Youth Tap
WHAT IS TAP?
Tap originated in the early 19th century from African-American and Irish dance forms. As enslaved peoples had traditional African percussion instruments taken from them, they created rhythmic dances with percussive sounds to maintain their traditions. This style merged with wooden clog dancing brought to America by Irish immigrants, and thus the art of Tap dancing was born. 20th century Tap was pivotal in American culture, ranging from Vaudeville acts and the Harlem Renaissance, all the way to Hollywood and Broadway. Tap dancing is characterized by shoes with metal on the toes and heel that create the percussive sounds highlighted by the rhythmic motions of the feet.
AGES 7-12
Youth Tap 1 is an introduction to basic exercises and routines that develop rhythm, coordination, and conditioning. This class is also for those who want to brush up on their basic tap skills or prefer to move at a slow and easy pace.
Youth Tap 2: A full year of Youth Tap 1 (or equivalent) is required to join Youth Tap 2.
DRESS CODE
Black leotard and black tights OR black leggings and a white t-shirt. Tap shoes required. Hair must be pulled out of face.
Registration required, repeatable. One class per week.
To register, dancer must turn 7 before Feb 1 2022
PARENT REVIEWS
"My daughter signed up for ballet and tap - and loves her classes. I took an exercise, which whooped my butt, in a good way. The studio is well-run, clean, and super friendly. We feel very much at home here and are so glad to have this gem in the neighborhood."
Youth Ballet/Tap Combo
AGES 7-10
Youth Ballet/Tap Combo teaches students the very important foundations of ballet technique. Students focus on proper placement of the legs, port de bras (arms and shoulder facing) as well as traveling steps and jumps. Students will transition into tap the second half of class, learning foundational tap steps. Students focus on musicality and rhythm.
DRESS CODE
Light blue leotard, pink tights OR white shirt, black tights or leggings/shorts. Ballet and tap shows are required. Hair must be pulled out of face into a bun.
Registration required. One class per week.
To register, dancer must turn 7 before October 1st 2022
Musical Theater/Tap Combo
Musical Theatre/Tap Combo is a sharp and fast-paced technique that incorporates jazz technique with the big stages of broadway in mind. Tap complements this with introduction to basic exercises and routines that develop rhythm, coordination, and conditioning.
DRESS CODE
Leotard and black tights. Shorts may be worn over tights. Jazz shoes + Tap shoes required
Registration required, repeatable. One class per week. We recommend that students take one additional class in either contemporary jazz or ballet
To register, dancer must turn 7 before Feb 1 2022
PARENT REVIEWS
"My daughter loves this class on Sundays! We may run a little late but she runs in and comes out happy and tired. We love Dovetail and are so glad to consider it our dance home!"