Course Syllabus

DANC 1580 Tap Dance I

Course Description

This course will introduce the students to the basic steps, vocabulary and rhythms of Tap Dance. This course is repeatable for credit.

Justification

Tap Dance is an original American dance form and is the style of dance often used in Musical Theater productions. Tap teaches poise, posture, rhythm, strength, musicality, and an awareness of the body. This course is a part of our Associate of Science core curriculum. It allows our students to transition smoothly into Tap II classes at other four-year USHE institutions.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate beginning-level Tap technique skills including but not limited to shuffle, ball change, time steps, and cramp roll.
2. Upon completion of this course, students will develop their critical thinking skills as they apply to observation, execution and evaluation of a dance performance.

Course Content

Each class will have three essential components: warm-up, Tap exercises at the barre/center, and a cooldown. Tap exercises emphasize proper alignment, flexibility, core work, footwork, syncopated rhythms, balance, and musicality. In addition to the above, basic anatomy and physiology will be discussed to analyze movement and develop solutions to balance and other dance issues. Finally, through a written critique of the Snow College Dance Concerts students will further refine their critical thinking skills and develop a further appreciation of the art of dance. A wide focus on multiple genres and cultural contributions will allow students of all backgrounds to participate meaningfully in the class. As an entry level class, students from any cultural background, talent level or degree of familiarity will be welcomed into an environment of cultivated belonging.