Tap
Tap dance is an upbeat form of American dance that was influenced greatly by African rhythms and Irish dance styles . It is characterized by using tap shoes and the floor as a percussive instrument . Our tap program focuses on principles of rhythm , musicality , tap history , and performance quality . Students will explore the dance and performance aspects of broadway tap , the musical side of rhythm tap and everything in between .
Tap 1 will give students a basic vocabulary of tap steps and terminology . They will begin to explore music theory and the history behind steps and dances they learn in class . Through a variety of combinations they will work on principles of timing and technique .
Tap 2 will continue to explore intermediate variations of previously learned material , and begin to work on a variety of turning steps and time steps . Students will learn to count tap steps and continue to work concepts of musicality .
Tap 3 will give students a greater understanding of music theory with an emphasis on dynamic qualities such as polyrhythm , tempo , shading and time signature . Focus on more advanced movement and vocabulary , as well as concepts of improvisation will be explored at this level of study .
Tap 4 / 5 is designed for the advanced tapper who has a clear understanding of musicality and movement based tap skills .
Modern
Modern dance is the exploration of the basic elements of dance : time , space , energy , relationships and the coordination of our bodies . It builds on the student ’ s natural creativity to develop an understanding of the essence of all dance forms . Strong technique , strength , flexibility , and nurturing the love of dance is the goal of our modern dance program . Styles taught include : Martha Graham , Horton , Cunningham , Humphrey-Limon and Release techniques as well as the Arve and GAGA techniques .
Modern 1 introduces the basics of modern dance and encourages creative study through improvisation techniques .
Modern 2 deepens skills and choreographic understanding while focusing on pirouettes in various forms as well as strengthening through core work , jumps and leaps .
Modern 3 will focus on technique and is the stepping stone for more advanced modern work . Concurrent registration in a ballet class is required at this level and above .
Modern 4 will consist of intermediate modern technique . This is an extended time class which presents material at a challenging pace .
Modern 5 will consist of advanced modern technique . This class demands a mature approach to the understanding of movement and the principles of choreography .
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