Tap is one of the dance forms that has long been on my bucket list to tackle. I got off to a good start last year, taking a couple of introductory workshops and practicing at home. But finding the time for class and distance from the local dance studios have made it challenging for me to keep it up.
What I need are sets of exercises that I can work on to improve my tap vocabulary and technique, that I can do any my own pace on my own time. Enter iTapOnline, a web service from award-winning hoofer Hillary-Marie from New York. Hillary-Marie has put together a wealth of video-based tap tutorials, from absolute beginner to advanced levels. Each instructional video has clear instruction and focuses on Hillary-Marie's feet, so you can easily follow along.
Here's an example of an exercise / step that Hillary-Marie demonstrates.
Hillary-Marie also teaches historical routines like the Shim Sham and the BS Chorus.
Becoming a member of iTapOnline not only gets you access to a bunch more amazing instructional videos, you also can participate in a private Facebook community where you can ask questions and get support from Hillary-Marie and others. Membership includes video submissions and live coaching from Hillary-Marie as well.
This service isn't a replacement for direct instruction from a skilled teacher, practicing in a group setting with other students, or going to a tap jam and throwing down. But the iTapOnline approach might work for a certain kind of learner who doesn't do well in class studio settings. I don't know if I'm that kind of learner, but I'm looking forward to finding out.
Head to iTapOnline to find out more and sign up!
[Full Disclosure: I was given access to the membership services on the iTapOnline website, but otherwise was not compensated for this post.]