Tiny Tappers (5-6)

Tiny Tappers is an excellent introduction to the tap dancing.  The first time Tap Students will explore rhythms and sounds by wearing shoes with metal attachments. They will be introduced to the basic elements of the tap movements. The Students will learn about famous tap dancers like Shirley McLean, Fred Aster, Ginger Rogers and more who had shaped the history of tap dancing.

Main goals of the program are:

• Following directions;
• Building a basic tap dance vocabulary that will be used in the Students' own combinations for solos and duets;
• Exploring the tap dancing as an entertaining/acting form through age appropriate Broadway tap classics.

The program will benefit ballet and jazz Students by improving the speed and articulation of their footwork.

 Tap 1 - Beginners

This level introduces the Students to fundamental tap techniques arranged in combinations and performed as solo or duets. The Students take an active part in creating of the combinations. They will learn how to perform with energy and how to bring their own personality in each and every performance. The main goals in Tap I beginners level are identifying, utilizing, and demonstrating tap terminology as well as understanding tap as an entertainment art form.

Movements Mastered:

 Tap 2 - Beginners

The Students in this level continue to develop their tap technique by enriching the vocabulary and improving the quality of the techniques already introduced.  The Beginning Tap II technique builds upon  rhythms with more complicated but repetitive sound elements that require the Students’a higher level of concentration and self- awareness.  Following the example of great tap dancing pioneers like Savion Glover, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, and Gregory Hines the Students  learn to utilize the performing techniques in original choreography from age appropriate Broadway shows.

 Movements Mastered:

March
Claps
Heel-Toe-Step-Clap
Heel Slaps with Ball
Change, Flaps with Ball Change
Traveling Shuffle Step
Hop and Jump
Flap Ball change
Traveling Buffalo
Double Buffalo

 Tap 3 - Beginners

The program for this level further develops the tap dancers' foot technique adding turns and more complex combinations. It also emphasizes on the specifics of the tap dancers' upper body movements. Main goal of this level is increasing of the speed and coordination of the learned technique. Another important accent is placed on improvement of the artistry by developing of the ability to represent characters through tap dancing.

Movements Mastered: