Adult Program Class Level Descriptions

 

Below are some descriptions of the various levels of class at TDC.  Because our program is devoted to tap dance, we are able to offer a wider range of levels for learning.  For dancers with prior experience, there may be several levels in which you can participate that will support your learning and/or give you a challenge as you progress. Don’t feel you have to limit your participation to just one level of class. We encourage you to take classes with multiple faculty see what would benefit you most. Video samples of each level will be available soon! If you have questions, feel free to email info@tapdancecentral.org or call 646-921-9705 for more information. We are striving to offer classes and teachers that offer something for everyone, so take advantage of our offerings.

 

Intro to Tap Dance 4 week workshop -  No experience required—you can even borrow a pair of shoes! We guarantee you'll have some swing in your step at the end of this workshop.  This workshop can be repeated until ready to move up to the next level, Tap Fundamentals.

 

Level 1 - Tap Fundamentals:  designed for students moving up from Intro to Tap Workshops through 6 months of tap experience. This is the class to hone fundamental vocabulary and skills on all the basic vocabulary. Practice the basics and learn simple combinations, put the beat in your feet and have some fun!

 

Level 2 - Basic:  For students with a up to one year of experience, who know fundamental vocabulary such as flaps, shuffles, cramp rolls & basic paddle and rolls. Focus is on strengthening basic technique and working to combine the basics into more challenging combinations.  Students concentrate on learning “The Shim Sham” and other original combinations by the faculty using basic tap skills and music concepts.

 

Level 3 - Beginner:  For students with roughly 1-2 years of experience that have strong basic foundational skills and are learning more complex skills such as basic time steps, paddle and roll combinations, simple rhythm time steps and historical repertory material such as the Shim Sham, Coles Stroll, and other original choreography by the faculty.  Basic foundational music concepts as they relate to tap dance and simple improvisation also included in this level. 

 

Level 4 - Fast Beginner:  For students with 2-4 years of experience that have a solid foundation of skills, understanding of time steps, and are comfortable moving a faster pace and learning more challenging material, both from historical repertoire and original choreography.  This level explores historical repertory such as the Coles Stroll, Copasetic Soft Shoe, combinations from tap masters such as Leon Collins, Cookie Cook, Eddie Brown and original choreography by the faculty. 

 

Level 5 - Advanced Beginner:  For students who are moving at a faster pace who have a accomplished & solid technique and are ready for more challenging explorations in technique and choreography.  Class includes continued exploration of more complex combinations, historical/classic time steps and choreography & sections from tap masters including Leon Collins, Buster Brown, Eddie Brown, Cookie Cook and contemporary and original material by the faculty. 

 

Level 6 - Slow Intermediate:  For students who have achieved Intermediate technique and experience with previous levels and are honing more intricate skills, including skills such as pullbacks, wings, and other classic flash steps from the B.S. Chorus, and other combinations from classic tap repertory that are more complex from the masters, as well as original choreography by the faculty.  This level includes more exploration of different time signatures in music and improvisation skills.  

 

Level 7- Intermediate:   For students with solid Intermediate technique that want to push those skills and apply them to more challenging choreography.  Includes exploration in creating choreography, counterpoint rhythms, and challenging and unique choreography. 

 

Level 8 - Int/Advanced:  For dancers working at a pre-professional level, fast paced, high level technique and understanding of tap & music concepts, including improvisation and choreography.  

 

Level 9 - Adv/Pro:   Offered for select spotlight classes and workshops for pre-professional and professional dancers to work with Master Tap artists on technique & choreography.  

 

Workshop Wednesdays:  Rotating workshop schedules of 4 week sessions offered at different levels to explore certain subjects & skills. These workshops are geared to provide concise, targeted opportunites to work on specific themes or material.  For example, a workshop to explore a variety of time steps--what is a time step, why are they important? Or, a "Basic Music Concepts for Tap Dancers" to learn the basic music concepts that are helpful to know as a tap student. Or, a workshop for getting over your fear and understanding the basics of Improvisation in tap dance--it can be wonderfully fun!  These workshops allow students to dig in and explore a topic at a deeper level and support learning for a variety of our levels. 

 

Choreography Extension sessions:   NEW!  Several faculty will be offering a chance to do a rehearsal following their class for those students who wish to enroll and work specifically as a dedicated group on a piece of choreography for upcoming performance opportunities. Performance not required to participate, but encouraged! Pre-requisite requirement is to attend class with that faculty on a regular basis.  Not a drop in class. Good attendance required.