During our last class of the year, we experimented with....TAP! Kyndell and I have considered this in the past and had reservations due to the auditory sensory input. We fit a pair to a student during the previous week- a student whose feet were ALWAYS moving in ballet shoes. In 10 minutes, she had taught herself to shuffle, flap, clip, running flaps, and more. She tapped ALL over the room. She is our little Miss Happy Feet.
Not all students were quire as enthusiastic about the tap shoes- giving us a "You want me to put WHAT on my feet?" look. No students were forced, but if they wanted tap shoes and we had the right size, they got to wear them. Others remained in their ballet shoes.
Well, at this point it shouldn't be surprising, BUT, the dancers did great. We taught them some basic tap terminology and steps, such as toes, heels, heel toes and toe heels along with shuffles. They picked it up very quickly and I personally liked the sensory input they received from performing quicker firmer movements on the floor.
Kyndell and I have decided to push forward with tap in 2012 and see where it takes us. Maybe you'll find a few tappers in our recital.
Here's to a great start for the new year- we plan to tap on into it!
- Leah
