“Accapella” Video

Hey all,

As promised, here is a quick video of “Accapella” that we have been working on. Use it to practice the rhythm of that last step. Don’t worry if you can’t get it right now, I’ll break down that part when we come back from break.
As many of you have asked, this song is by Jack Zerby.

 

 

 

Also, here is the video of the Boston Tap Company when the opened for the Rockettes at the Wang Theater in Boston. Enjoy!!

Click here to check it out!

 

 

 

Also, here is one example of the Hoofer’s Line from the Broadway show “Black and Blue” which featured some of the best Tap dancers around.

Weekly Recap

Great first week of classes everyone! Today I would like to recap some of the concepts we covered. It’s not going to be in depth, but just a refresher in case anyone forgot or wants to practice. Not all classes received the same information, so if you see something you didn’t get this week, don’t worry, it’s coming!

First big topic: PICK UP YOUR FEET! Flaps and shuffles in particular. Remember that these two basics do not start from the back- you need to bring the whole leg up! We over-exaggerated the leg motion especially with the shuffles to work control.

YOU HAVE TO COUNT! Swing versus straight time (a1 a2 a3 a4 vs. 1& 2& 3& 4&). Also eighth notes and sixteenth notes- finding the timing and making sure each count has a sound (remember the Cramp Rolls?)

DON’T BE ON AUTO-PILOT! Just because you know how to do shuffle grab-offs don’t assume that I will give you the rhythm you are used to. I often take steps you know and change up how they sound so pay attention to what is given. Take the time to focus on your sounds and do your best. Don’t worry if you mess up- we learn from making mistakes.

DON’T GET DISCOURAGED. Yes, my class is hard. Yes, my class moves fast. I give challenging concepts and combos because I want you to learn. I can’t always give you stuff everyone can do right off the bat because then what are you really learning? It’s only the first week, I know most of you are a little rusty. It’s ok. I’m here to help you so ask me questions.

PRACTICE!!! My job is to give you tools, resources, constructive criticisim, and positive reinforcement. What you do with all that information is up to you. You only get what you give.

Thanks to all for a great week!

A few other announcements:

If you’re in Boston this weekend GO SEE BOSTON TAP COMPANY’S SHOW “RHYTHM IN THE NIGHT” ON STAURDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH!!!! I unfortunately won’t be there but it’s going to be an amazing show!

I also hope you’re enjoying the Women in Tap segment. I will be back to blogging on Monday so be ready to read about more incredible ladies changing the face of Tap. If there is anyone that you would like to see profiled, let me know!

Have a great weekend.

Here is a video of the Boston Tap Company from when we performed at The Beantown Tapfest. I don’t know why I didn’t post this sooner! Sorry. Enjoy!

Boston Tap Company Performance

Looking for something to do on Saturday night? Well, look no further! Boston Tap Company is performing in a special one night only event at Riverside Theater Works in Hyde Park, MA! Tickets are $20 and space is limited. Don’t miss out on this incredible show!!!

Taporama

Check out this article written in The Phoenix about Beantown Tapfest! What a spectacular showing of talent! I had the pleasure of performing with BTC and checking out some of the other performances during sound check. I love how creative all the artists are and that we have opportunities like these to showcase our passion.

Beantown Tapfest

Don’t miss out on the Beantown Tapfest! It runs from August 16th-22nd. Register now! There are evening residencies and weekend classes taught by some of the best teachers around. Also come see the Boston Tap Company perform on Friday August 20th! See you there.

To Video or Not To Video

Rehearsal on Sunday was so much fun! We started learning part of the opening number. It’s got great rhythm and musicality. After we were done, one of the parents asked if she could video so her daughter could practice. Sean’s response was “no”. And for a good reason: the video then becomes a crutch. You have to rely on your mind and your body to remember the routine. You should be able to sing the song and that’s how you remember the steps. Don’t think of it as steps or a combination, think of it as music. Hear the song.

I don’t mind putting up the video, but i too believe you need to hear the song. When you are practicing, you should be able to sing the entire number with the correct rhythms, accents, and tones. Use the video as a tool to see what you need to work on (but you should already know that) and where you are performance wise. The next time I tape class hopefully we will be able to see that we’ve tightened up and are making cleaner sounds.

Boston Tap Company

I’ve just been accepted into the Boston Tap Company!! The audition was an incredible experience. Sean Fielder, the founder, taught the class and created (or at least seemed to create) on the spot choreography to “Boom Boom Pow”.  It was definitely a challenging class- Sean’s rhythms are tricky and extremely musical. But in the end, it’s not about having choreography down perfectly, it’s all about how you present what you know. Personality is the key ingredient in any audition. You can have the best technique in the world, but if you’re not fun to watch then you’ll never get the job. You have to be in the moment and enjoy it to its fullest potential. That’s how you get a great performance.

I am so thankful for this opportunity that I have been given. Tap is my life and my love and without it I would be lost. This is the first step to attain my life’s goal of being a professional tap dancer.