TAP

RHYTHM TAP
Rhythm tap focuses on rhythms and intricate footwork, creating a percussion instrument out of the dancer’s feet. Just like jazz vocalists who add rhythms to music by scatting, tappers add their voice by “scatting” with their feet. Rhythm tap tends to be a heavier or harder-hitting form of tap than Broadway tap, and sounds are made not only with the bottom of the shoe, but also with the back, sides, and tip. Rhythm tap is a broad category that encompasses the hoofing styles of current stars such as Savion Glover and the late Gregory Hines and past masters such as Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and Jimmy Slyde.

BROADWAY TAP
Broadway tap, like rhythm tap, focuses on rhythm, syncopation, and style. However, technically, Broadway tap utilizes a lifted center, an incorporation of jazz movement, as well as an emphasis on the usage of upper body and arms.  Theatricality and performance qualities are taught.  Specific steps in Broadway tap include maxi fords, Buffalos, Cincinnatis, time steps, Irishes, and several other steps focused upon during the age of Broadway and big band swing.  Broadway tap is fun, energetic, and a great way to learn what all those Broadway gypsies do.

Class Levels

Beginning I: Learn basic tap technique, steps and rhythms including flaps, shuffles, riffs, and paddles as well as turns and slides. Develop a broad awareness of music styles for tap through rhythm exercises, short combinations and an introduction to improvisational work.

Beginning II: Build on skills from Beginning I, class introduces more complex steps and combinations including pick ups, pull backs and time steps. Emphasis is placed on developing proper sound and clarity.

Low Intermediate: Class includes intricate and challenging rhythm exercises and longer combinations, and emphasizes mastery of work introduced in Beginning II.

Intermediate/Advanced: Class places strong emphasis on technique and strengthening exercises through traditional and non-traditional choreography. Class introduces elements of improvisation. Mastery of complex moves such as wings, single wings, pullbacks and other traditional trick steps will be stressed.