for a high energy class that lets your feet become the instrument, in rhythmic movement across the floor, then our tap classes are the right choice for you! Our tap classes start with the foundations of tap’s origins in the early 19th century, while incorporating modern tap styles, all the way up to advanced rhythms, depending on the level.
Similar to jazz, tap dancing evolved from a fusion of European and West African cultures dancing. Tap first began during the 1600’s in early America, where slaves in South began to imitate the jigs and social dances of the Irish and Scottish, combining them with the West African Juba dance. It wasn’t until the 19th century when this evolving style of dance made its way onto the stage by dancers imitating slaves, and it wasn’t until a free African American named William Henry Lane hit the stage, and officially became the inventor of American Tap Dance. Tap became popular on a national scale. Nowadays tapping is done with closely fitted metal taps fixed on the leather sole of a tap shoe. The basis of tap dancing is to create a rhythm with specific foot movements because the goal of this dance is to create rhythmic sounds, it is referred to as a percussive dance. Tap dancing is an audience favorite because people are surprised by the complex rhythm’s dancers can make with their feet, when their feet become the instrument! The most famous tap dancers were Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, who brought a whole new suave style to tap dance in the 40’s. By incorporating steps and movements from classical ballet as well as postures and turns from ballroom dancing, this new generation of tappers continued to impress audiences.
Our classes start with a thorough warm up that builds foundational tap moves and strengthens your technique. The combination of stretch and strength can vary between teachers. After the warm up we go across the floor practicing basic tap steps and working on isolations, across-the-floor exercises, footwork, jumps and combinations. The class ends with choreography where sequences are put together to practice musicality and performance skills.
The tap classes at DanceFX are a great environment to learn in, and a fantastic way to try something new. Discipline and technique are learned in Ballet, while musicality and styling are learned through Tap! Sign up for a class today and enjoy learning a rhythmic style that’s a unique blend of the past, and the present, in a high energy environment.