As a content creator for ten-dance.com, and a dance enthusiast, I often reflect on the diverse journeys dancers take. Growing up immersed in the world of dance, I experienced firsthand the emphasis on versatility. We were encouraged to explore various styles beyond our preferred genres. For me, as a Tap Dancer, this meant delving into ballet, jazz, and contemporary – a breadth of training that shaped my dance foundation. Looking back, I’m immensely grateful for teachers and studio directors who championed this holistic approach, producing well-rounded dancers prepared for any stage. This exposure to multiple dance forms early on was instrumental in shaping the tap dancer, and indeed, the dancer, I am today. Yet, I’ve noticed a concerning trend: dancers sometimes overlook tap class. If you’re questioning the necessity of tap in your dance education, let me illuminate why tap class is not just beneficial, but truly essential, and why you absolutely should be tapping your way to a more enriched dance journey.
Master Rhythm and Musicality with Tap Dance
My experience teaching across numerous studios and observing countless dance competitions has revealed a consistent pattern. Dance programs that prioritize tap classes invariably cultivate students with superior rhythmic precision and a heightened sense of musicality. These students also demonstrate a more nuanced understanding of accent, dimension, and shading across all dance styles. Why is this? Because tap dance class isn’t just about steps; it’s a deep dive into music itself. You learn how to create music, how to interpret music, and how to truly listen to music. Your tap shoes become your instrument, and you, the dancer, transform into a musician wielding that instrument. This dual role, as both dancer and musician, fosters an intrinsic sense of rhythm and a profound connection to the beat. Are you frequently hearing critiques about rushing the music or needing to improve your musicality? A weekly tap class is your direct route to addressing these challenges. Instead of dismissing tap with “I’m not a tapper,” embrace it as a powerful tool to elevate your artistry across all dance genres. Tap dance training cultivates a rhythmic intelligence that permeates every movement you make.
Decoding Music: Tap Class Teaches Counting and Listening Skills
In every introductory tap class I teach, we begin with counting. It might seem rudimentary – after all, we can all count to eight, right? But what if I told you that not all music adheres to counts of eight? You are likely dancing to music in various time signatures without even realizing it. Imagine the transformative impact on your dancing if you truly understood how to listen to and count music beyond the basic 8-count. Tap dance class delves into counting across different note values: quarter notes, eighth notes, triplets, and sixteenth notes. It introduces fundamental music theory concepts in a practical, embodied way. The deeper your understanding of music theory, the more intelligently and expressively you can dance to that music. Tap dance provides a practical, auditory approach to music theory that translates into a more profound understanding of musicality in all dance forms.
Become a Well-Rounded and Employable Dancer Through Tap Dance Training
If your aspirations include a professional dance career or acceptance into a competitive college dance program, the ability to tap dance can be a significant advantage, and often, a requirement. Consider the experience of Valeria, a former student now studying at Pace University in New York City, aiming for the prestigious Radio City Rockettes. Despite years of diverse dance training, Valeria initially considered tap dance optional and eventually stopped taking classes. However, upon arriving in New York, she quickly realized the crucial role tap plays in the professional dance world. In her words, “After years of training as a so-called well-rounded and versatile dancer, it is only now in college, studying in Pace University’s Commercial dance program, I find myself realizing that tap dance is truly a foundational style which has helped me further my understanding of dance and music. I wish that tap had not been an optional class growing up in the studio and competition world. I feel like I missed out on valuable information that tap class offers during a very crucial developmental stage of my life. I have learned that tap technique is so important to know, especially in New York. I find myself surrounded by opportunities to use my (even basic) tap technique to my advantage. My tap knowledge is constantly being tested within the BFA college curriculum at Pace University, during most Broadway show auditions, and of course, it is expected when working with the Radio City Rockettes. I can see that the dancers proficient in tap are the most successful.” Valeria’s experience underscores a vital point: tap dance is not a niche skill; it’s a foundational element of a versatile and employable dancer. For young dancers serious about pursuing dance professionally, tap class is an invaluable investment.
Tap Dance: An American Art Form and Rich History
Beyond its practical benefits for dancers, tap dance holds a significant place in cultural history. It’s a distinctly American art form that has profoundly influenced dance, film, music, and even social change in America. As dancers, we are inheritors of this rich legacy. Learning about dance history is crucial to understanding our artistic lineage, and tap dance is an integral chapter in that story. Embracing tap is not just about mastering steps; it’s about connecting with a vibrant history and appreciating the evolution of dance itself.
In conclusion, the advantages of tap dance extend far beyond the tap floor. It cultivates rhythm and musicality, hones your ability to listen to and understand music, and transforms you into a more well-rounded, employable dancer. Moreover, it connects you to a significant American art form with a captivating history. I wholeheartedly encourage every dancer to step into a tap class, embrace the challenge, and discover the joy and profound benefits of becoming a more complete and rhythmically intelligent dancer.
Kelly Krammer is a dance educator extensively trained by the American Tap Dance Foundation in New York City. Since 2011, she has been teaching and choreographing at dance studios across the United States. Recognized for her innovative choreography, Kelly has received numerous awards at regional and national competitions. She is also a sought-after instructor at national dance competitions and conventions and has served as a judge for various regional and national events. Kelly’s mission is to inspire dancers and champion the enduring art of tap dancing among aspiring young artists.
