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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Tuesdays at 4pm
February 3 - April 28 (no class March 31)
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If you would like to be notified of the next series, please email us and we can reach out with future registration information.​
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Intro to Tap classes are perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to tap dance, but has no experience. You will learn the fundamental steps of tap dance, connect basic steps, and learn how to anticipate the next step and successfully 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. You will enjoy dancing across the floor and performing 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 March 1st, and the last one being on April 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
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Tap I classes are designed for dancers with at least four to six months of current tap dance experience, or those who have completed our Intro to Tap series. Students will build on foundational skills by learning to combine steps into classic tap combinations, including the Shim Sham, Time Steps, Shirley Temple, and more!
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At this level, dancers will continue to expand practice traveling steps across the floor, and learn short combinations that support rhythm, clarity, and musicality. Elements of tap dance history may also be incorporated through brief discussions or video clips. We encourage you to try these classes if you feel it may be a good fit for your current skill level. If the class feels too easy or too challenging, we are happy to recommend another tap class that better supports your progress.
Tap I/II
w/ Steven Oelrich, Shanee Luk, and Ben Lohr
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Tap I/II classes are designed for dancers with at least 12-months of current tap dance experience. Dancers will build on their skills by working on increasing speed, memory retention, exploring new and interesting rhythms, and expanding on their learned steps.
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At this level, dancers will continue to expand practice traveling steps across the floor, and learning short combinations that support rhythm, clarity, and musicality. Elements of tap dance history may also be incorporated through brief discussions or video clips. We encourage you to try these classes if you feel it may be a good fit for your current skill level. If the class feels too easy or too challenging, we are happy to recommend another tap class that better supports your progress.
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/ Ben Lohr
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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.