Hip Hop, Jazz & Tap

Beginner to advanced beginner jazz class for 9 to 14 year olds covering the basics of theatrical jazz from Jack Cole influences through Bob Fosse and Frank Hatchett styles. Warm ups, technique exercises and across the floor phrases prepare the dancer for a final combination which allows the dancer to find the connection of the movement to the music through physical expression. Technique will be emphasized for strength and balance in eventual jumps and turns with special emphasis on finding the dynamics of dance. Leggings and leotard or form fitting attire preferred with jazz shoes, socks or bare feet.

In rhythm tap, we will explore the fundamentals of musicality and movement while learning tap dance skills through traditional repertoire and improvisation. Students will learn rhythmic and musical structure, the five basic tap forms, traditional steps and their history, and develop a solid foundation in the magic and joy of tap dance! This class is for dancers aged 6 and up and will be orchestrated so that students with tap experience will receive instruction appropriate for their level. No shoes? No problem! Victoria has a supply of children’s tap shoes that students can borrow for the term.

Beginning Musical Theater Tap with Francesca takes students ages 12 and up on a journey starting with rhythm and the body mechanics of making sounds to teach the steps, musicality, and style needed to shine like a star. Using jazz standards and showtunes to fuel the fun, this class is designed for students who learn in many different ways and focuses on working steadily to achieve the technical goals of clarity and pizazz. Musical Theater Tap tends to be a rather high-energy style so make sure to bring a water bottle, wear clothing that is easy to move in, and bring a can-do attitude. No shoes? No problem! Francesca brings along her stock of shoes to be borrowed for classes. If you are in need of shoes, please come early to the first class to get properly fitted.

Rhythm Tap, also known as Jazz Tap, tends to focus on the sound, rather than appearance, using dancing as a percussive musical instrument, similar to drumming. The class level is Fast Beginning/Slow Intermediate. Some prior tap experience, or extended dance training is recommended. An understanding of musical bars and phrases is also helpful. Lace-up Oxford style tap shoes are recommended. Otherwise, students may wear whatever is comfortable and allows free movement. Footwork tends to be close to the floor with a relaxed foot. Class begins with a brief body warmup. The class will include learning new and repertoire/historical pieces and exercises.

This is a fun, high energy class that prioritizes finding your own style and personality. We do lots of strength training, coordination exploration, and endurance building. We focus on footwork, isolations, hip hop fundamentals, musicality, and most importantly – finding your fierceness. This is a great class to explore your inner baddie. We have a great time learning modern hip hop choreography and bringing our own personal flavor to the moves. Toni's choreography is inspired by contemporary hip hop trends as well as old school style. This class is for students who have taken hip hop basics or have studied with Toni in the past.