Our values

In the UK, we hear tap dance defined in lots of different ways. Do you do rhythm tap or broadway style? What about street tap? Do you improvise or do choreography? Relaxed technique or articulated technique? Are you a classical tap dancer or are you a hoofer?

So here’s what we say:

Tap Dance is Tap Dance.

You can do it in a theatre, in a jazz club or on the street. You can create choreography or find your voice with improvisation. And you can move in whatever way feels authentic to you in order to say what you have to say.

However, there are some guiding principles that we follow. Because, there is some great tap out there and there is some significantly less good tap!

1. The joy of tap dance is the sound. Music comes first and our movement is determined by the music we create when we dance. We have metal on our shoes for a reason!

2. Respect tradition. Whether you want to embrace tradition or break with it, know your history and respect it. We are all learning, experimenting and trying to find our voice. Intention is everything.

3. There are a lot of approaches to technique. We follow the advice of some of the best dancers in the world and focus on relaxation and weight shifts.

4. Tap dance can be improvised or choreographed. A good dancer can do both.

5. Tap dance is about community and our community is global. Take the opportunity to be part of the community, learn from people who are directly connected to history and share what you know.