*By instructor approval only*
This dynamic and challenging class is designed for
students with prior tap experience who are ready to expand their technical ability, rhythmic complexity, and artistic expression. Through a progressive and high-energy curriculum, dancers will refine foundational tap steps, learn advanced vocabulary and variations, and develop a deeper sense of musicality and performance presence.
Students will explore a wide range of skills including pullbacks, wings, time step variations, syncopated rhythms, improvisation, and genre-based styling. Weekly instruction emphasizes sound clarity, speed control, ensemble coordination, and self-expression, while also building stamina and confidence in rehearsal settings. Improvisation and composition are incorporated throughout to foster creative freedom and personal style.
The course is structured in three progressive units:
Unit 1: Technical Strength & Rhythmic Precision
Unit 2: Stylistic Range & Musical Interpretation
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:
- Execute intermediate to advanced tap vocabulary with control, clarity, and confidence
- Count and perform complex rhythmic patterns using varied phrasing, tempo, and syncopation
- Apply musical interpretation and expressive dynamics to tap choreography
- Freestyle and improvise using known vocabulary and rhythm-based prompts
- Dance in unison with an ensemble while maintaining accurate timing and group spacing
- Learn and rehearse stylized choreography in different tap genres (Broadway, funk, classic, etc.)
- Reflect on personal growth and contribute creatively in performance preparation and peer feedback
- Perform a polished group combination in an informal setting that showcases technique and artistry
Instructional Tone: Focused, creative, and ensemble-driven—designed to push dancers to grow technically while developing their own style and artistic voice
Activities: Advanced tap drills, across-the-floor sequences, rhythm games, improvisation, peer collaboration, choreographic learning
Skills Focus: Advanced tap vocabulary, rhythm layering, syncopation, musical interpretation, composition, performance technique
Performance Readiness: Prepared to perform a rhythmically challenging and stylized group combination with confidence and presence during “Inside The Studio" events
Aligned National Core Arts Standards (Dance):
Creating:
DA:Cr1.1 — Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work (freestyle, improvisation, creative phrasing)
DA:Cr2.1 — Organize and develop artistic ideas and work (stylistic choreography, rehearsal)
DA:Cr3.1 — Refine and complete artistic work (applying feedback, polishing performance)
Performing:
DA:Pr5.1 — Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation (advanced tap vocabulary, timing, dynamics)
DA:Pr6.1 — Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work (musical interpretation, expressive dynamics)
Responding:
DA:Re7.1 — Perceive and analyze artistic work (ensemble timing, spacing, peer feedback)
DA:Re8.1 — Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work (stylistic expression)
DA:Re9.1 — Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work (self-reflection and critique)
Connecting:
DA:Cn10.1 — Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art (genre exploration, personal growth)
DA:Cn11.1 — Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding (tap styles and origins)
