Tap
Rhythm, sound, and joy in tap for ages 3 through teen.
What Is It?
Tap is dance you can hear. By turning the feet into a percussion instrument, tap builds rhythm, timing, coordination, and a joyful ear for music that benefits every other style a dancer studies. It's also incredibly fun — there's nothing quite like the sound of a room full of dancers hitting a clean rhythm together.
Tap at Productions is for curious beginners through advancing dancers, ages roughly 3 through the teen years and beyond. Our youngest tappers get their start in preschool and primary combo classes, then dancers move into dedicated leveled tap as they grow. With a structured pathway and warm, encouraging teachers, tap helps kids develop precision and musicality while performing in our shows. No experience needed to make some noise.
Levels & Progression
Tap at Productions follows a clear, leveled pathway so dancers build clean sound and technique step by step:
- Preschool & Primary Combos Tap is introduced in our early combo classes for ages ~3–6.
- Tap Foundations The beginning tap class and prerequisite for leveled tap.
- Tap 2 Building speed, clarity, and new steps.
- Tap 3 Advanced rhythms, combinations, and musicality.
- Summer Tap Workshops Seasonal intensives to sharpen skills between sessions.
Instructors
Katlin Zimmer
Owner & Creative Director
Kasey Cheslow
Faculty, Musical Theater & Dance
Adri Polyak
Guest Instructor
What to Wear
- Hair: Long hair secured back in a ponytail, half-ponytail, bun, or braid.
- Attire: Comfortable clothes you can move in — no long dresses, and keep ankles visible so teachers can see the feet.
- Shoes: Tap shoes — any style is welcome!
- Jewelry: Small stud earrings only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will tap dancers perform?
Yes! Like all our classes, tap feeds into the Winter Holiday Show and Spring Production, giving dancers a real stage to show off their rhythm.
How does the tap program progress?
Dancers move from Tap Foundations into Tap 2 and Tap 3 as they build rhythm, speed, and technique. Summer tap workshops offer extra practice between sessions.
Does my child need experience?
Not at all. Tap Foundations is a true beginner class, and our combos give younger children a gentle, playful first taste of tap.
What kind of tap shoes does my dancer need?
Any style of tap shoe is welcome. Just make sure hair is secured and ankles are visible so instructors can watch the footwork.
What age can my child start tap?
Tap is introduced in our preschool and primary combo classes starting around age 3. Dedicated tap classes, beginning with Tap Foundations, are geared toward dancers ages 7 and up.
Find your fit
Emeralds Performance Company
Curious whether this fits your dancer? Emeralds' audition path includes Tap Troupe, with free make-up auditions through early September, before the season starts September 14.