Intro to Tap Dance (grades 8-12 and adult)
Explore the rhythmic world of tap dance in our beginner-level class, suitable for 8th graders to adults. Led by certified movement analyst — and our newest instructor — Emily Oleson, this course will get you in touch with your own movement voice — through tap! With an emphasis on the social and communicative nature of tap dance, you’ll learn to improvise in a community setting and embrace your musicality, all while focusing on body alignment and efficient movement. We’ll also honor tap history as a social dance of African American origin and its ever-changing performance aspects.
Instructor: Emily Oleson
Thursdays from 6:45-7:45 p.m.
Late spring term: April 25-May 30 (no class May 9)
Meets at 211 N Lewis St, Staunton VA
Tap shoes: If you already have tap shoes, bring them! If you don’t have tap shoes, any thin-soled sneakers, such as Converse or Keds will work while we find a proper-fitting shoe for you. We will have shoes available to rent or purchase. A great fit is so important — please let us help you!
Please wear comfortable, form-fitting movement clothes. No jewelry. Bring a water bottle!
About the instructor
Emily Oleson is a dance scholar who has studied a broad range of movement styles, from traditional Appalachian flatfooting and other percussive dances, to forms of Irish dance, partner dance, contemporary urban dances, and vernacular jazz. She received her MFA in Dance at the University of Maryland College Park in May 2012 and a certification in Laban-Bartenieff Movement Analysis in 2015 from the Laban-BartenieffInstitute of Movement Studies. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Dance at Temple University.
