Dance mum's/teachers - How important is tap

[Didiplanthis]

DD is 9 she loves to dance and does various genres. She can see dance might feature in her future - probably not as a performer but maybe teaching. How important is tap ? We are struggling to fit everything in and this was dropped but could possibly be fitted back in at a push but I'd rather not at this stage. Is it important and is it something that could be learned later if necessary ? Thank you !

Well yes. You need to have minimum grade 4 ballet to join the entry level class.

It would be more usual to start contemporary around the age of 12. By then the serious students would be approx Grade 5/6/Inter Foundation standard but its not just technique, its the emotional maturity needed for the style.

Most of the students are 12 plus. They are in grade 5 minimum.

It’s entry level, as I said. Contemporary schools here have their own junior section, for much younger children, too. All age appropriate.

Tap is a wonderful Dance style, however, of all the styles it’s the one that not all dancers enjoy. It’s a marmite! I have 1 DD who is a ballet, jazz and lyrical loving dancer.... but she didn’t get on with tap and dropped it. My other DD loves tap - it’s her favourite and she would do tap even if she don’t do anything else. She does ballet only because she knows she must..... and because she adores the freedom and creativity of contemporary ballet. Not all Dance teachers teach every discipline. A lot don’t teach tap - teachers often specialise and work in groups to bring the best together. Good luck!!