Hello everyone. I have just signed into this forum and am not sure how it works. I am looking for previous posts and suggestions on how to create a tap class for beginners (a) young children approx 5yrs to adults. All beginners. How do I pace the class so all can keep up but not too slow that it becomes boring? Any suggestions would be great.
Ta
New member
Hi there!
I'm afraid there aren't that many previous posts. The site was redone and new forums were put up this past August. All the posts put up by members can be seen on the front page. I'm hoping more people will join in soon.
As for your question about tap classes... The most important thing is to keep them engaged. A little trick that helps is to have them say the steps as they are doing them. Not only does it help them remember the names of the steps, but it engages their brain and body at the same time.
I hope this is helpful. If you have any more questions or want further clarification, just let me know.
-Merrill
New member
what I find helpful is doing some steps without music so everyone can hear the rhythm they're creating and also keep their own pace (especially travelling steps). That way, those who are picking it up faster can pick up the pace and those who need more time can break steps down slower. You can give the others a step to work on while you give individual time to each person going across the floor.
New member
Hi all! I too have just tapped my way in as a new member. I am interested in creating and teaching an improv class, since I have found that alot of my students REALLY shy away from it. Personally I find it loads of fun and great for creativity. Any suggestions in various exercises one could present in an improvisation class? Though I have a few ideas, I am interested in hearing more.
Improv Class
I think a good way yo approach improv if the kids are kind of shy about it is to gradually work them into it. You could try doing a simple 8 count combo across the floor, whewre you choreograph the first 6 counts and then the tappers have to improv the last 2 each time. The kids seem less intimidated when they start in small amounts.
Rod
go to http://www.unitedtaps.com for video clips of over 250 tap steps. All free!
New member
just a lil tip 4 wen teaching steps with more difficult timings is to use a little ryhme that goes with the step eg. shuffle hop step(r) shuffle step(l) 123 4 567
is: i have eggs for my breakfast
i works trust me!