Rhythm & Tap: Level 2

Studies have shown that Tap can help students academically, particularly in English, Mathematics, and concentration. “Rhythm & Tap Level 2” teaches 36 new steps like Riffs, Time-Steps, and Shirley Temples as exemplars of academic building blocks as they require a set amount of counts within a measure. For example, at this Level, dancers learn the 2 count and 3 count Riffs. In later Levels, Riffs are built upon and can become 5 counts, 7 counts, and even a Shirley Temple that takes up all 8 counts. This counting helps the dancer to stay on track not only with the music, but with their feet. If they are off a count, they will start to learn to self-correct by reviewing the elements of each movement pattern. Tap trains all dancers to multi-task through routines that involve movement of the feet and hands, music and rhythm recognition, and performance qualities done all at the same time. Balance, control, and tempo are stressed at this level; although the speed of the music may change multiple times, tap sounds must always be crisp and clear and never blurred or off-beat. Turning is introduced at this level, among the basics being a Buffalo Turn.

Instructing in the video is someone you may recognize from So You Think You Can Dance Season 10: Curtis Holland. Trained under professionals such as Savion Glover, Curtis is currently performing up a storm across the United States, from Oregon to New York City, where he has performed on Broadway in Mean Girls and Shuffle Along.