It's no secret that I think tap dance is the best dance. I will literally take any kind of dance class and perform in any genre, but it's tap that has my whole heart. I just feel most comfortable with tap shoes on! Maybe you feel the same way? Or maybe you're not sure yet which style of dance you like best. That's cool - different strokes for different folks!
Then again, I'm not above trying to convince people that they should try tap for themselves. So if you've been thinking about taking some tap classes in your area but you're still on the fence, here are four reasons you should give tap a try:
Tap Is Entertaining
Tap dancers know that our genre doesn't always get the respect it deserves from other dancers, and that's sad. But you know who loves tap? Audiences. Tap may not necessarily be the most serious or most technically challenging form of dance, but it is definitely a crowd-pleaser. People love to watch tap! Maybe because it's a form of dance they're familiar with from musicals or the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. Or maybe because so much tap choreography highlights the fact that the dancers involved are having fun.
Tap Is for Everyone
When people talk about having a "dance body," they're usually picturing the classic ballerina or lyrical or contemporary dancer. While I firmly believe that every body that dances is a dance body, I do understand that some genres of dance require that dancers be especially fit because the moves are so challenging. Tap can be challenging, too, but in general, you really can tap at any age and at any size or shape or fitness level.
Tap Is Spontaneous
While I do think that improv should be a part of every dance class, including ballet, it's usually only in tap classes that you'll find students doing improv on the regular. Why? Because tap is musical, and so it's relatively easy for even beginner tap dancers to bust out some unchoreographed moves. Tap dancing doesn't require a lot of prep or a lot of space. Hear a beat? Move your feet. Suddenly, you've got a tap jam going!
Tap Is a Community
If you're really into tap dance, I have some good news for you! There is a super supportive community of your fellow tap dancers out there ready to welcome you in. We are all over social media, chatting and sharing resources and showcasing our stuff. Even if you're new to tap dancing, I recommend joining one or more groups because you're going to learn a lot. Have questions about a step? Need help with your technique? Want advice about tap shoes? You'll get all of the info you need and more from friendly tappers!
And there you have it! Four reasons why tap dance is the best dance - especially for adult beginners!
Happy tapping!
Want to tap dance? Christa Terry teaches kid, teen, and adult tap classes at Dance Enthusiasm in Salem, MA! More info on her upcoming summer schedule: http://www.danceenthusiasm.org/summer/
Whether you've never put on a pair of tap shoes or you want to get back into tap dancing, whether you're 8 or 80, Christa knows you can do it!
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