Tap at The Beat with Gregg Geoffroy

Introduction to Tap

This is the first step for the uninitiated, or the returning student who feels like they're essentially starting over. This course is a progressive 16 week program requiring pre-registration, and is the only class that does not permit drop-ins. Rudimentary technique and basic vocabulary (physical and musical) are developed through short, repetitive combinations to prepare students for beginning classes at any studio.
Class Cost: $13/class or $160 for the entire series
Start Date: March 21st, 2010
When: Every Sunday 1-2pm

Advanced Beginners Tap

These beginning classes refine and expand upon existing technique and essentials of the Intro to Tap class. Increased fluency and comfort in beginning level material means that the classroom pace picks up. Combinations and choreography utilize greater rhythmic sophistication and asymmetrical movement. Rhythm drills prepare students for improvisation. Relevant tap history is always integrated into each class.

Intermediate Tap I

With greater fluency expected, the physical and musical demands increase. Improvisational skills are developed, complicated choreography (original, and historical pieces), musicality (tone and dynamics), orchestrated tap (including canons are explored) and more complicated rhythm drills challenge student’s sense of time. Flash is introduced through careful progressions. Specific aspects of historical figures and their contributions are analyzed and learned.

Intermediate Tap II

These classes move at a quicker pace, require less technical explanation, but more personal accountability (students are encouraged to 'stand alone'). Students are equipped to develop their foundations in flash, deepen their awareness of the masters, and demonstrate their artistic maturity. Choreography and improvisational drills challenge conceptions and use of tap as a performance and expressive medium. Many drills train students' ears for greater "metronome sense" in preparation for polymetric hearing. Classes at this level are much more progressive in developing the artist through the culmination of their tap experience.

Advanced Tap

A very progressive class which focuses on the development of the individual. Elements of style are discussed and through exploratory drills and assignments students begin to define themselves. Structured (and sometimes free) improvisation is often used to exercise new concepts and developments.

Kids Tap

THE BEAT Berkeley Performing ARTS
2560 9th Street, Suite #119 (at Parker)
Berkeley, CA 94710   510.843.2328
www.theberkeleyperformingarts.org