Tap dance is a form of dance characterized by using one's shoes, as well as the floor, as a percussive instrument. As such, it is also commonly considered to be a musical form. Two major variations on tap dance exist, Rhythm tap (also known as Hoofin'), and Broadway tap. Broadway tap focuses more on the dance side, and is widely performed as a part of musical theater. Rhythm tap focuses instead on the musical side, and practitioners consider themselves to be a part of the Jazz tradition. The Dancer's EDGE Tap program pulls from both of these wonderful variations of tap in its syllabus, creating a versatile, well-rounded tap dancers.
Tap 1
Students begin by exploring the different sounds their shoes can make using both their heel and toe taps and also are introduced to the basics in rhythm and timing. Balance and clarity are important in tap from day 1, so students will spend a great deal of time traveling around the room performing various step combinations and patterns. Basic terminology and time steps are also covered.
Tap 2
The tempo begins to pick up a bit with Tap 2! Students take many steps and concepts learned in Tap 1 and begin to put them to practice at a faster pace. Time steps are continued at this level with an emphasis on the terminology and execution of the steps. Students will begin to tap in smaller groups with an emphasis in group timing, rhythm and musicality. Tap improvisation is also a fun new addition to Tap 2.
Tap 3
Wings and riffs have made their entrance! Other versatile and specialty steps such as toe stands begin to enter into the student's repertoire in addition to the student's knowledge gained in Tap 1 & 2. Syncopation becomes more common in steps and combinations, as well as a strong focus on proper production and clarity of sounds.
Tap 4
The pace keeps increasing as students excitedly enter Tap 4. Pull backs of all shapes and sizes are the conquest of Tap 4. In addition, students will begin to learn variations on several Tap 2 & 3 steps, and begin to differentiate more steps in the Hoofin' and Broadway styles.
Tap 5
A cappella tap and polyrhythms are brought to the table. Students begin to hone in on speed and accuracy while also diminishing the appearance of "working hard" while tapping. Students are actively engaged with timing, rhythm, musicality and proper sound production.
Advanced Tap
The highest level of Tap at the Dancer's EDGE. The pace of this class is quick and fun. Students are encouraged to explore more tap improvisation, intricate sound production, speed, and most important, proficiency. A number of high difficulty (and high energy!) steps and variations are also introduced to Advanced students.
Tap 1
Students begin by exploring the different sounds their shoes can make using both their heel and toe taps and also are introduced to the basics in rhythm and timing. Balance and clarity are important in tap from day 1, so students will spend a great deal of time traveling around the room performing various step combinations and patterns. Basic terminology and time steps are also covered.
Tap 2
The tempo begins to pick up a bit with Tap 2! Students take many steps and concepts learned in Tap 1 and begin to put them to practice at a faster pace. Time steps are continued at this level with an emphasis on the terminology and execution of the steps. Students will begin to tap in smaller groups with an emphasis in group timing, rhythm and musicality. Tap improvisation is also a fun new addition to Tap 2.
Tap 3
Wings and riffs have made their entrance! Other versatile and specialty steps such as toe stands begin to enter into the student's repertoire in addition to the student's knowledge gained in Tap 1 & 2. Syncopation becomes more common in steps and combinations, as well as a strong focus on proper production and clarity of sounds.
Tap 4
The pace keeps increasing as students excitedly enter Tap 4. Pull backs of all shapes and sizes are the conquest of Tap 4. In addition, students will begin to learn variations on several Tap 2 & 3 steps, and begin to differentiate more steps in the Hoofin' and Broadway styles.
Tap 5
A cappella tap and polyrhythms are brought to the table. Students begin to hone in on speed and accuracy while also diminishing the appearance of "working hard" while tapping. Students are actively engaged with timing, rhythm, musicality and proper sound production.
Advanced Tap
The highest level of Tap at the Dancer's EDGE. The pace of this class is quick and fun. Students are encouraged to explore more tap improvisation, intricate sound production, speed, and most important, proficiency. A number of high difficulty (and high energy!) steps and variations are also introduced to Advanced students.