Children's Tap Dance: A Factsheet for Parents
Tap dance is a fun and energetic dance style that involves creating rhythm and sound through the use of tap shoes. For children, tap dance can be a great way to develop coordination, musicality, and creativity. As a parent, it's important to understand the benefits of tap dance for your child and what to expect from their training.
Benefits of Tap Dance for Children
1. Coordination and Balance
Tap dance requires a lot of coordination and balance, as dancers need to move their feet quickly and accurately while maintaining their posture and balance. This helps children develop their motor skills and spatial awareness.
2. Musicality and Rhythm
Tap dance is all about creating rhythm and sound with your feet. This helps children develop their sense of musicality and timing, as they learn to listen to and interpret music through their movements.
“When I first saw tap dancing, I immediately got it: the righteousness of being able to make so much noise with your feet!” – Shalom Harlow.
3. Creativity and Self-Expression
Tap dance is a creative and expressive dance style that allows children to develop their own unique style and personality. It encourages children to be creative and to express themselves through movement.
4. Confidence and Self-Esteem
Tap dance can help children develop confidence and self-esteem as they learn new skills and perform in front of others. It also teaches children the importance of practice and hard work, which can help them develop a growth mindset.
What to Expect from Tap Dance Training
Tap dance training typically involves learning basic steps and combinations, as well as developing rhythm and musicality. Children will also learn more advanced steps and choreography as they progress taking part in the studio showcases. Tap dance classes may include warm-up exercises, drills, and choreography.
It's important for children to wear tap shoes for their classes, as these shoes are specifically designed for tap dance and allow for proper sound and technique. Children should also wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement.
Conclusion
Tap dance is a fun and engaging dance style that offers many benefits for children. It helps develop coordination, musicality, creativity, and confidence. As a parent, it's important to encourage your child's interest in tap dance and to support their training and development. With practice and dedication, your child can become a skilled and confident tap dancer.
Want to try tap class with us? Check out our youth or adult beginner sessions. You can even buy your tap shoes at our in house shop or online store
