DANCE 250Tap Dance

1 credit · Dance · Penn State

An exploration of tap dance technique throughout history. DANCE 250 Tap Dance (1.5 per semester/maximum of 6) (GA)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. DANCE 250 is an exploration of Tap Dance. The course is designed for any student with an interest in Tap Dance and to support the Dance Studies Minor. This class explores the many styles and genres of Tap Dance developed through American history. Emphasis is placed upon the understanding of the origins of tap, exploration, and self-expression. Tap Dance is grounded in rhythm, exploration and importance of improvisation and origins with a focus on the entertainment component. DANCE 250 will introduce the dancer to different styles of tap, which will require a changing perspective of rhythm and expression. In each style, daily movement experiences will be introduced to build coordination, stamina and flexibility with rhythms, as well as the understanding of the particular historical aspect of Tap Dance. These experiences will take place in the center floor, across the floor accumulations, and culminate in a combination of all these experiences in a dance to develop their potential as a performer.The origins and influences of tap are rich and deep, imbedded in the history of the country and the people. The richness of this history allows the dancer to take on a personal and individual style important to the further development of tap and dance in general. Tap Dance will emphasize this importance and assist the student in their exploration of this dance form.