Published with permission of the author, Karida Griffith.
Tap Dance is one of the most unique dance forms, because we dance AND we create music, using tap shoes as percussion instruments!
This means that Tap Dance not ONLY has the physical benefits of dance AND the developmental benefits of learning music!!
BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
Because of the combined features of counting, music & movement, Tap Dance engages many parts of the brain and helps to improve its capacity for learning.
GENERAL ACADEMICS & IQ
The musical training that exists in Tap class has been found to be related to higher IQ, standardized test scores and overall academic achievement.
MATHEMATICS
“When children learn rhythm, they are learning ratios, fractions and proportions,” said Professor Gordon Shaw from UC Irvine. Tap Dance can help your child learn math in an artistic way!
GROSS MOTOR SKILLS
Percussion instruments (like Tap shoes!) help children develop coordination and gross motor skills; the combination of movement, sound and music is great for high-energy kids
OTHER DANCE STYLES
The musicality practiced in Tap Dance is used greatly in other dance styles such as Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, and even the quick & rhythmic footwork of Petit Allegro in Ballet!
LANGUAGE
Tap Class requires listening skills to understand rhythm patterns. These rhythmic listening skills can positively impact the development of language and reasoning!
TEAMWORK & SOCIAL SKILLS
While many dance classes strive for visual uniformity, Tap classes have the added challenge of creating rhythmic harmony. Each child must know and understand their individual part in the larger ensemble!
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Because of its unique complexity, learning Tap Dance refines Discipline & Patience. Children learn about delayed gratification as they develop their technique. It teaches about the power of practice, process and persistence
SELF-ESTEEM
In Tap Class, students face and conquer the challenges of learning to expand both their musical abilities and Tap vocabulary. Also, Tap students take risks and discover their own voices through improvisation!
MUSIC REINFORCEMENT
Because of the music theory taught in Tap class, students who study other musical instruments get to kinesthetically reinforce those skills in the dance studio.