Tap Dancing

TAP DANCING

Tap has evolved as an American dance form, popularised throughout the world, with debate about its origins coming from African dance, Irish dance and/or clog dancing. The dancer uses their feet to strike the floor, beating out different rhythms, with dancers wearing tap shoes which have small metal plates on the toe and heel to give the distinctive sound. Tap dance is a theatrical art form often seen on stage in musicals.

We advise young children (3-4 years) start Ballet or Funky feet with us first before taking up tap, this is because they need a good standard of the basic skills like balance / co-ordination and concentration levels, otherwise it becomes too repetitive and young children can get easily put off.

Pupils gain co-ordination, rhythm and confidence with stage work and choreography, developing an appreciation for musicals. It is also physically demanding. Older students develop the skills to produce intricate rhythms and develop different styles of tap dancing which prepares them for future shows like ‘Tap dogs’ or ‘42nd Street’

We teach the ISTD Tap syllabus from Primary right through to the advanced – professional level and we also have an Adult Class.

(Please view Examinations for more details)

'My six and nine year old daughters loved doing tap and ballet at Hertsmere academy of dance. It is a down to earth dance school where technique, self esteem and teamwork are important values. Discipline and the well being of the pupils is a real focus of Miss Chahna and she is incredibly easy to talk to about any concerns or questions we have had. A real highlight was the annual dance show which was all about fun and positive learning. It was a great experience, put on by a supportive, well run and organised school of dance' - T. Behr

'This young man, now 13, started his dancing lessons age 3 with Miss Chahna at Hertsmere Academy of Performing Arts. He started with Ballet and then age 8 he started Tap. After a couple of grades he got a scholarship to Sylvia Young Theatre School and this week he will be opening with the cast of The Nose at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. He will be Tap Dancing. Ilan has already been in a few West End shows but this is his first with Tap. He always loved his Lessons with Miss Chahna and she was always a great support. He never forgets where his love of dance started and will always be grateful for Chahna's brilliant lessons, support and encouragement all of which got him to where he is today. Many thanks Chahna. We hope you continue to inspire many more boys and girls in their love of the Arts. ' - Suzanne Galkoff