NYC Session: July 18-23, 2016
What is it?
The Tap Into Freedom Intensive provides an intimate, challenging, and encouraging atmosphere for the Intermediate, Advanced and Pre-professional, as well as tap dance educators. The intensive is designed to present a complete toolkit every participant to use in their personal journey of the art of tap dance. We do this
In over 50 hours of training, topics to be covered include:
- Flexibility and Strength
- Progressions
- Music Theory
- Musicianship
- Storytelling
- Tap Dance History
- and Special Topics
Space is limited to ensure a personalized learning environment.
2016 Schedule
*Schedule subject to change.
Attendees will also attend these special events, and have the option to privately audition for Andrew’s tap dance company, Cats Paying Dues.
Flexibility and Strength
The foundation of a dancer is their body. Intensive participants will learn the 5 building blocks to a healthy system, flexibility and strength exercises (designed by Wharton Health),
Progressions
The rudiment approach to tap dance training, as developed by Steve Condos, has been a cornerstone of tap dance education since the resurgence gained traction in the 1980s. Participants will learn the underlying concepts of the rudiment approach, sample progressions, and how to create their own.
Music Theory
Tap dance is music. That means that tap dancers must have a basic understanding of music in order to fully understand tap dance. Participants will be guided through the basics of music theory, including rhythm theory and song structure.
Musicianship
If tap dance is music, then tap dancers are tasked with playing music. Participants will be guided through the experience of what developing musicianship looks like, key exercises, and goals.
Storytelling
Once we move beyond the technique of the craft, content becomes king. What is it that you are saying? Learning how to develop of stories, from inspiration to final narrative, is key to beginning to find your content. Participants will be guided through storytelling exercises, how to find their own stories, developing narrative structure, and delivery.
Tap Dance History
Tap dance has a storied oral tradition. Participants will learn about key contributors, traditional steps, and how this information may be applied to one’s personal process.
Special Topics
Additional topics include choreography analysis, stealing steps, and improvisation!