Tap dancers make frequent use of syncopation, so musicality is very important. Choreography typically starts on the eighth or first beatcount.  Another aspect of tap dancing is improvisation. This can either be done with music and follow the beats provided or without musical accompaniment. 

Dancers, known as Hoofers are tap dancers who dance primarily with their legs, making a louder, more grounded sound. This kind of tap dancing, also called "rhythm tap", came primarily from cities and urban areas. Today this style appears all over the world, especially with the way variety of styles spread.  The use of ballet training to make tap dancing incorporate more lyrical led to what is today known as "Broadway style," which is more mainstream in American culture. It often involves high heeled tap shoes and show music, and is usually the type of tap first taught to beginners. The best examples of this style are found in Broadway musicals.

 ***Artisan is happy to have Ms. Julie Hughes as Director of our Tap program based on the Broadway Style of Tap.***