Tap Dance
Shoe Recommendations
We recommend Bloch or Capezio shoes that offer support. You will want to ask for shoes that are not split sole or considered a "jazz tap" shoe. We do not recommend purchasing character or high-heel tap shoes, and do not recommend wearing shiny patent leather "Mary Jane" shoes as they restrict foot movement.
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In person
Dancewear Center (Kirkland & Renton)
DWC Hours & Location — Dancewear Center
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Online
Intro to Tap ​
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​Thursdays at 4pm
May 1 through July 31 (no class May 22)​​
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Please email us​ to be notified once we have details about our next intro series.
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Intro to Tap classes are perfect for anyone who wants to learn tap dance, but has no experience. You will learn and connect basic tap steps, and learn how to transfer weight from one foot to another when connecting tap steps. You will have opportunities to listen to your tap steps with no music, but also enjoy dancing to different genres of music.
Learn how to dance across the floor and perform small combinations as a group with others. Once this session ends, you will have the knowledge needed to take any of our ongoing weekly Tap 1 classes. Tap dance history is integrated in to each class through a short discussion or video.
Important Registration Info
These in-person classes are for adults only. By purchasing this series, it is understood this is a 3-month tap dance series that requires the use of tap dance shoes. The initial $80 purchase will register you for the series and cover the cost of the first month of classes. There will be (2) additional charges of $80, one being on June 1st, and the last one being on July 1st. Thank you for understanding that we cannot offer refunds for unattended classes once purchased. New client special offers can not be used for this series.
Tap Technique
Fridays at 11am - for dancers confidently taking level 1/2 and level 2 classes
Work on your technique in these classes geared towards making your tap dancing cleaner, fasters, and more precise. Expect to learn new steps and variations of steps. We will also work on cleaning up sounds and transitions between steps. These classes will not include a dance routine, but will instead incorporate across-the-floor and center work exercises. ​Tap dance history is integrated in to each class through a short discussion or video.
Tap I
w/ Steven Oelrich & Shanee Luk
A class for those with at least 4 months of current tap dance experience or anyone finishing our Intro to Tap series. You will learn to combine steps so you can perform Shim-Sham, Time Step, Shirley Temple, Waltz Clog. In this level, you'll begin learning basic time steps. We also dance across the floor and learn small combinations.
​Tap dance history is integrated in to each class through a short discussion or video. We invite you to try the class out if you believe it will be a great fit with your skill level; If the class is too easy or difficult, we have other tap classes we can offer.
Tap I/II
w/ Steven Oelrich & Shanee Luk
A class for those with at least 1 year of current tap dance experience. Expect to go across the floor, learn new steps, and put together fun little combinations. You will learn different variations of time steps, including chug and travel times steps. This class incorporates both rhythm tap and Broadway tap styles.
​Tap dance history is integrated in to each class through a short discussion or video. We invite you to try the class out if you believe it will be a great fit with your skill level; If the class is too easy or difficult, we have other tap classes we can offer.
Tap II
w/ Steven Oelrich & Shanee Luk
Typically, for those with at least 3-years of tap dance experience. Expect to combine steps to create upbeat and interesting across-the-floor rhythms, as well as learn short dance combinations that keep everyone on their toes and moving. You will be introduced to syncopation and varied tempos. These classes incorporate rhythm and Broadway tap styles in fun and unique ways. They differ from Tap 1/2 in that you will be expected to remember and combine steps in a quicker manner, be able to tap dance with increased speed, and will be asked to remember longer combinations.
Tap dance history is integrated in to each class through a short discussion or video. We invite you to try the class out if you believe it will be a great fit with your skill level; If the class is too easy or difficult, we have other tap classes we can offer.
Theater Tap - level II
w/ Shanee Luk
Bring your jazz hands! Tap dancers taking Theater (Broadway) tap can expect the type of show dancing seen in live stage musicals and in Hollywood films. This class will typically incorporate more arm movements, artistic body movements, and movements across the dance floor than rhythm tap dancing. Dancers can expect simpler and more predictable rhythms, more formations, and lots of personality! This is an intermediate leveled class. Dancers should have at least 2-3 years of tap dance experience before joining.
Tap II/III w/ Steven Oelrich
Tap III w/ Steven Oelrich
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These classes are great for dancers with at least 3-4 years of recent tap experience. Dancers should know how to swing steps, incorporate syncopation, as well as tap dance to varying tempos and time signatures. You will continue to learn steps that require additional stamina, precision, and incorporate rhythm and Broadway tap styles. We invite you to try the class out if you believe it will be a great fit with your skill level; If the class is too easy or difficult, we have other tap classes we can offer. Tap dance history is integrated in to each class through a short discussion or video.
Tap IV w/ Steven Oelrich
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Dancers should have extensive knowledge of tap dance and be able to quickly and effortlessly combine steps together to create beautiful and unique rhythms. Dancers can expect to come across steps that require additional stamina and precision in execution. Participants should understand different time signatures in order to produce interesting and unique rhythmic percussion. Please know, tap dance history is integrated in to each class through a short discussion or video.