This joyful and rhythmic yearlong class introduces young dancers to the foundational skills of tap dance. Students will explore how to create sounds with their feet, listen to music with intention, and build confidence through structured routines and playful exploration. With an emphasis on rhythm, coordination, and creativity, this class helps students develop musicality and timing in an age-appropriate and engaging environment.

Throughout the year, students will learn basic tap vocabulary such as shuffles, heel drops, and cramp rolls while also discovering how to improvise, count music, and express themselves through movement. Classes include rhythm games, traveling steps, and short combinations that build both technique and confidence.

The course is structured in three progressive units:
Unit 1: Tap Technique & Musical Fundamentals
Unit 2: Rhythm, Style & Improvisation
Unit 3: Performance Presence & Musical Application

Students will have two special opportunities to share their progress with family during our informal “Family Night: Inside the Studio” events, held at the end of each semester (December and May). These evenings are designed to let families step into the studio and see firsthand what their student has been learning and experiencing each week, and to provide a celebratory atmosphere for students to showcase their growth and skills.

Class Objectives:

1. Demonstrate basic tap steps with clarity, including toe taps, heel drops, shuffles, and cramp rolls
2. Understand and keep a steady beat through clapping, stepping, and tapping
3. Recognize and repeat simple rhythm patterns using counts and music
4. Improve coordination, balance, and musical timing through structured activities
5. Explore improvisation and creative expression in a supportive environment
6. Work together as an ensemble to dance in unison and listen actively to group rhythms
7. Reflect on their learning and share progress during informal performance moments

Instructional Tone: Playful, supportive, and rhythm-focused—designed to help young dancers grow in both skill and confidence
Activities: Tap technique drills, rhythm games, call and response, traveling steps, guided improvisation, simple choreography
Skills Focus: Basic tap vocabulary, musicality, coordination, rhythm retention, creative expression, ensemble awareness
Performance Readiness: Prepared to perform a short group combination with flexible memorization and enthusiastic presence during informal “Inside The Studio" events

Aligned National Core Arts Standards (Dance):
Creating:
DA:Cr1.1 — Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work (improvisation, creative expression)
DA:Cr2.1 — Organize and develop artistic ideas and work (learning basic tap steps and rhythms)
Performing:
DA:Pr5.1 — Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation (clarity in tap steps, rhythmic accuracy)
DA:Pr6.1 — Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work (expression through rhythm and movement)
Responding:
DA:Re7.1 — Perceive and analyze artistic work (active listening and ensemble coordination)
DA:Re8.1 — Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work (group rhythm awareness)
Connecting:
DA:Cn10.1 — Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art (musical timing, rhythm patterns)