Why Every Dancer Should Learn Tap
When I first started dancing, Miss Loretta was my tap teacher. She was already quite old then, and to this day, she remains a vibrant part of our dance studio's history, although she no longer teaches. Miss Loretta was known for her strict discipline and unwavering standards. One instance that stands out vividly in my memory is related to "The Chart."
"The Chart" was a large paper grid with all our names on the y-axis and skills to master on the x-axis. Every week, we had to state our name, the skill we intended to pass off, and then demonstrate the skill in front of the entire class. We were given three attempts to showcase our mastery. I vividly remember my first time. After learning the proper order of how to announce our skill, I confidently stepped up. I executed the skill perfectly and was eager to check off my first box. However, Miss Loretta told me that I had not properly announced the skill I was performing. Therefore, I forfeited the chance to pass it off. I was devastated. Despite my pleading, it didn't matter—I hadn't followed the instructions exactly.
The Lessons of Tap
This story exemplifies why tap is such a valuable style for dancers. Tap requires a great deal of discipline and responsibility. It teaches students to listen to music intently, follow timing with precision, and place their bodies accurately. Miss Loretta's strictness instilled in us the importance of adhering to instructions and perfecting our skills. Tap, when taught correctly, enhances a dancer's musicality and attention to detail.
My Love-Hate Relationship with Tap
Throughout high school, I hated tap with a passion. In fact, it became a running joke how much I despised it. However, my perspective changed dramatically when I became a tap teacher. It was then that I realized the importance of tap in a dance curriculum and the valuable skills and amazing opportunities it provides. Tap taught me the significance of discipline and musicality, and I now see how it can open doors for other dancers as well.
Tap in Musical Theatre and Beyond
Tap remains a critical skill in the world of musical theatre. Many Broadway shows continue to feature tap dancing, including "42nd Street," "Anything Goes," and "The Tap Dance Kid." By learning tap, dancers open up a broader range of opportunities for themselves in musical theatre and beyond.
Moreover, many dance conventions include tap classes and auditions. I recall attending conventions and noticing that some studios didn't teach tap. During the tap portion, dancers from these studios had to participate in their ballet shoes, which put them at a distinct disadvantage. This was one less class where they could compete for scholarships and recognition.
The Importance of Early Tap Training
Having taught tap to an entire studio of students who had never done it before, I can attest that learning tap from a young age is significantly easier than starting later. My younger students picked up the fundamentals quickly because tap requires a different kind of coordination compared to other dance styles. This early exposure to diverse movement styles enhances a dancer's versatility and adaptability.
Tap as a Performance Enhancer
Incorporating tap into a dancer's repertoire also increases performance quality. Tap is an engaging and enjoyable style that resonates with audiences and makes people happy. Famous tap dancers like Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Gregory Hines, and Savion Glover have all brought unique elements to the style, making it popular and beloved. Robinson's light, clear sounds, Hines' rhythmic intricacies, and Glover's innovative techniques have all contributed to the evolution and popularity of tap.
Conclusion
Every dance studio should consider incorporating tap into their curriculum. It's not just about putting on tap shoes and calling it a day. True tap training, complete with dedicated routines, enriches dancers' skills and performance quality. Tap enhances musicality, discipline, and versatility, making it an invaluable addition to any dancer's education. So, let’s honor the legacy of teachers like Miss Loretta and ensure that tap continues to be a foundational element of dance training.
References
Theatre Trip. "Tap Dance Musicals." Accessed July 1, 2024. https://www.theatretrip.com/tap-dance-musicals/.
Broadway World. "Celebrate National Tap Dance Day With Our Favorite Broadway Tap Numbers!" Accessed July 1, 2024. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Celebrate-National-Tap-Dance-Day-With-Our-Favor
Smithsonian Magazine. "Three Ways Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson Changed Dance Forever." Accessed July 1, 2024. Smithsonian
Wikipedia. "Tap dance." Accessed July 1, 2024. Wikipedia
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