How long should a tap class be?

Published on Arpril 8th 2021 by Hillary-Marie

This is an interesting question that pops up pretty regularly from time to time. 

HOW LONG SHOULD A TAP CLASS BE?

There are so many factors to take into consideration when deciding how long a tap class should be. Age and level play an important factor in determining the best class length, but also what’s specifically being covered in the class. 

IN-STUDIO CLASSES

At my studio, Grooves Unlimited Dance Studio, our ages 5-6 combo classes are 45-minutes, and 20-minutes of that time is dedicated specifically to tap dance. 

When they’re age 7, they’re doing a full 45-minute tap class. 

When they’re age 10, they do 45-minutes of Body Percussion, followed by 45-minutes of Tap Improvisation followed by 45-minutes of Tap Technique, and are possibly participating in a weekly 60 minute pre-professional choreography rehearsal, and an additional 60-minute Technique class.

When they’re 13, they do 45-minutes of Body Percussion, followed by 45-minutes of Tap Improvisation, followed by 60 minutes of Tap Technique, and are possibly participating in a 2-hour pre-professional choreography rehearsal, and an additional 60-minute Technique class.

Adult tap classes are 60-minutes in length. 

When we have guest artists for master classes, I offer an intermediate level class for ages 10 through adult that runs 60-minutes, and an advanced level class for ages 10 through adult that runs 2-hours. 

ONLINE CLASSES

My iTapOnline™ Zoom classes (geared specifically towards adult tap dancers) are 45-60 minutes. We always hit the 45-minute mark, but from there, I read the room and decide how much longer to go. When we hit that 45-minute mark, we’re almost solid on what we’ve worked on that day, and I’m answering additional questions and running it a few more times to really settle into it and enjoy it. I really enjoy the flexibility that I have with Zoom classes to feel the flow of the class, and make the choice from there. 

When we were in quarantine and doing Zoom-only classes for the kids, we shortened those classes from 60 minutes to 45 minutes, or 45 minutes to 30 minutes. Even my 2-hour pre-professional company rehearsal was shortened to anywhere between 45 and 75 minutes. Adults thrive and do really well on Zoom, but kids have an entirely different level of focus when it comes to Zoom classes, and I find that it’s best to keep it on the shorter side when teaching children online .

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

How long are your tap classes? Do you feel like you have enough time to cover what you need with your students? Do you wish they could be longer or shorter? Share in the iTapOnline™ Community Facebook Group. 

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