Tap Grade, Intermediate and Advanced Classes
From around 7 or 8 years, children with the right dance experience can start to work towards ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance) Graded examinations. Students without previous tap experience can join Grade 1 Tap from about 10 years. Please note; prospective students who are beginners may be placed in a class with younger children who have dance experience.
In all classes, we encourage the children to develop artistic quality and musical awareness, alongside learning correct technique and improving strength, flexibility and stamina. Prospective students who are beginners may be placed in a class with younger students who have dance experience. Children who show outstanding potential, may be asked by the Principal to commence work on Major examinations (beyond Intermediate Foundation) alongside continuing working through the ISTD Graded syllabi.
Students can study tap up to ISTD Advanced 2 level. Rhythm is fundamental to tap dancing, and students are encouraged to develop a good musical understanding and neat, clear beating derived from correct technique. Tap is introduced at Preparatory level to develop a basic understanding of rhythm and timing. Tap classes continue alongside modern at Pre-Primary, Primary and Grade 1 levels (with the exception of boys focusing on modern and street dance only).
Then, to reach their potential in tap, it is essential that children in Grade 2 tap and upwards also learn modern (and commercial / street dance) and / or ballet (and National) in order to develop the necessary strength, coordination and understanding of line.
Prospective students with previous tap dancing experience will need an assessment to find an appropriate level class. The in class assessment fee is £15-£25 depending on the level and duration of the class. A private assessment is charged as per private lesson fees. Please email relevant examination reports in advance so that these can be passed on to the teacher.
Tap Grade and Vocational Level Class Times Please refer to our timetable for class days and times for various levels:► Class Times
Uniform for Tap Grade and Vocational Level Classes Please refer to our uniform list on the web page below for items required for tap dancing classes: https://southlondondancestudios.co.uk/general-information/uniform-for-dance-classes/ After an initial period of half a term, your child must be wearing correct uniform. Most uniform items and all dance shoes must be purchased from a specialist dance shop. ‘Duo Dance’ in Herne Hill is the closest – 020 7274 4517. ‘Dancia’ in Covent Garden and ‘Julienne’ in Beckenham also stock some items of our uniform. We hold second hand uniform sales at the studios usually at the start of each term, please visit above web page for more information and refer to newsletters for forthcoming sale dates.► Uniform
Please note, the following additional fees:► Fees
30 minute class
£70
12 week term
45 minute class
£84
12 week term
60 minute class
£107
12 week term
75 minute class
£130
12 week term
Fees
Uniform