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Tap: Level 1

Sample Video

Tap: Level 1 Sample/Full Video Description

The No-Fuss Tap Training Curriculum That Builds Rhythm, Clarity & Control from Day One

DTCE’s Tap: Level 1 gives teachers a structured, classroom-ready system for introducing beginner tap technique with precision and progress. With clear demonstrations, right vs. wrong examples, and cue-based corrections, this course helps dancers develop musicality, weight shifts, and sound clarity—without the guesswork.

Key Features of DTCE’s Tap: Level 1

39+ beginner tap skills for early rhythm and sound development
2+ structured syllabus guides offering progressive, classroom-friendly structure
1+ hour of expert-led tutorials with front/back views, corrections & tips
Tap vocabulary breakdowns and coordination drills to reinforce sound precision

Build Tap Technique, Coordination & Musical Confidence

This course helps dancers connect sound to movement while developing balance and articulation. Must-know skills include:
Shuffle Step – Teaches rhythm patterns and directional control
Cramp Rolls – Builds layered sounds and weight transfer
Buffalo – Combines rhythm with traveling movement
Irish Crossing Front & Back – Strengthens agility and timing
Maxie Ford – Introduces compound steps with coordination and musicality

…plus 30+ additional tap skills, drills, and breakdowns for a complete foundation!

Effective Teaching Strategies for Tap Instructors

With visual demonstrations, student demonstrators, and expert correction cues, this series gives educators the tools to teach clean, confident tap technique—without the noise and chaos. Everything is presented in easy-to-follow breakdowns so you can guide dancers with confidence.

Train with a Leading Dance Education Specialists

World-class instruction meets classroom-ready structure in this tap series led by Curtis Holland and Alyssa Fernandez—powered by Kimberly Beck Thomson’s progression-based DTCE curriculum.

Curtis Holland (Levels 1–3), Broadway performer and SYTYCD standout, brings his elite training and stage-tested timing to beginner and intermediate tap levels. With mentors like Savion Glover, Curtis helps dancers master clarity, rhythm, and musical phrasing—all while keeping class energy high and results-focused.

Alyssa Fernandez (Levels 4–5), a seasoned competitor and national commercial talent, delivers advanced tap technique with style and precision. Her sharp combos, performance quality, and educational approach give dancers the tools they need to take their tap to the next level.

Together—with DTCE’s structured syllabus and proven training system—Curtis and Alyssa help teachers confidently lead tap classes that are fun, progressive, and packed with real results.

Start DTCE’s Tap: Level 1 and Give Your Dancers the Sound, Structure & Confidence They Need to Shine!

Syllabus

Tap: Level 1 Syllabus Description

Dance Teachers: Lay the Groundwork for Strong, Musical Tappers

DTCE’s Tap: Level 1 is your go-to syllabus for teaching foundational tap with clarity, control, and confidence. Whether you're working with first-time tappers or adult beginners, this course introduces rhythm-based movement in a way that’s progressive, fun, and results-driven—so your dancers develop precision and musicality from their very first shuffle.

This level focuses on clear weight shifts, sound clarity, and controlled coordination to help dancers build the fundamentals of tap technique. With 39+ foundational tap skills, 2+ structured syllabus guides, and 1+ hours of expert instruction, this done-for-you program gives teachers the blueprint to introduce beginner tap drills, footwork breakdowns, and dynamic rhythm patterns without the overwhelm.

You’ll learn how to correct common mistakes, reinforce timing, and polish technique with the help of student demonstrators, multiple camera angles, and teacher tips that walk you through what to do, what not to do, and how to adjust instruction in real time. With clear demonstrations for both right and left sides, you'll deliver balanced training that sticks—helping your dancers find the rhythm and stay in it.

Key Features of DTCE’s Tap: Level 1

39+ Beginner Skills, 2+ Syllabus, 1+ Hour of Tutorials
✔ Multi-Angle Demonstrations with Real-Time Teacher Tips
✔ Structured Drills to Build Sound Clarity & Rhythm Control
✔ Perfect for Establishing a Strong Tap Foundation in New Dancers

What Your Dancers Will Build at This Level

From mastering the Toe, Ball, and Heel to learning vocabulary like Drawbacks, Buffalos, Irishes, and Maxi Fords, this course ensures dancers gain rhythmic confidence and control. With cramp rolls, digs, slaps, chugs, and timing exercises layered throughout, students strengthen their ability to follow patterns, stay in sync, and create percussive movement with clarity and style.

Why DTCE’s Matching Syllabus is Essential for Success

DTCE’s tutorial videos + matching syllabus are designed to work hand in hand, providing teachers with a clear, structured progression that eliminates guesswork. Unlike traditional written notes, this syllabus isn’t just a reference—it’s a step-by-step roadmap that ensures teachers know exactly when and how to introduce each movement. This keeps students on track while building skills in a logical, progressive order. With this done-for-you structure, educators can focus on hands-on corrections and technique refinement instead of lesson planning. A strong syllabus ensures structured training and prevents technique gaps. With this progression-based system, dancers develop skills in the correct order, never skipping essential steps or jumping ahead too soon. This approach eliminates common mistakes and reinforces proper technique at every level.

How Our Syllabus Works

Terminology-Based Reference – A structured list of skills and drills for each level
Matches Tutorial Videos – Watch the videos for breakdowns and demonstrations
Clear Skill Progressions – Guides teachers in the proper sequencing of movement development
Saves Time on Lesson Planning – No need to create content from scratch

Who Is It For?
Perfect for dance teachers, studio owners, private studios, school programs, and competitive teams, this done-for-you, comprehensive syllabus provides educators with a structured tool to guide students effectively while making lesson planning more efficient.

The DTCE Advantage

With 95+ teacher training courses, 4,000+ tutorial videos, and 900+ syllabus, Dance: The Cutting Edge (DTCE) is the ultimate resource for dance educators looking to simplify lesson planning and enhance student progress.

Must-Have Pairings to Amplify Your Tap Curriculum - Shop Now!
Choreo Series – 16+ routines & 5.5+ hours of tap, ballet, jazz, and hip hop choreography from master instructors
Preschool Series – 160+ skills & 3+ hours of tutorials including beginner Primary Tap, Pre-Ballet, and Tumbling for early-level training
Warm-Up Series – 170+ exercises & 4+ hours of tap-specific warm-ups that build control, endurance, and rhythm consistency

Set the Tap Tone Early—Add DTCE’s Tap: Level 1 to Your Studio Today!

This course lays the rhythmic foundation your dancers need to succeed, giving you a stress-free system that turns sound into skill—one tap at a time.

Give your students more than just tap steps—give them rhythm that lasts a lifetime!