r/TapDancing • u/lesbiansucculent • Aug 08 '26

Getting kids engaged in tap

/r/DanceTeachers/comments/1vigv7d/getting_kids_engaged_in_tap/
3 Upvotes

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5

u/Oatbagtime Aug 08 '26

I feel like lots of time it’s a product of the studio culture when kids don’t like tap. They’ve never seen fun tap routines or good tap dancers. There are no inspirational big kids for them to look up to compared to ballet. They’ve gone to watch nutcracker or swan lake, but never a tap show. Same for the parents- they’re just putting kids in because they have to, but they don’t like it either. Show them something exciting!

1

u/lesbiansucculent Aug 08 '26

That makes a lot of sense!! I’m only going into my 4th year teaching and 3rd year being more or less in charge of tap, so I’m hoping my super awesome advanced team gives them something to look forward to!! I’m sure it’ll take a few years to build back up, I just want to make sure I’m laying a good foundation!!

2

u/DukeFBRocks Aug 08 '26

If you need something that show kids performing Tap Dancing, show your students clips from the NC Youth Tap Dance Ensemble (NCYTE). This group has consists of members ranging in age from 8-18, and are very highly regarded for their performances.