Tap Classes
Bring in ‘da noise! This high energy class teaches you to be a dancer as well as a musician – when you tap, you make the music with your feet. Students will develop their understanding of rhythm, musicality, and timing while learning a variety of tap styles. In the Beginner and Junior classes, students are introduced to the fundamentals of tap technique, and the emphasis is on FUN!
We start with simple warm ups and exercises to develop articulation in the ankles and learn the vocabulary of tap. As students progress through the Junior levels, they will master the basic steps before moving on to Elementary and Intermediate classes. These classes review Junior level work and expand on it, introducing more complex footwork and rhythms to prepare for the more advanced technique of Senior level classes.
Adult Tap is an open level recreational class. All classes will cover a wide range of tap styles, from the smooth, refined style of Fred Astaire and others from classic Hollywood movies and Broadway, to the exhilarating energy of dancers like the famed Nicholas brothers, and the funky sounds of Savion Glover…now that’s Tap!
What do I wear?
A leotard or fitted T–shirt with a pair of dance pants or sweat pants is ideal. The length of your pants is also important, as teachers need to be able to see your ankles to ensure proper technique. Jeans, oversized clothing, and street shoes are not to be worn in class. Hair should be tied back off the face, and jewellery removed. Gum, food, and drinks are not permitted in the studio, but students are encouraged to bring a water bottle – you’ll sweat! You will also need a pair of hard, black tap shoes with a low, square heel, and taps with slates. Some shoes will come with taps, slates, and rubber already on them, while others will need to be taken to a shoemaker or shoe repair shop to have these put on.
NOTE: Please do not purchase either the soft jazz shoe style tap shoes, or shoes with riveted taps. The soft shoes will not allow you to execute all the steps, and shoes with riveted taps have a very poor sound quality and are also extremely stiff, making proper articulation through the feet impossible. If you have any questions about your shoes, please speak with your teacher.
Who can register?
The perfect class for anyone who likes to be LOUD! Ages 6 – 18, with a separate class for adults. Beginner classes are for children aged 6 – 8, Junior Tap is for 9 – 11 year olds, the Elementary class is for those 12 and up, and the Senior class is for students 14 years of age or older who have taken at least 3 years of tap. Adult Tap is an open level class. Ballet and Jazz/Hip Hop classes are recommended to improve technique, balance, and strength.
How to register
There are three ways to register for our classes: In person, Online or By mail.
1. Our season runs from September to June, and is divided into two terms; students registered for the full season have priority over new students for placement in Term II.
2. Classes are limited to 12 students, and may be combined or cancelled due to insufficient registration.
3. We have two shows – a small Christmas show, and a full scale show in June. Additional costume fees are required for the June show, and there is a charge for tickets. We also arrange for professional photos to be purchased, if desired.
4. A non-refundable registration fee of $30 is required to reserve placement. All fees (including post dated cheques) must be received with registration. Additional payment plans are subject to an administrative fee of $20. A $45 charge will be added to any NSF cheque, and a late charge of $20 per month will be added to unpaid balances. Receipts are issued at the beginning of each term; there is a $20 administrative fee should you require an additional copy.
5. Full refunds of unused class fees will be issued up until the 3rd class of the term. There will be no refunds after the 4th class, or for classes missed due to lateness, absence, or being unable to participate in class for any reason.
6. Our staff is made up of working industry professionals. We may schedule make up classes or substitute teachers if staff members are absent due to professional obligations.
7. We do not schedule make up classes for scheduled studio closures or student absences. Please inform teachers in advance of lateness or absence, when possible.
8. Everyone is expected to be on time and follow the Dress Code, which helps ensure everyone’s safety. Those who are late or unprepared may be asked to observe class only.
ALL Classes: Hair must be tied back off the face and neck, and jewellery removed. No jeans (as they restrict movement), oversized clothing (since we must see the body to ensure proper technique), or street shoes may be worn in class. Gum, food, and drinks are not permitted in the studios (water bottles only).
Ballet: Girls – black leotard, pink tights, soft pink ballet slippers (teacher will advise if pointe shoes are required). Please secure hair in a bun. Boys – white T–shirt, black fitted dance pants/bike shorts, soft black ballet shoes.
Jazz/Hip Hop and Musical Theatre: Leotard or fitted T–shirt, dance pants or sweat pants. Black jazz slippers or dance sneakers.
Tap: Leotard or fitted T–shirt, dance pants or sweatpants. Hard black tap shoes with low square heel.
