Category Archives: Uncategorized

“We’re really trying to grow our tap program” I’ve heard this phrase at all three of studios I have worked for. It’s easy to assume that low enrollment means the style is dying, but really, the way tap is being marketed and taught needs some revamping. Marketing-wise, studios tend to send out images of theirContinue reading “Low Enrollment?”

When it comes to defining the different forms of tap dancing, there are several mixed opinions floating around on what styles there are, how many, and what constitutes something as tap dancing versus a different form of dance entirely. Some argue there is only one form—tap itself. Those following this line of thinking believe theContinue reading “What Tap Is”

It would be nearly sacrilegious to run a tap blog without mentioning the beloved Shim Sham. Tapper Leonard Reed had at one time claimed to be the sole creator of the routine back in the 1920’s, but as dance preservationist Rusty Frank states, “At the time, Reed was part of a tap duo with WillieContinue reading “The Shim Sham”

Dancers and their feet are suffering due to a lack of information on split-sole versus full-sole tap shoes. For many dancers, tap comes as an accompaniment rather than the apotheosis of their career. With this in mind, the value of a supportive shoe is often set aside for more affordable options, and for these dancersContinue reading “Split-Sole or Full-Sole?”